Press release from Hausmann
Sony’s AVCHD, XDCAM EX and XDCAM HD422 cameras continue to demonstrate their flexibility and reliability in extreme sports environments, with the latest Storm Surfers documentary recently shot in high definition using a mix of Sony’s HXR-MC1P, PMW-EX1, PMW-EX3 and PDW-700 cameras.
Storm Surfers – New Zealand is the sequel to the highly successful Storm Surfers – Dangerous Banks, which won Best HD Program at the 2009 Asian Television Awards. In this new film, big wave surfing legends Ross Clarke-Jones and two-time world champion Tom Carroll hunt the waves off the South Island of New Zealand. Filmed in stunning high definition, Storm Surfers – New Zealand puts the viewer right on the board as Clarke-Jones and Carroll test the limits of physical endurance and master their fear in pursuit of the ultimate ride.
“We continued to work with Sony cameras on Storm Surfers – New Zealand because they delivered action-packed shots in quality high definition, yet were compact enough to take with us to the various locations,” said producer Marcus Gillezeau. “The HXR-MC1P ‘bendy’ camera allowed us to film dynamic HD POV shots from jet skis, surfboards or in helicopters, without compromising the quality of the film. We also constructed underwater housings for the camera and shot footage of Ross and Tom from the surf.”
“The unique design of the HXR-MC1P separates the camera head from the control unit/recorder. This gives more flexibility to capture shots where increased mobility and dynamic angles are required beyond the capability of hand-held or shoulder-mounted camcorders – ideal for a shoot like Storm Surfers – New Zealand,” said Nick Buchner, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Content Creation at Sony Australia. “Plus, the EX family of XDCAM cameras expands solid-state production to new applications and new levels of quality. Improving on features, performance, production flexibility and ergonomics, allowed the team to push the boundaries of filming, with Tom and Ross reaching their physical limits.”
For the second film, the team continued to use the XDCAM EX PMW-EX1 camera that was utilised on Storm Surfers – Dangerous Banks, enclosing it in a custom-built underwater housing to show the ferocity of the sea. Carroll and Clarke-Jones used this camera during tow-in surfing, to bring the viewer inside the Southern Ocean’s massive swells.
The PMW-EX1, PMW-EX3 and PDW-700 were all used by the main unit during the entire production. As the main camera, the PDW-700 allowed for extensive control over the depth of field and tonal gradation, particularly when shooting in high contrast environments, such as bright snow with dark mountains. The full HD performance of all these cameras enabled the Storm Surfers team to capture the best possible image quality in each difficult shooting situation, also ensuring ease of manipulation in post production.
The Storm Surfers team viewed daily footage in the field on a Sony LMD-940W HD LCD monitor, in order to check the material as it would appear on screen. This was the first Storm Surfers documentary shot entirely on a data based format rather than tape, which simplified the editing process.
For the sound recording requirements of the shoot, the crew made use of a Sony UWP-V1 radio microphone kit. The lightweight system allowed freedom of movement, performing well over significant distances with its on-camera diversity receiver. Sony UWP systems use AA batteries, which were easily obtainable in small towns near the remote shooting locations.
Storm Surfers – New Zealand will premiere on the Discovery Channel in July 2010. Exclusive online content can be previewed on www.stormsurfers.tv.