IN FOCUS December 2011 Issue 116 Major Sponsorship for GTC 40th Anniversary Event

he GTC is pleased to THE Tannounce that Vitec Group PLC's Videocom AWARDS Division, whose brands WEEKEND include Vinten and Sachtler, will be prime RETURNS sponsors of the Zerb by Events Organiser John Tarby Awards 2012. fter ten years the GTC AAGM and Awards are Vitec's generous contribution once again united in an annual guarantees a superb occasion social weekend event. and enables the weekend to be the flagship event of the BACK TO OUR ROOTS GTC's 40th year celebrations. The GTC Awards returns to The event has combined the its origins. In May 1972 a on Friday 11 and Saturday Bring your own camera and GTC's social weekend and few cameramen gathered in 12 May, 2012. Austin Court is check out its performance the annual awards. a room in Central Television based around a distinguished and update your lighting skills Birmingham for the inaugural group of Georgian buildings, under the watchful eye of our Nadene Sayer, Vitec meeting of what was to grouped around a beautifully most respected tutors. become the Guild of Television landscaped courtyard. Videocom Head of Marketing The March edition of GTC Cameramen. In May 2012 Services commented: In Focus will contain full cameramen will be once It’s the 40th Anniversary of "Vitec Videocom is pleased details of this weekend again meeting in a room in the GTC and it is planned to to be associated with this and all the other events Birmingham - but this time to celebrate the occasion for the prestigious event in the associated with the 40th celebrate excellence, enjoy whole year - not just a single cameraman's year and look anniversary celebrations. comradeship, exchange day. However this weekend will forward to celebrating the In the meantime, up to knowledge and of course be the keynote event of the GTC’s 40th year with them" date information can be appreciate endurance. year and one not to be missed. obtained by looking at It is also hoped that further our website www.gtc.org. THE TIME THE PLACE The event team has sponsors will come on board uk or byncontacting the The weekend is being held at incorporated two masterclasses in the near future. GTC events organiser John the prestigious IET Austin Court from the GTC workshop Tarby. [email protected] in Brindley Place, Birmingham programme into the schedule.

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Telephone 01525 841999 Thear Technology Limited Facsimile 01525 841009 TTL House, Lidlington, Bedfordshire, MK43 0SF e-mail [email protected] www.ThearTechnology.co.uk GTC NEWS IN FOCUS RTS Lifetime A PUBLICATION OF THE GUILD OF TELEVISION CAMERAMEN Achievement Award EDITOR ADVERTISING GTC IN FOCUS MANAGER for GTC Member Roger Richards James French PRESS DATES The press dates for theMarch 2012 edition of GTC In Focus Briar Cottage 3 Alexander Avenue are: Martin Hawkins Holyhead Road Droitwich Spa Llanfairpwll Worcestershire Editorial Copy: February 15, 2012 Gwynedd, LL61 5YX WR9 8NH Advertising Copy: March 1, 2012 ARCHIVE Tel: 01248 713535 Tel: 01905 796910 Mailout: March 15, 2012 07831 615691 07855 743 845 [email protected] [email protected] A GTC Project John Hoare, GTC Vice Chairman, writes:

COUNCIL Readers may remember my resources to other interested THE GTC WELCOMES recent article in this magazine parties for research/publicity NOMINATIONS about GTC plans to set up etc. Those owning outright and/ NEW MEMBERS a digital archive of (mainly) or in possession of past GTC photographs and video magazines and newsletters*, 2012 is a GTC Election Year material relating to our Guild photographs and/or video Matthew Ford Gethin Roberts over the years. I am delighted (either in hard copy or data Freelance Camera Operator Trainee Cameraman Nominations are now being sought for all Council that Simon Curtis of Feature file) depicting Cameramen at London Llanrug, Gwynedd Positions for 2012 to 2014. A nomination form is Films (www.featurefilms.co.uk) work, or relating to past GTC Andrew Rodger enclosed with this magazine. Should you wish to has come up with ideas about activities, and who would be Richard Gooderick Senior TV Cameraman nominate a member for election, please remember what we could do, and perhaps willing for the GTC to hold a Freelance Film Maker Leigton Buzzard, Bucks to ask the person you are nominating if they are more importantly an offer to copy of this within the Digital Middlesex willing to stand and also that they realise the set up the archive. Archive are asked, in the first Emiel Spoelder commitments they will undertake. instance, to contact the Digital Stewart Hadfield Freelance Lighting Our next step is to find out Curator with quantities and Camera & Video Editor Cameraman Complete the form including your name and what is out there. So far, format to evaluate costs and Middlesex Netherlands membership number. Any member of the GTC although we have asked you practicality. may nominate another member. There is no limit to let us know what you have, response has been frankly Kate Harvest Shaun Wilton to the number of nominations a member may Simon Curtis, make. dismal. We know that there Digital Curator Freelance Camera Operator Shooting Partners GTC member DoP Martin Hawkins has been awarded the top is plenty of material, and [email protected] Greater Manchester Surrey award at this year's Royal Television Society Craft and Design Nominations may only be made by post to the when we raised the idea at a (or leave a message with Roger recent AGM there was huge Awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award. He collected the award Matt Hill GTC Admin Address and must be received by 12 Richards, our Administration support, but we need a bit on Monday 21 November at the Savoy Hotel in London, during a Student (Ravensbourne) noon on March 27, 2012. Officer) more than that if we are to ceremony hosted by Myleene Klass. Kent If more than 20 nominations are received an put in the necessary effort and * We have unearthed enough The RTS introduced the presentation with the following words: Election will be called and voting papers will be expenditure. copies of ‘Zerb’ from the year Chris Hollier “The recipient of this special award made his mark in the sent out, along with the AGM Agenda, in due 2000 on, and ‘GTC In Focus’ Freelance Lighting MEMBERSHIP th late 1980s, running across fields chasing a young woman in course. Next year is our 40 from issue 85, February 2004, Cameraman ADMINISTRATION ‘Challenge Anneka’. This is where he perfected his hand-held Anniversary, and a shiny new but for the earlier ones the Worcester Roger Richards camera technique as well as getting extremely fit. The GTC AGM will form part of the 40th archive would be a fitting situation is much more variable.

