I was showing my portfolio to someone the other day and he remarked about some aerial video footage we had used in a couple of tv spots for a local car dealer about a year and a half ago. His comment was “I thought these car dealers gave you pennies to work with.” I have to admit, the aerial footage was quite good, especially when viewed after editing and some tracking correction and smoothing. The interesting thing is that we had it done for a few hundred bucks.
After we realized that our budget wouldn’t accommodate a plane, helicopter or even hot air balloon shoot, we stumbled across a fellow who had a 30 pound remote controlled helicopter that he had rigged with a device, somewhat similar to a Steadicam. This Steadicam mount could hold either a still camera shooting 10 mega-pixel photos or a prosumer HD video camera.
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It was sheer genius in its simplicity. A remote monitor allowed us to see what the camera was shooting and within limitations we cold make calls to the guy operating the helicopter remote. We were very happy with the results, as was our client. Unfortunately, the auto industry is claiming many victims and out client is currently “seeking new opportunities”, but it was a shining moment for those of us whose jobs it is to make magic with little moolah.
If you want more details or want to know how we can do this for your business, call 415-336-6238 or jsgilbert@pacbell.net
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