Tyler Camera Workshop
SOC Members Take to the Skies!
by Stan McClain, SOC
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The SOC held its first training session for
SOC assistants and operators interested in using aerial camera
equipment on September 20, 1997. The event was co-sponsored by
Tyler Camera Systems, and Helinet Aviation.
I contacted Nelson Tyler in August and asked
if he would be open to an in depth training workshop and an unprecedented
event resulted from his company’s efforts.
A group of twenty SOC members took advantage
of this first ever practical aerial cinematography workshop and
seminar. We met at Helinet, a well-respected aviation company,
based at Van Nuys Airport and converged on the flight line around
a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. I spent a half-hour sharing my
knowledge about helicopter safety, then turned the conversation
to the professional relationships that occur between the assistant,
operator, and pilot.
We moved into the hangar where George Tarub,
the rental manager of Tyler Camera, had placed two Tyler Major
Mounts unassembled in front of a Long Ranger and a Jet Ranger.
He spoke for over an hour and demonstrated how to assemble a
mount from the bottom up, how to balance it and then the members
were invited to install the two Major Mounts, one with an Arri
III, the other with a Mitchell Mk II.
Leading aerial camera assistants Jacques Arnet,
Mark Leins, Kent Hughes, and Greg Collier (all SOC members) were
there to help guide the group through the procedures and spoke
about the duties and responsibilities that are unique to camera
assistants on an aerial unit.
Once the mounts were installed, I spoke about
techniques I use in my daily work and answered many well though
out questions. We concluded the SOC part of the workshop, then
rolled out the two helicopters to the flight line. Those who
wanted to experience the Tyler Mount in flight stayed for the
next phase.
Veteran movie pilot Dirk Vahle, and Helinet’s
main line pilot, Evan Jensen joined the group as we held a pre-flight
production meeting. Dirk’s mentor was the late David Jones, (recipient
of our Lifetime Achievement Award for Mobile Camera Platform
Operator). He added Dirk to his team on several major projects,
which included Airwolf, At Play in the Fields of the
Lord, Courage Under Fire, ConAir, and Jag to
name a few.
As I explained to these potential aerial camera
operators, There are two basic types of relationships between
aerial cameraman and pilots. In traditional filming, the dolly
grip or crane operator is subordinate to the camera department,
in that, the Director, DP and operator set the shots up and the
grip moves the mobile camera platform per the camera crew’s suggestion.
A seasoned movie pilot understands this and knows how to accommodate
the aerial operator or aerial DP. Sometimes the camera ship pilot
or, mobile platform camera operator, is also the aerial
unit director. In these cases, they take the responsibility to
set the shots up. The key to a successful aerial shoot is where
a strong aerial cinematographer and a veteran movie pilot collectively
apply their talents and bring together camera movement, composition,
and light quality. If one has too much of an ego, only frustration
results. Both Dirk and Evan work well with new comers and seasoned
veterans alike.
Dirk flew the Jet Ranger from the left seat
with the Mitchell Mk. II and a 5-1 zoom mounted in the left rear
doorway, while Evan flew a Long Ranger from the right side with
an Arri III and a 10-1 zoom mounted in the right rear doorway.
This way both operators could shoot air to air. In all six people
tried their hand at shooting.
I suggested to our operators, being their first
time behind the Tyler Mount that they listen to Dirk and Evan
and let them set the shots up. They placed their helicopters
in a shooting position and the operators executed the shots.
Upon reviewing the videotapes at the end of the in-flight training,
it was obvious that the pilots and operators were in sync. I
was impressed.
Here’s what some of those who attended had
to say:
A perfect spot away from the battling producer/
director. I was armed with a shot list, a talented hunk of
a pilot, the wind beneath my feet, and a loaded mag. What more
could an artiste ask for?! Check and double-check. Silent prayers
and then lift off. The earth moved as pilot Evan Jensen graced
the helicopter off the ground. Quite literally breathless,
we climbed high above the story ship for a practice run. I
learned to trust that the Tyler mount would take out the shakes
(mine and the flight's) and to ease the camera into position.