[email protected] Anniversary Awards Event on May 11, 2012. accompaniment, so please Some are missing completely, Nick McLachlan “Very soon he would make an even bigger impression on many support Simon. Here is his and in other cases we have Freelance Cameraman of the top comedy series of the last 20 years, such as ‘Drop If you wish to make more than one nomination request: one library copy but need Chertsey, Surrey Tel: 0300 111 4123 the Dead Donkey’, ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘Harry Enfield’, ‘Vicar photocopies of the form are acceptable, or please another because the best and of Dibley’, ‘Little Britain’, Peter Kay's ‘Live Shows’, ‘French and contact the administration office for further copies. ‘The Guild is looking to cheapest way to digitise the Saunders’, ‘Outnumbered’, ‘Armstrong and Miller’ and ‘The IT develop a digital media pages involves breaking up the Crowd’, to name but a few. database for existing and magazine. CONTENTS ongoing material relating “His sense of humour and infectious laughter, combined with 2 GTC News 6 SIZE Matters : A quest for the ideal compact camera 10 Workshop: The Salford Quays to the work of the Television his skill at lighting and capturing the story, have made him the Cameraman. This database first choice for many producers and directors. He is a joy to 12 BVE Goes North 14 Kit News 16 Polishing to Perfection: The technology behind the ideal lens cloth could be made available work with. Martin has gone on to work especially well with to GTC members where writers/performers/directors such as Richard Ayoade on Garth 20 Review: The ideal crew transport? The VW Transporter 23 The Golden Age of Television 24 Insurance Matters appropriate and, subject to Marenghi's ‘Darkplace’, and more recently with Ricky Gervais copyright, could also provide and Stephen Merchant on ‘Extras’ and ‘Life's Too Short’.”

2 3 9827 BVE12 In Focus 210x297:Layout 2 12/2/11 3:16 PM Page 1

GTC member Michael Brennan wins award at New Printer Meets Golden Eye Festival

Cameramen Michael Brennan has won in the ‘Best Risk Shot’ ZERB Deadline category at the Golden Eye 2011 International Festival of Movie and TV Cameramen, held in Batumi, Georgia by Zerb Managing Editor Alison Chapman

t the beginning of July inevitable part of the process actually witnessed this before he award was made for an this year we received while everyone gets used to despite being involved with Tincredible low-angle slow- A motion shot of a large building the totally unexpected and each others’ way of working a scary 36 issues of Zerb). I imploding. This shot was captured rather sad news that Nuffield through this rather ‘black art’. was also shown some of the at 500 frames per second using Press of Abingdon (a 90- lithographic plates being a camera built into a bomb-proof year old firm), who had been As far as we can tell, the prepared. case. Although the case was the printers for Zerb for the distribution also seems to have made of laminated steel with an previous five years, had gone been very efficient although The next issue (Spring 2012) internal frame and ten millimetre into administration. With there have been a couple of will be with Information Press polycarbonate front cover, even just a couple of weeks to go reports of copies not reaching at the end of January in time the strongest of boxes would have before the scheduled print their (mainly overseas) to be ready for BVE 2012 at been crushed if the thousands of deadline for the Autumn issue, destinations. Please do always Earls Court. tons of rubble were to fall onto it. the pressure was on to find a let us know if you don’t receive The solution was to pull the camera replacement printer who could your copy since unless we hear out of harm’s way after it had not only handle the printing but anything we tend to assume the captured the shot but before it also our mailing and storage mailing system is working well. could be damaged or buried under requirements at very short rubble. Mike organised a track, notice. Information Press is a small made of scaffolding tubes and independent printer just outside purpose-built cross bars, secured The result of a hurried trawl Oxford at Eynsham. Their to the ground with twelve inch of a range of different print symbol, an owl, was chosen spikes. The dolly was powered by BVE – THE ESSENTIAL EXHIBITION FOR options was that the contract because it is ‘intelligent, fast, bungy cords, like a huge bow and was awarded to Information accurate with excellent vision arrow, triggered by two separate BROADCAST, VIDEO AND AUDIO Press of Eynsham who have and widely loved’. Since this explosive charges attached to a tether. The dolly and payload proved to be very efficient, is quite local for weighed 120 kilogrammes and ran helpful and cost-effective. PROFESSIONALS me, I was pleased at 32 miles per hour for 150 feet. Despite the last-minute nature to be able to go of the whole operation, and watch Zerb Mike Brennan comments: “The From audio and video production to delivery workflow, BVE is the UK’s remarkably, the magazine going through on shot was in the back of my mind largest event for everyone working in production, post and content delivery. actually came out ahead of the press (their after I had successfully captured Broadcast Video Expo offers a unique opportunity for you to: schedule. There were a couple biggest eight- numerous implosions with cameras of small teething problems but, colour Heidelberg in innovative angles inside and on ■ Be the first to see 100s of inspirational new products and launches from 300 exhibitors having been involved in several 1028p B1 press) top of buildings - and I still have 14-16 FEBRUARY 2012 changes of printer now, this – quite a thrill a few tricks up my sleeve for more ■ Attend hundreds of unmissable seminars across the show unfortunately seems to be a as I have never interesting angles." ■ Learn about the very latest technical innovations LINKED BATTERY CHARGING - AN INDUSTRY FIRST! ■ Network with over 15,000 broadcast industry professionals from 58 countries

