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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

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Chris McKechnie

Chris McKechnie

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Location
Dallas, TX
Website
digitalcinemaguy.com

Had the opportunity to be a part of a cool little short film for the iOS app, Strava. I was the MoVI tech on the LA shoot as it was shot in several locations around the world. Shot on Dragon and MX along with Zeiss Superspeeds in a variety of frame sizes and rates. Shoot was a couple of long days out in Coachella and up in the San Bernardino Mountains. Full CHP escorts were involved too, since we had to shut the road down. This stunt guy had a custom motorcycle rig that fit 3 people right alongside (camera op, director and still photographer) so that's how the shots alongside the bicyclists were captured. DP was from Europe...liked to shoot a lot of handheld. He used an Easy Rig with Serene Arm to save his arms/back. They were going around 30-50 mph, so slow motion helped to smooth things out. DP also went hand-held on the motorcycle as well, which is why some shots are more unstable than others. Director pulled focus...yup...you read that right. He even shot some too. Was very hands on.

I think the piece turned out well. Hope you guys enjoy.

Link for iOS users: https://vimeo.com/132027577

15 second versions:
 
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Chris, that does look exceptionally good. Sending you a PM.
 
Nick Morrison said:
Nice job Chris!! How'd you like Dragon? How was easy rig +flowcine vs MoVi? How was it playing with Supers?!
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Nick Morrison said:
Nice job Chris!! How'd you like Dragon? How was easy rig +flowcine vs MoVi? How was it playing with Supers?!
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Thanks man. I do like Dragon, though my heart loves my MX even more. It's been so rock solid for me and I've been busy enough with MX that there hasn't been a need for me to upgrade. I can rent dragon when someone wants it. Cheaper that way. :-)

In terms of the easy rig, we hooked the MoVI to it...using the Serene Extension Arm. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of this setup for gimbals. I much prefer the exo skeletons being offered by various companies. For handheld, it works very well, taking the load off, but there is a HUGE difference between using the MoVI and using just the EasyRig/Serene. The cool thing about the MoVI with it's latest firmware, is that you can have it be more "handheld-esque" if you want that particular look, without having to remove the camera from the gimbal. On set, time is everything, and being able to use your iPhone to control the settings (they now have a small little module that I bought in order to use your iPhone) is amazing!

Supers were fine, though their weights are spread way across the board, so you not only have to balance fore/aft, but also all the other axis in order for proper/perfect balance, which again, takes time. This was a very run-n-gun shoot, no lighting/modifiers, nothing! Also, with beefier/heavier lenses, you need to slide the Epic WAY father back on the sled. There's only so much wiggle room in the back to clear the video feed and power cables. Too far back, and you lose the ability to tilt. So it was right at the threshold in terms of the fore/aft balance. We taped ND's to the lenses instead of even a simple matte box because it became way too front heavy.
 
Looks great! Nicely done. I'm jealous. I use Strava and have ridden many of the roads featured in PS. Must have been fun to shoot!
 
Hal Long said:
Looks great! Nicely done. I'm jealous. I use Strava and have ridden many of the roads featured in PS. Must have been fun to shoot!
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I know right...I don't even own a bike, but it makes me want to. haha

It's crazy how riders come together to do what they love. It's much like redusers and this forum. People from all walks of life, bringing talents and experience together to share with and help one another.
 
Chris - I have been an avid cyclist for 30 years and you nailed it. Makes we want to run out the door and ride!

:thumbup:
 
Joe D'Arcy said:
Really enjoyed this film Chris.
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Thanks Joe

Adriaan Kirchner said:
Love it! Love the approach you took. If you never need to rent a dragon...or 2 on the cheap, let me know :thumbup:
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Glad you enjoyed it Adriaan. Will keep you posted if I need a dragon :-)

Terry VerHaar said:
Chris - I have been an avid cyclist for 30 years and you nailed it. Makes we want to run out the door and ride!

:thumbup:
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Thanks Terry. Glad it gets you inspired. It was def'n a fun project to be a part of!
 
love the idea so simple and straight to the point!!!
 
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