The "Wanaka World Heli Challenge 2011" invited a small handful of
camera operators to compete in a "SHOOTOUT" video event. As individual
cinematographers we had 10 days to shoot and edit a 5min clip about
whatever we felt told a good story. Our only boundaries were the
inclusion of event footage from the 2 heli access aspects of the event.
Freeride and Extreme days. Footage from the event cameras were supplied
and mixed into my angle from on the mountain.
The NZ winter is pumping with plenty of snow meaning there was no time
for daylight hour computer time. With deadline's looming I teamed up
with Post Production guru Andrew Bamford who spent the hours logging and
cutting when I couldn’t. Together we pieced together my vision in good
time ready for the awards dinner tonight...
Because I was a one man band on the mountain at all times I kept my
subject simple. I chose to follow good friend and fellow Kiwi, Roland
Morley-Brown, AKA 'RMB', who is sponsored by Billabong. The event
played out in the first 2 days of the 10 waiting period. 2 Days Heli
followed by 1 day pick up shots at Snow Park NZ on some features and
sunset 1/4 pipe session. A drive out the Matukituki Valley for some
scenics / time-lapses / dolly pans, and then a quick Wanaka SK8 park
sesh. The Surf aspect took us to the West Coast where legendary surfer
Occy put on a show in what could be described as good as the coast gets,
No wind and consistent 3 - 5ft feathered by light off shore winds.
The extra heli footage with the deer / mountain goat / sunset mountain
shots were all shot the day before the event using our new heli rig
based in Wanaka. The Cinestratus Giro Stabilised Heli Cam.
The Freeride Day showcases the acrobatic and aerial skills of the
athletes. They take what they've learnt in the resorts and apply it to
the backcountry, pushing the limits of what is possible in freestyle.
The Extreme Day has athletes riding big steep mountains and dropping
cliffs. The goal is to see how good a rider can "flash" it down the
course - riding hard, fast, in control and utilising the features of the
mountain to provide a "wow" factor unlike any other in the sport.
Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for an extended 10min edit in the coming weeks.
Credits:
Client:
Billabong.com and
helichallenge.com
Camera Op and Director: Chris Kirkham
nzgreen.tv
Post Production: Andrew Bamford
Additional Event footage: Cinestratus - R J Low, Rob Norman, Jeff Aldridge and Jason Hancox.
Equipment Used: Af102 with a selection of glass, EX1, Canon 60D,
Kessler Cine Slider with stepping motor, A nice tripod a bit of audio
gear, the trusty go pro and a bag of nicknacks......
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