Exhibitors already confirmed include: Ross Video ■ DK Technologies ■ Dalet SA ■ Newtek Europe ■ HHB/Source Distrbution ■ Guntermann & NEW Drunck ■ Lawo AG ■ Panasonic ■ Primera Europe ■ Telex ■ Xform Systems ■ Nikon ■ Ardis Technologies ■ Axon Digital Design ■ Cooke Optics ■ Clear-Com ■ Glidecam Industries ■ Interra Systems ■ Telestream ■ Sony Broadcast ■ Volicon ■ Avid ■ Roland ■ Neutrik ■ Snell ■ Canon Broadcast HIGH-POWER LINKING BATTERIES ■ JVC Professional Europe ■ Blackmagic Design ■ ARRI ■ Grass Valley ■ Fuji Film ■ Evertz Microsystems ■ VizRT ■ root6 ■ Harris ■ Dolby ■ EVS.... PAGlink PL16 Charger view the full exhibitor list on the website • Two-position, Intelligent Parallel Charger (&100W camera power supply), which simultaneously and automatically fully charges as many as 16 ENDORSED BY EVENT SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS linked PAGlink batteries (8 per channel) in any state-of-charge.

• When charging, each PAGlink battery ® displays its individual charge status on its 5 LED display. REGISTER TO ATTEND NOW AT T 020 8543 3131 / E [email protected] / www.paguk.com PRIORITY CODE 4 WWW.BVEXPO.COM EINFCS1 story given the ease with be broadcast for fear of what Cameraman Andy which this young computer would happen to those we hacker accessed email and had met. Security is very, very Portch from Sky’s credit card passwords! I shot tight in the Tibetan areas of Beijing bureau is on in the dark with Contax Zeiss Sichuan province. Every temple CY prime lenses and a bit of has a police station and the a quest for the ideal slider and loved it. Despite authorities knew exactly where recording in AVCHD I had we had been. compact camera. comments from colleagues about how wonderfully We were eventually sent to the sharp the images were. Most airport. The GH2 had done manual full-frame lenses are its job, but the ND situation perfectly adaptable to MFT was a mess. I’d opted against with a two times magnification the variable ND (which I’d factor (x1.86 with the GH2). found rather soft on the 5D) The Zeiss CY are easily cine in favour of screw in ND8 (3 Working with the Kessler slider Photo: A.Portch modified, aperture de-clicked stop) filters. I had figured I’d and damped. They have a be either outside or inside! In comfortable focus throw and fact this turned into a real pain gorgeous Zeiss image quality. as we repeatedly sneaked The Zeiss CY 50mm 1.4 is a indoors/outdoors which meant gem. The Canon FD is also constant panicky filter changes. a good manual lens option. It is unbelievably bright in the More expensive adapters exist mountains and I also had a for Canon EF. Nikon/ Nikkor tiny Sony AVCHD handycam lenses I haven’t personally that couldn’t stop down enough used because they focus in the to shoot outdoors. I did use SIZE Matters opposite direction. shots from this camera but it was tough trying to match The AF101 does not handle them to the GH2. The other highlights well. - they lose factor with the GH2 is that all detail very quickly and the small size makes it hard Photo: Dan Chung unless blown highlights are Nokton 25mm and Olof’s handle Photo A.Portch to hold without vibration from out of focus they look awful. lenses. Again, using the slider in a controlled environment then the blood pumping through Do you look at your camera y experience shooting Working alongside the AF101, maximum size for the AF101 But underexpose a touch and resulted in lots of positive the SmallHD DP6 is a great your hands. Admittedly I was news with the Canon the GH2 video DSLR is discrete rig. If it ended up any bigger gear and think ‘My kit’s too M the problem goes away. I’ve feedback. The slider is a real monitor. The DP6 is rugged a bit stressed, but there are 5DMKII was a visual triumph, with improved video function I’d failed. The compact big’? Full-size broadcast tweaked my Cine Gamma creative bonus, but when your and sharp. A single Canon LP6 visible bumps even with the but the paraphernalia and over the Canon 5D MKII. The camera concept had to be cameras give great pictures settings, and still get fairly subject is jumpy and really battery will last a morning. The wide angle! I used the Nokton workflow was overwhelming. GH2 has a crisp EVF with ready to record in broadcast vivid colour and contrast. I do wants to head for the door, it only downside is that the DP6 at F0.95, about two stops and look impressive. But the Following 2010, the year image magnification which HD quality straight from the grade, but, if I like the ‘look’ takes nerve to create steady screen appears rather yellow wider than I normally do. I was big camera also screams of the DSLR, 2011 saw dispenses with the Zacuto LCD Billingham bag. I’ve used the straight from the cameras I moves. There is a ‘slider in when you first switch on! hand held at late dusk and ‘TV Crew’ and therefore the emergence of compact loupe. Shallow depth of field GH2 and AF101 extensively have the option not to grade news’ debate raging but in had to sway gently to find the large sensor video cameras. is more manageable. I can still this year and to illustrate often provides a ‘warped’ for a rush news edit. my view it is fine to use the China Tibetan region; Self narrowest plain of focus. The The latest Canon CS300 use manual full-frame lenses different issues will referv view of events. People slider as long as you don’t -immolating monks: Shot with GH2 is a surprisingly good incorporates an onboard HD with a low-cost adapter. In fact, to a portfolio of five news react differently to a big TV The AF101 unscrews top and loose sight of when it is not the GH2 video DSLR. This was low light performer. You can broadcast recorder. the beauty is I can carry the stories. My correspondent in side handles to add accessories appropriate aswell as whether a real test. I’m used to working crank up the ISO and use the camera or simply turn them same creative stack of lenses Beijing is Holly Williams who or brackets very easily. The it is physically possible. as a journalist in China and ‘nostalgia’ film mode, which away. Worst of all, I have no Micro four thirds (MFT) caught for use with my GH2, GF2 or has supported my sometimes ‘eureka’ moment for me came being harassed and interfered actually had nothing to do doubt that big kit intimidates my eyes. Smaller, cheaper and AF101 video cameras. tiresome quest. when I started using Olof The compact system is with by police and plain clothes with nostalgia, but did lift the with cross over between the interviewees in a way smaller Ekberg, of Westside AV’s, side extremely lightweight and thugs. shadows considerably. I find Panasonic GH2 video DSLR My trusty Billingham bag (16 Chinese Hackers: Shot with the cameras do not. So here’s an bracket and wooden handle. my back loves it. I look at the GH2 easier to focus than and AF101 video cameras. The inches long) was the defining AF101. This was an alarming idea; cover news with a small Not only was it comfortable, my P2HD shoulder-mounted The GH2 video DLSR has the AF101! One-press EVF AF101 has an ND filter wheel, but at last I knew where camera with dread now. repeatedly shown its value, image magnification gives camera. Keep the craft, but XLR audio inputs, variable the on/off button was. I’m Lighter cameras mean lighter getting quality video in instant focus confidence. in compact form. frame rate and dial-in white experimenting with a short accessories. Everything on my sensitive locations. (Its baby balance. I almost love it, except padded tail that puts the AF101 and GH2 has the same brother the GF2 has also been After the pain of 5D MKII for... focus, focus and focus. AF101 camera on my shoulder Manfrotto 394 QR plates. I can used, including a Bangkok audio I have largely stopped I have lobbied hard for EVF without moving the centre of move instantly from one piece ‘Lady boys’ doco. using a mini mixer with the and LCD magnification which gravity forward. of kit to another. I use a Miller !). In Sichuan the police were GH2. I let the camera record will likely be incorporated DS10 head on Solo legs lighter, all over us. We used every with manual levels displayed in into Panasonic’s next camera., Baby Buying: Shot with the higher and lower than my dodge in the book and over the viewfinder. Simultaneously The ND filter wheel is the AF101 and Nanoflash. I shot Video18P. I carry a compact a couple of days managed I use a separate Olympus critical plus factor. I would not sequences for a Chinese baby Kessler slider V2 that works to capture images of temples recorder (LS11) with a Tram recommend a video camera buying scandal story mainly a treat, especially now I have and monks to tell the story. We mic on my reporter that can without one. with the Nokton and Zeiss record for eleven hours. It Screen shot from ‘Chinese Hackers’ fitted the carriage brake! If I’m also shot material we could not 6 7 “With Micro four thirds I can do creative high quality work with a system that doesn’t cost very much”

