‘IN LIMBO’ is our latest film and abstract attempt to encapsulate the current feeling of a city that is being struck by a pandemic. In collaboration with Bethan Kellough - who provided the haunting soundtrack and unique wind recordings - we tried to create a moody piece that could capture a post-apocalyptic feeling.
Over the course of a few months we filmed both high altitude Shotover Infrared footage (an Ekachrome IR inspired look) with Gotham Films helicopter, as well as ALTA 8 drone shots outside of Manhattan and MoVI CARBON car-mounted footage around the city.
The main experiment for this piece was trying to push the vertigo effect further. On the Shotover F1 we were flying Gotham’s Angenieux HR 25-250, while Freefly’s MoVI CARBON features a 40-240mm equivalent lens; both gimbals offering 5 axis of stabilization (6 axis in the F1) and plenty of focal range for a long dolly-zoom.
Using the MoVI CARBON for the first time was a game changer. We have been using the MoVI PRO (a 3 axis gimbal) since its release on pretty much every job. At the same time, all NYC aerial jobs have moved to full size helicopters, using either Shotover F1 or K1. While MoVI PRO is a super versatile tool, the stability of a Shotover 6 axis head is absolutely mind blowing. The CARBON is the first compact gimbal - in the same form factor than MoVI PRO - that offers 5 axis stabilization. On both our ALTA 8 and our Cloud Mount vibration isolator the CARBON excels and is able to provide near flawless stabilization in even long lens situations that would have been unthinkable to capture with a MoVI PRO.
The big drawback at the moment is the limitation of camera and lenses (CARBON features a GH5s and Fujinon Cabrio 20-120). Once this is overcome and 5x Axis Gimbal in this size and weight category can carry cinema cameras like a Alexa Mini LF or RED Monstro) with mid-sized cine lens, we have reached the next new major pinnacle in the gimbal world.
As always feel free to reach out with any questions.
Stay safe and healthy out there!
Cheers,
Tim
CREDITS
A Film by Tim Sessler
Music and Sound Recordings by Bethan Kellough - bethankellough.com/
Drone Pilot: Adam Koontz
Drone and Camera Car: Brooklyn Aerials, shot with Movi Carbon and ALTA 8
Camera Car Driver: Sam Hicks
1st AC Camera Car: Filipp Penson
Helicopter: Gotham Films, shot with Shotover F1
Shotover Tech: Mike Isler
Helicopter Tech: Jose Montanez
Helicopter Pilot: Steve Masi
Digital Paint Supervisor: Manikandan Sathyabalan
Digital Artists : Anshu Kumari, Sonia Mishra, Mishra Harsh S, Gulshan Kr Pathak
Special thanks to J.P Damboragian, Michael Marantz, Paul Trillo, Tabb Firchau, Freefly Systems, Gotham Films and Autumn Kay Brookmire for all the support!!