We banked right and I moved forward using my loose seatbelt
to measure exactly how far out of the helicopter I could go.
What a great vantagepoint! Quickly my fingertips rolled the
actor into focus and put up the correct millimeter. My aim
was sterling as visions beyond my expectations danced onto
celluloid. The pilot prepared me for any adjustments necessary
due to wind/ air pressure/ and any other low flying objects.
We danced as one across the sky. - I think I am falling in
love... Sorry, babe. All too quickly we eased our way back
across the Valley towards Helinet Aviation Services. Helpful
hands aided me out of my safety straps as I planted my feet
firmly onto the ground. The grin streaming across my face quickly
betrayed me, for I had left my heart climbing back up in the
sky. Junior Birdmen beware.
-- Georgia Packard, SOC
…It was a grand day for flying. A grand
day for learning. When you combine the artistry of cinematography
with the challenges of flight, you have a most exciting blend,
as there’s nothing quite so awe-inspiring as aircraft in flight.
The SOC Helicopter Seminar, with the help of Tyler Camera Systems
and Helinet Aviation, provided such a combination for one glorious
day… After extensive instruction, we finally were airborne
where we were able to try out what we learned on the ground.
It was so exhilarating that our twenty minutes of flight seems
like it was over in seconds. This was a wonderful seminar that
I will long remember and participate in again and again.
-- Lance Fisher, SOC
…Stan, I completely welcomed the substantial
and informative session you organized through the SOC Your
personal expertise and "tips" were especially helpful, not
only for those who have never used the system, but also for
those of us who haven't used a Tyler mount for several years.
This type of information sharing, unfortunately, is sometimes
rare in our industry. It demonstrates not only your complete
professionalism, but also illustrates the very basic foundation
of the SOC. Thanks Again.
-- Bob Moore, SOC
The training session was a blast. After
setting up and balancing a Tyler Major Mount, I was off into
the wild blue yonder for some practical experience. I’m still
exhilarated. Thanks to Nelson Tyler & Co., Stan McClain & the
SOC, and to my pilot Dirk Vahle.
-- Dan Auerbach, SOC
…I have to tell you, this marks my 35th year
in the business and I have never seen this area of opportunity
presented before. Aerial Photography and its equipment has
virtually been kept a secret art practiced only by a few Pros… The
workshop dealt with every safety issue involved with being
on an aerial unit, the theory of how aerial stabilization mounts
work, how to balance them, choose the right camera, the do’s
and don’ts of filtering; in all, four hours of extensive knowledge
was shared. …Six of us were able to execute the knowledge gained
by participating in actual flight. For the serious cameraman
that insists on knowing all equipment and being ready to handle
any aspect of cinematography at any time, this course is a
career value.
-- Ronald Vidor, SOC
The Society of CameraOperators is a fraternal
and educational society whose goal is to share our knowledge
with others through our workshops and training programs. We applaud
companies like Tyler Camera Systems and Helinet who understand
our fostering and nurturing ideals and join us in educating the
film and video community.
The SOC wishes to thank the following individuals
for making this an exceptional workshop: Dirk Vahle for donating
his time and sharing his wisdom; Rick Shuster, Gary Farrell,
and Evan Jensen of Helinet for donating their time and, for giving
our membership a discounted rate for their flight time; Nelson
Tyler, Chris Tyler, and George Tarub of Tyler Camera Systems
for supplying the mounts and sharing a wealth of information;
and Jack Arnet, SOC associate member, who aided me in coordinated
the workshop.
For those who would like to learn more about
aerial cinematography I suggest that you go online to www.aerialcinematography.com.
SOC associate members Mark Leins and Greg Collier have created
this excellent site which contains a wealth of information pertinent
to this field.
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