is easy to sync afterwards twiddly control wheels, zooms more daring shots with the Some viewers couldn’t tell the I started dreaming about a In conclusion with Micro especially if you have ‘Plural that aren’t parfocal (even lightweight AF101 than my difference, some chose AVCHD revolving lens turret! I need four thirds I can do creative Eyes’ software. if they’re supposed to be), big news camera. I used a over HD broadcast codecs and to think clearly what shots I high quality work with a latency with focus by wire and Gorillapod as mini brace either only a video engineer spotted want and go after them with a system that doesn’t cost next page... focus rings that spin endlessly. on the shoulder or in the water the higher bit rates. specific focal length. The GH2 very much. It is hard work, Boeing Dreamliner Inaugural or wrapped around things even is getting an official firmware I hope the promised 2012 but anything with shallow flight: Shot with the AF101 Lumix X range delivers fast at water level. AVCHD does not meet the upgrade with hoped for 25P depth of field is challenging. Nanoflash. The 7–14mm Lumix and sharp zooms. 50Mbps specified by HD and higher bit rate this month. F4 got a good outing on this The lens mount of the AF101 broadcasters. What a pain! I guess photographers coming The beauty comes from the trip. Lots of fun (as long as it’s For now, beware of lenses is rated for 1kg, so fast Canon The low power Nano flash to video would have two GH2 lenses and I love walking ‘Baby Buying’ bright) getting extraordinary with a tiny focus throw. The and Olympus zooms need external recorder was the bodies with different lenses as out the door with my kit in images. Holly’s ‘piece to Olympus 12–60mm, f2.8/4 supporting. I have used an answer in conjunction with a they do for stills. (I’m tempted!) a Billingham bag and hope camera’ was centre frame has manual focus markings, adapter with my broadcast SWIT S–8BG6 camera battery. it makes my pictures look filmed from one metre away but focuses from infinity down Canon HJ22 and with the This battery has an auxiliary different in a good way! seated across the aisle. The shot to one metre with just one ‘doubler’ it gives a great socket and a single Photo: Dan Chung includes two passengers seated centimetre throw. Compare picture (no power zoom of battery will power either side! The only caution that with a ten centimetre course). I don’t want rails on my the camera and Nano was choosing an angle not to throw for the same focusing compact rig, so my lens choice flash for hours. make her look cross eyed! The distance on my broadcast had to weigh less than 1kg. opening sequence has flash Canon HJ22. Some people The Olympus Zuiko 45–200mm The Nano has power photography which looked use ‘follow focus’ devices, 2.8/3.5 is my biggest lens and save mode, so you worse than my P2HD, but but again that defeats my is sharp and good to focus, but don’t have to keep nowhere near as bad as the 5D compact goal. lacks IS. plugging/unplugging. flash banding. The resulting Nano The Dreamliner by the way I haven’t really explored the flash XDCAM HD422 ‘Bangkok Floods’ Micro Four Thirds (MFT) is turned out to be identical to autofocus. I can’t bring myself files are recorded to dominated by Panasonic any other plane. I called it the to trust it. There is Red Focus a CF card in either Lumix and Olympus, but other ‘Binliner’, with slightly larger assist with the AF101, which MXF or .MOV. I did manufacturers have thankfully overhead lockers. To think puts a red fringe around have a Nano flash joined in and new lenses are Boeing was aiming supersonic whatever is sharp or sadly as capacitor fail on popping up every month. before 9/11. I’ve found almost sharp - but it location. However Voightlander has already is a useful guide. EVF and LCD this was repaired by produced the classic Nokton Bangkok Floods: Shot with screen detail are good, but not Convergent Design 25mm f0.95. De-clicking is the AF101 Nanoflash. This to be used at the same time as who said it was the first of possible, but less straight- was a regular news scramble. Red Focus assist. 4000 units to fail this way. forward as the aperture ring is I had to shoot, load, edit and The Nano flash is attached by at the front. I like the Nokton; transmit quality daily pieces Horses for courses: What can locking arm to my AF101 side its images sit well alongside the by lunchtime every day; follow you do with the AF101 and bracket and sits there perfectly Zeiss. The results from Lumix the package with hourly lives; GH2? Both record to SDHC out of the way. and Olympus lenses are mixed. then another shoot to update cards in AVCHD format up to Tibetan Monks Clicking electronic apertures, the package for later. The 24Mbps. The GH2 currently The compact camera is not AF101 has analogue, HDMI has lower interlace bit rate suited to every shoot. Long lens and HDSDI output, but no than progressive and currently stuff is most difficult. I wouldn’t firewire. An analogue-firewire not at 25P. Both log and choose it for a live press Canopus box bridges the gap capture to Pro Res in Final Cut conference or for shooting for streaming lives. Pro. I conducted comparisons over the North Korean border. Lens juggling above flood on a 25-inch HD monitor. Juggling lenses is troublesome: water added a frisson to changing lenses!

