Anthony Hardwick with Rizzoli and Isles' crew
Hardwick Adds Second OConnor Head to “Rizzoli & Isles” Package
December 12, 2011 – OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, announces that “Rizzoli & Isles” Director of Photography Anthony Hardwick has purchased a second OConnor head for the hit TNT series that is currently airing. He’s added a new 2575D to his support package, because he says, “Season two has become more ambitious and we need to capture more action in the same time-frame set for a television shoot.”
For season two, production has chosen to shoot with a pair of Arri Alexa’s, a pair of Optimo 12:1 zooms, and a set of Arri Master Primes. “At the core of my camera support is both an OConnor 2575 and now a 2575D. Having come up through the camera department, I have done my share of operating on various television shows and movies over the years, and OConnor has always been my fluid head of choice. OConnor heads are the perfect tools to capture fast action long lens shots, as well as being all-around workhorses for shooting traditional studio style coverage.
“Season two has become a challenge,” he says. “The schedule hasn’t changed but our shows are becoming more ambitious, pumping up the action, as usually happens with a hit series. We’ve got bigger stunts and effects sequences and have brought in a third camera. I’m shocked to say that we managed to do over 100 setups on one particular day this season with three cameras!”
OConnor really comes through for Hardwick and crew. In the first season finale, he had to capture a full siege of the police precinct. “We did several 600mm to 1000mm shots simulating a sniper’s view as he scans rooftops and the street,” Hardwick explains. “The rock-solid support of the 2575 made those shots dynamic and steady at the same time, which is a lot to ask for at those extreme focal lengths.”
In this new season the camera team did an episode involving Salem and witchcraft. “One sequence involved a 150’ track run for a dolly shot, walk and talk, in a graveyard,” he says. “Our trusty 2575 made the shot easy to accomplish. Basically, whenever I’m shooting a project – OConnor is the first thing in my support package!”
For more information on OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, visit www.ocon.com, email [email protected], become a fan on Facebook, follow the company on Twitter; or contact OConnor, 2701 N. Ontario St, Burbank, CA 91504, Phone: 818-847-8666, Fax: 818-847-1205.
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About OConnor
Pioneering fluid head and tripod innovator OConnor, a Vitec Group brand has been the choice of top cinematographers since its invention nearly 60 years ago by Chad O’Connor of OConnor Engineering. Known for their hallmark smooth feel, consistent reliability, and cinematographer-friendly features, OConnor’s award-winning fluid heads offer maximum control and stability for film-style cinematography. Today’s support line includes the Ultimate range of fluid heads and Cine HD carbon-fiber tripods. With the 120EX OConnor introduced the flagship of its new series of EXTENDED CAPACITY fluid heads—the EX range. OConnor’s new 2575D fluid head continues the legacy of the industry standard – the Ultimate range of fluid heads for cine and digital cameras. The new camera accessory line will offer a range of camera tools for high-end cinematography applications.
A Snapshot of The Vitec Group
Vitec is an international Group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange with 2009 revenue of £315 million, Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely. Vitec is organised in three divisions: Imaging & Staging, Videocom and Services.
Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for photography, video and events.
Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production and MAG.