OConnor is on the set of “Trade of Innocents”
Philip Hurn on the set of Trade of Innocents
OConnor Supports “Trade of Innocents” Cinematographer Philip Hurn
Sept 16, 2011 – Camera support innovator OConnor (a Vitec Group brand) announces that Los Angeles-based cinematographer Philip Hurn chose the OConnor 2575 fluid head for the independent feature, “Trade of Innocents”, directed by Christopher Bessette. “The feature was shot entirely on location,” he says. “I knew that it was going to be intense. Upon arriving in Thailand, I was relieved to find that the OConnor 2575 was not only available, but it was the camera support of choice for our local crews. I knew that it was going to be intense, and having the OConnor to support the often-difficult shots was a must.
“Part of our visual approach for this present-day story of the dangerous human trafficking world, a story of struggle, life, hope and redemption, was to have lyrical camera moves,” explains Hurn. “We carried two complete RED camera packages, a set of Cooke S4s and the 24-290 and 17-80mm Angenieux Optimo zooms. We also had a Hothead crane, Fisher dolly and camera stabilizer. But the mainstay go-to support for both A and B camera was the OConnor 2575 fluid heads.
“The continuously variable counterbalance enabled us to balance those large zooms perfectly, allowing my operators Richie Moore and Somsak Srisawat to create cinematic magic. I love the fact that the head can point the camera straight down. This allowed us to achieve extreme down angle shots while keeping the camera perfectly balanced.
“In particular, we had a crane move on the GF-8 where the director wanted to look down on the actors walking in an alleyway in Shanty Town. Because of the OConnor, the shot was executed perfectly on the first take.
“Shooting in Bangkok and the surrounding countryside during the hottest and most humid time of year was particularly difficult,” adds Hurn. “We typically shot with as long a lens as possible to heighten the heat waves coming off the ground. The continuously adjustable drag controls on the OConnor enabled us to shoot these 300mm telephoto shots with ease. It performed flawlessly every time.”
The OConnor 2575 is the flagship of the brand’s Ultimate range of fluid heads and offers OConnor’s stepless, ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag specifically designed to allow ultimate control and stability for film-style shooting. It features OConnor’s patented sinusoidal counterbalance system for true, accurate balance at any point in the tilt range. Add to this OConnor’s stepless, ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag, and you’ve got the best of possible combinations.
“Trade of Innocents” starring Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino, produced by Dean River Productions and directed by Christopher Bassette was shot completely on location in Southeast Asia. The project is scheduled for release in the United States in early 2012.
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 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.