I’ve adapted a small bum bag with padded compartments that holds three or four lenses Regional Film & Video the premier publication for and those are the ones I have professionals working in the media and broadcasting on the go. Rubber lens hoods industry. With breaking news on product innovations, are fitted to all my lenses to quality editorial, features and case studies. speed up changes. In Bangkok This month we are happy to offer GTC free subscription I tried the 14–140mm Lumix to the paper plus basic listing on www.4rfv.co.uk. zoom with image stabilizing, For more information call Noel on but had trouble getting it sharp not just because of the 02890 319008 ‘Dreamliner’ PTC with 7mm lens spinning focus ring. I did get or email [email protected]

8 9 GTC

WORKSHOPSWORKSHOPS During the highly successful Freelancer’s Independence Day Workshop held in Manchester in June, members were given an opportunity to look around the new studios at Salford Quays.

Alan Duxbury reports

I’d been looking forward t the time of the workshop system will be used. The empty him about using local camera to seeing the new studios Ahe BBC expect to be fully gallery will either use a drive operators and the perception at Salford Quays. Paul operational here by October in facility or one of the other that crews from London were Houghton was our guide 2011 and had already completed control rooms. With being brought in. He told us a around the complex called started using the facilities for an investment of over £500 crew had come from Scotland MediaCityUK and provided ‘A Question of Sport’ and million Paul Houghton stressed to work on a programme and a bit of background. The ‘Mastermind’. There are seven that all the other resources for added: “We are not employing complex was part of a HD studios altogether, the audience shows were there cameramen. Productions will government initiative to three small presentation studios and the studios were flexible want to use their own crews but regenerate the Manchester HQ5, 6, and 7 will house CBBC enough to move equipment that will change over time when docks. The BBC signed up and ‘Newsround’, CBeebies around on demand. individuals aren’t available.” to move some operations continuity and ‘Blue Peter’. He was willing to accept CV’s there in 2007 and now ITV Studio HQ2 contained the set There are also two audio from anyone wishing to offer and SIS have taken offices for comedian John Bishop’s new studios, one dedicated to the their services and CV’s should as well. The new Coronation series and HQ1was booked for BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, also be sent to Mike Hayes of Street set will be nearby and ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ the other called MPAS, the multi fac365, contact details below. ‘The Pie Factory’ operates this autumn. -purpose audio studio. three sound stages and Work often gets offered is home to many media HQ1 is a 12,500 sq ft box We were joined by Head of through word of mouth and related companies. with no lighting grid so a truss Studios, Andy Waters. I asked I’m sure that will be true at Salford Quays too, but the workshop meant that as well as increasing business knowledge, contacts had been made and renewed, and no-one knows where that might lead. Contact details Andy Waters - Head of Studios [email protected] Mike Hayes - Director at fac365 [email protected] [email protected] for crewing [email protected] for Tony Underwood, crew coordinator 10 9 LP_Sola1P_GTC_BL.e$S_Layout 1 9/26/11 3:33 PM Page 1

