OConnor 2575 Ultimate fluid head chosen to support TNT’s hit series Leverage
OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, announces that cinematographer Dave Connell has again chosen the 2575 Ultimate fluid head to support TNT’s hit series Leverage.
Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton from Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment, is a caper series tabbed a combination of The Rockford Files and Mission Impossible with a little It Takes a Thief in the mix. This fast-paced one-hour action/adventure drama centers around a group of con artist/thieves/grifters who have crossed over to using their skills to help the underdog. The action features a variety of camera tricks from what the team calls “Ninja Zooms” and “Bullet Time Shots” to more conventional action coverage.
“The backbone of our support is OConnor’s Ultimate Fluid Head,” says cinematographer Dave Connell. “It’s simply the best solution for the challenges we face. We shoot this series with the RED camera. It may be a modular system, however, that certainly doesn’t imply that it is lightweight. When fully accessorized and wearing an Optimo 24-290, a RED camera will weigh as much as any 35mm camera system, thus it deserves to be supported as one.”
Often the story calls for what the team has dubbed “Ninja Zooms”. They are extremely wide shots that zoom in to an extreme close up. The typical zoom is done in three segments, with an Optimo 24-290. The initial shot is composed and the total distance is measured from the first position and divided into three segments, utilizing two other zooms to get the desired effect. “The OConnor is rock-steady,” says Connell. “It gives us the ultimate control needed when doing these in-camera effects.
“I have always relied on OConnor for my support,” Connell adds. “The system is consistent, easy to use and stands up to the rigors of episodic television. The ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag gives me consistent control and stability. The counterbalance is accurate at any point in the tilt range. And, the pan and tilt fluid drag is ultra-smooth. When I’m using OConnor, I know I can challenge my camera to up the
anti in any action segment, without worrying about getting the take and moving on to keep up with a fast-paced production schedule.”
The new season of TNT’s Leverage is in production now and will begin airing in December 2010. Past season episodes, also shot on OConnor, are continuing to air on TNT.
For more information go to www.ocon.com, become a fan on Facebook or 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 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.
Along with five other leading brands in the broadcast industry, OConnor is part of Camera Dynamics Inc., which in turn is part of the Vitec Group of companies.
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.
Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless technology used by TV production teams and film crews.
More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.