Projects
ON THIN ICE
The PDW-700 stood up to the challenging conditions
when filming TwoFour’s documentary series On Thin Ice
A hardwearing camera capable of
capturing crisp images, such as the PDW-700, was Being a high definition commission, another priority
required when filming On Thin Ice, a five-part was to use a camera that matched up to the standards
documentary series for BBC2 following James required by the BBC. But alongside the PDW-700
Cracknell, Ed Coates and Ben Fogle on a gruelling 56 footage, a Z7E was used as a second camera and A1E
day race to the South Pole. cameras were used to film video diaries. “There wasn’t
TwoFour Productions followed the three in their much of a problem mixing the XDCAM HD format with
preparation and training in the UK and in the icy other footage and the HDV footage still looks great. It’s
conditions of Antarctica. Having worked on a lot of less noticeable than in the past when DVCAM and
adventure and expedition projects in the past, series DigiBeta footage was mixed,” says Girardet.
producer Alexis Girardet, was aware that there is always Another advantage the crew discovered when
a concern about what happens to tape when shooting shooting with the PDW-700 was the durable media
in very cold temperatures. “This is why we decided on that was used, and the ability to shoot for a long time
a non-tape based system. We looked at many cameras onto the 50GB discs. “When I shoot ob docs I like to let
but the PDW-700 we hired from VMI seemed like it things run a little bit. On such a series you’re waiting to
would work best in the conditions. The whole time we capture that moment. Not setting it up but observing it.
were in Antarctica it was kept cold and it was faultless,” Therefore I like the ability and flexibility this media offers
says Girardet. and not having to change tape frequently,” says Girardet.
Spring 2009 theproducer 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36