TOMORR OW’S LIGHTING BVE Goes North AVAILABLE TODAY Manchester Central There were seminar sessions (>90) and the ability to run There were high speed was the venue for BVE’s with a variety of speakers, and for about 3 hours on a 98 Wh cameras and digital inaugural North exhibition informative presentations in battery. cinematography cameras on November 16-17. Initial the central theatre area which to see from ARRI and Vision Sola 6™ LED Fresnel figures indicated that it were well-attended. Jonathan Of the kit associated with Research, and some enticing Litepanels® daylight balanced Sola attracted some 2,400 Harrison’s lighting presentations acquisition, lighting seemed to deals from dealers, including 6 yields the illumination of a 650W visitors - including some went down particularly well. have the most new product on a Hitachi package from TNP. conventional Fresnel (in daylight from Scotland and Ireland, offer. ARRI’s L–7C LED Fresnel JVC, as well as displaying their output) at 1/6 the power draw and Sola 6 for whom the London Of equipment on display, most Spot is the colour controllable camera range in the venue, a fraction the weight. With variable exhibition was just too much had been seen before at IBC version of the L–7 series, the had their demonstration truck beam control from 70° flood to 10° of a trek, and quite a few but with some making a first UK L–7D and L7T being specific outside alongside an Arena TV spot and full-range dimming! Con- from the south of England. showing as deliverable product. daylight and tungsten fixtures. unit. There were opportunities trol dimming and focus via on fixture Some of the major camera TV Logic’s LVM–074W has All have continuously focusable to see a range of recording knobs or integrated DMX interface. and lens manufacturers had a software modification beam angles of 15º – 50º. devices including the Cinedeck had a limited presence which will now allow a full Dimmable Kino Flo Barfly 200 Extreme and Ki Pro. ™ supporting their dealers with screen waveform monitor and Sola ENG LED Fresnel and 400 and the new range This little powerhouse mounts on vectorscope, and their TDM243 the range of equipment on of LED-based lights from Overall, a small but enjoyable camera or stand to yield as much show being limited. This and LVM247 Grading Monitor Dedo-Wiegert were shown inaugural show in a venue output as a 250W conventional light was because it was a shell- will be shipping by the time you by Cirrolite. Galaxia 600 x easily accessible by public while drawing just 10% of the power. scheme only exhibition; no read this. 600 and 600 x 300 soft light transport. Offers easy manual focus and large, spectacular stands panels were on offer from dimming via lens-style ergonomic dominating the available Canon UK had their EOS–1Dx White Light. Both of these controls. Battery or AC operation. space. and 5D and 7D cameras LED fittings draw 105W, alongside the XF–305. The have very even diffusers, ™ -1Dx uses a different sampling and output approximately 1x1 Series and encoding method from its 5,500 lumens. Rotolight’s Tried these versatile, cool-running, low energy-draw, 1.36kg/3-lb, game- predecessors, removing the Anova 110º floodlight Sola ENG changing LED lights? Choose from aliasing problem encountered won a TVB Editor’s Award 5600º or 3200º. Go with the Bi-Color previously. at IBC this year. Panels for precise control of tungsten and Words: Dudley Darby can be clipped together daylight. Or get variable Flood, Spot Pictures: Dudley Darby The Genus Hurricane 3D rig to create a larger light or Super-Spot with the Bi-Focus. James French attracted interest on Ianiro’s source. stand along with the PRG 1X1 Foton lamp, a small battery/ AC adapter powered LED fixture with beam angle adjusted by changing the reflector. Three different reflectors are supplied with the kit, giving

approximately ® 20º, 40º, and 60º coverage. It Litepanels® claims a high CRI A Vitec Group brand Litepanels® [email protected] • www.litepanels.com A Vitec Group brand 12 13 KIT NEWS New Deca Lightweight Canon DIGISUPER 95 Audio Bag from Petrol Petrol Bags have introduced sides offer full access for a new ultra-lightweight connector cables to devices professional audio bag in the bag’s front and rear WIDE ANGLE optimally designed to compartments. Additional transport sound equipment features include multiple comfortably and securely, storage pouches for an HD FIELD LENS and keep it safe, organised, MP1 battery, cassettes, Oxygen DCT Launches a Website For and accessible while working. connectors, etc., an external The Canon DIGISUPER 95 front accessories pocket, Cinedeck Hire & Rental (XJ95x8.6B) is the new Weighing just 1.2 kg (2.6 two expandable snap-on generation super-telefoto superb picture sharpness lbs), the bag’s interior can pouches to hold transmitters Oxygen DCT has launched a new website that helps lens that provides a range across the 16:9 HD image accommodate an SD 788 or wireless receivers, and production companies, film makers, facilities and of imaging possibilities that plane and improves on Canon’s mixer with CL8 controller a padded, adjustable broadcasters to gain access to Cinedeck production THE MICROMUFF previous image stabilisation equipment. Designed by filmmaker and designer Will Hutchinson, Micromuff is conventional field lenses attached and is fully padded shoulder strap. cannot match. The XJ95x performance. to help safeguard an accessory which claims to improve the sound quality of exterior The company expects the demand for products video recordings by dramatically reducing the effect of wind combines the widest focal contents. Removable The Deca Lightweight The advanced Image to accelerate particularly in 2012 when many noise. Compatible with most video capable DSLR's, the Micromuff length (8.6mm) of any field internal dividers offer Audio Bag (PS614) has the Stabilization System comes international broadcasters will have a UK base to attaches directly to the camera body, to dramatically reduce the lens in the industry with a custom configuration. following interior dimensions: standard in the XJ95x. Its cover the Olympic summer games. The company effect of wind noise. 95x zoom range that’s longer There is free 29.5 cm (11.6”) long, 10 improved optical shift-type holds stock of both the EX and RX models to support Developed and manufactured in the UK, the Micromuff is made at the tele end. The imaging access to all mixer cm (3.9”) wide, and 19 stabiliser incorporates a sensor its customers and, as a high service orientated using high quality acoustic fur, and a unique cutting process, which possibilities are not only panels – side, cm (7.5”) tall. The exterior inside the lens that detects organisation, is addressing hire demand by retains the full length of fur-pile edge to edge. It attaches to greater – so too are optical back and top. A measures: 35 cm (13.8”) vibration. Compensating optics creating a forum for hire companies and the camera using die-cut Velcro rings, for easy attachment and performance and image transparent top long, 22 cm (8.7”) wide, and are then engaged at high production companies with the Cinedeck hire removal. stabilisation. It is also claimed window allows 23 cm (9.1”) tall. It will be speed to cancel out any effect and rental website, www.cinedeckhire.com or www.micromuff.com that this new lens provides viewing of available this month . List on the image. controls. price is 160 Euro (138 GBP). www.cinedeckrental.com. Drawstring openings on both www.petrolbags.com The original PanAura 5 was available with three different To counteract ‘breathing’ (a Dedolight labelled ‘The portable window’ diffusers and a 40° grid is only phenomenon that occurs when and is renowned for its light 60cm deep. This will allow the focusing, changing picture size/ characteristics. The range is use of this big window sized angle of view), the new lens introduce now being added to with the soft light in confined spaces includes CAFS (Constant Angle introduction of its big brother and on location. Focusing System). Through the PanAura 7. a 32-bit CPU, the zoom is The PanAura7 is powered calculated and controlled to the new The PanAura system of lighting from two standard DEB400DT give an almost zero zooming instruments are large surface electronic ballasts, which effect of focus. area soft lights that produce additionally can be mounted PanAura 7 a wrap around light from to the lighting stand by ballast Similar in size and weight to extremely thin lightweight holders to provide best the XJ86x (W.250.6, H.255.5, fixture - and now with the possible stability without using L.610.0mm; 23.2kg), it is also introduction of the 7’ version additional sand bags. ideal for panning and tilting. twice the output and size. Equipped as standard with a These systems are available 20-pin lens interface, the lens is The fixture includes two for rental and sale as easily adapted to work with a individually switchable, either daylight (HMI) kits or wide range of existing virtual dimmable lamps that can traditional tungsten kits – or a systems. be boosted from 400W to combination of both. 575W daylight or tungsten www.cirrolite.com www.canon-europe.com balanced discharge lamps. This allows a dimming range from 300W to 1150W without significant colour shift with both lamp types. The fixture is also Marshall OR-70-3D available as a traditional 2Kw New ‘Glasses free’ fully featured 7” 3D monitor tungsten source or also as a Dual Waveform and Vectorscope Dual Real-Time Image Processing Analysis 4kw tungsten source with high Dual Vectorscope with Compare Box graph 3G-SDI Input with Loop-Through temperature octodome fabric. Compare Box for 3D calibration Optional External Remote Control The 7 foot wide soft box is Horizontal marker for 3D depth control Luminance difference view

15 KIT NEWS NEW GTC SPONSORS he GTC is delighted Tthat the Shooting Partners Group has once again agreed to sponsor the Guild after a short break.

The Shooting Partners Group was originally founded in 1989 providing Toshiba 6mm LED, LCD and DLP broadcast equipment projectors, Barco MiTrix and rental. MiStrip creative LED, PixLed F30, Lighthouse Duo12 and a Shooting Partners Facilities wide range of Plasmas. Anna cameras are predominantly Valley also has a range of from Sony and include audio equipment including 2/3" full HD broadcast Sennheiser radio mics, Nexo quality, plus some smaller and Martin PA systems; plus New Kino Flo BarFly units and mini-cams from Soundcraft, Yamaha and Panasonic and GO PRO. Mackie desks, and its lighting dimming soft lights Formats cover the full range includes a wide array of units of the Sony XDCAM family from tungsten through to LED The BarFly 400D & 200D are is brighter than a 500 Watt including PDW800 (disc), plus lighting control packages. the next generation of thin tungsten softlight drawing only PDW500 and EX3 (SxS Recent credits: X Factor, BarFly lighting systems. The 1 amp of power. card). Shooting Partners Britain's Got Talent, Red or soft, cool beauty lights feature also stock Panasonic P2 and Black, A League Of Their Own, a narrow profile of 4.5 ins in The new BarFly’s include Canon XF305s shooting to Don't Stop Me Now, David depth with onboard dimming a built-in reflector and compact flash cards. A wide Walliam's Wall Of Fame, ballasts, and lamp switching. removable gel frame, range of location broadcast Dancing On Ice The BarFly 400D is brighter honeycomb louver and centre HD monitors, tripods and than a 1,000 Watt tungsten mount. The lightweight fixtures HD vision switchers form softlight, but draws only 2 are the ideal solution for the support kit. Lighting Shooting Partners Project amps, while the BarFly 200D difficult tight shots on location gear includes location lights Management has been or in the studio. The from redheads to HMIs as responsible for delivering many fixtures take 3200K well as Bi Colour LED Lite world firsts including: Robbie and 5500K True Panel lighting and dimmer Williams 5.1 HD Live Cinecast Match lamps that systems. Recent credits: for Sony/i.e. Music; first live HD display a full range Pop Star to Opera Star, 3D multi-camera transatlantic of photographic high Safebreakers, Fairy Job transmission with Jeffery colour rendering soft Mother, Britain's Best Dish, Katzenberg / DreamWorks / light (95+ on the CRI Undercover Boss Paramount StudiosAwards. scale), as well as lamps for visual effects or Anna Valley Displays See more about the Shooting green/blue screen.• inventory consists of the www. www.cirrolite.com Partners Group at: COMBINING LEADING EDGE DIGITAL AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES world's largest stock of annavalley.co.uk

■ 4:3 sensor with ALEXA image quality ■ Uncompressed, uncompromised ARRIRAW ■ Optical viewfinder and mirror shutter

www.arri.com

Mark Carey filming for a feature documentary about the Williams sisters 16 POLISHING TO PERFECTION

So what determines a good also found in general use in Many cloths particularly small larger cloth minimum of 25 cotton polishing cloth from a larger sizes for the camera lens ones are die-cut to save on cms square in the woven cotton poor one? This is all down to market. manufacturing cost and woven would be ideal for both the the construction of the weave cotton can often fray at the polishing of the camera lens and the quality of the yarn. Knitted microfibre has a edges when die-cut giving and the general cleaning and The construction needs to be nice feel and is aesthetically off stray fibres. Microfibres in polishing of the camera and very tight and the yarn very pleasing, however because of general die cut very efficiently equipment. NEW! well spun in order to ensure its construction is really a very and do not fray. when the fabric is raised or poor fabric to use in polishing Here at Selvyt most of our cropped it does not create any upmarket lenses. As one gets into the larger professional camera customers surface lint. So for example cloths the cost of sewing the use a 35cms square cloth in your traditional yellow duster is The problem with any knitted edges of the cloth in proportion either our woven raised cotton loosely woven of a low grade fabric is that because of its to the total cost gets smaller SR fabric or woven cropped yarn and would create a very instability, the polishing motion so many larger cloths will cotton PR fabric either of which Cine Plate Universal camera support system, available to fit: poor polishing media just tends to move the fabric have sewn edges which then give excellent results. itself rather than the fabric stops any fraying of the fabric Sony F3, FS100, EX1/EX3, Z1/Z5/Z7 Cotton polishing cloths can over the lens surface. This edges. Jeff Weston has been involved Panasonic AG-AF100/101, HVX 200 be washed but again there leads to poor cleaning and a in specialist textiles for over Canon DV/SLR 5D/7D is the need to have a well streaky finish so what may be I would recommend then that if 30 years - specifically in the constructed fabric to avoid cheap and functional for the we are looking to use just small polishing market. Compatible with ARRI 19mm balance plate pilling of the raised or cropped general public to clean their lens cloths normally around Manufactured in the UK here are a number of surface which can cause spectacle lenses is really not 12.5 cms square that the You may obtain your FREE by True Lens Services Members who have Tdifferent types of polishing abrasion to the lens. acceptable for the professional woven microfibre would serve Selvyt lens cloth by joining the alrerady signed up to cloths on the market today cameraman. that purpose better, however GTC Direct Debit scheme for www.truelens.co.uk the GTC Direct Debit aimed at the professional 100% POLYESTER MICROFIBRE for normal general use for Membership Subscriptions - see True Lens Services Ltd, 20 Bank Terrace, Barwell, Leicestershire LE9 8GG, UK cameraman and I will attempt [email protected] Tel: 01455 848411 Fax: 01455 848311 scheme for subscription WOVEN MICROFIBRE professional cameramen a page 27 for details. to classify these with various Over the past two decades payments, will have comments on their efficiency advances in textile technology Much less in common use received their free lens and suitability in everyday use. have brought about the because of the relative cloth.But what makes creation of microfibre fabrics extra cost as compared to Types of fabric used are a good lens cloth, and made of synthetic materials knitted cloth woven microfibre 100% Cotton and 100% which have a soft handle unlike possesses many of the good New from LVM-074W what are the differences Polyester Microfibre in the past where a synthetic polishing qualities of the woven between all the various fabric would have been cotton cloths. materials currently on I will describe further the deemed too harsh to use as The Most Comprehensive 7” HD LCD different constructions of the offer? a polishing media and would The only real drawback of the The LVM-074W features a high-resolution above fabrics. have in fact caused abrasions woven microfibre is because to the lens. of its synthetic makeup it does (1024x600) 7” LED backlit LCD panel Here is a layman’s guide 100% COTTON not readily absorb moisture so housed in lightweight (600 grams) on how to select the This is the traditional fabric Microfibres for polishing are if used in an outdoor situation that has been used for best cloth for your lens usually made of polyester fibre where it is raining or damp it yet durable magnesium. generations for general because of its strength and can will not dry and polish as well and your equipment, polishing from jewellery, to be either in knitted or woven as its cotton equivalent. Product Highlights written by Selvyt shoes to lenses. Normally the form. I will discuss here the Improved Resolution 1024 x 600 (16:9) Division Manager Jeff construction of the cotton fabric differences between the two CONCLUSION White LED Backlight falls into 2 types, both being Weston. constructions. Matte Panel Finish woven. So in conclusion on the relative Light, Durable Magnesium Alloy Case (600gms) KNITTED MICROFIBRE merits of the cloths readily SDI-to-SDI Active Loop Through a) Woven with a one sided available in the marketplace HDMI-to-HDMI Active Loop Through raised finish This is the most common form of there is a distinct advantage HDMI-to-SDI Conversion b) Woven with a one sided microfibre used in the polishing in the traditional woven cotton FLIP & FLOP cropped finish. market and is the type that you cloth as long as it has a very Wave Form Monitor & Vector Scope would generally see used as good tight construction and is Colour Peaking Focus Assist These would both normally small lens cloths as give aways finished to a very soft feel. have one specific side of the Pyser-SGI Limited with spectacles. Because of Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, Kent, cloth to use as the polishing the relative cheapness of the There is one specific drawback United Kingdom, TN8 6HA side. The raising or cropping fabric a lot of the major high with woven cotton and this is Tel: +44(0) 1732 864111 providing a soft finish so as Fax: +44(0) 1732 865544 street chains went over to this regarding the actual make-up [email protected] to ensure no damage to the type of cloth over the past of the polishing cloth. www.pyser-sgi.com surface of the lens. couple of decades. They are 18 19 The load area is still the same including iPod units and touch expensive option but is remains to be seen. All in all size, but as any Transporter screen sat nav, for those who invaluable when you are stood the new Transporter really owner knows, this is plentiful really have the desire to pimp sorting kit out in the pouring helps to maintain the model even in the short wheel base out their crew van. rain! as being the common choice version and even better in of van in many industries the long wheel base model. If it’s the pimped version of I didn’t have the van long and a very popular choice Many people choose to rack a transporter you are after enough to pass a great deal of in ours, amongst cameramen out their van and there are then VW have just made judgement on the fuel economy and facilities companies alike. plenty of VW specialists who their stylish top-of-the-range but certainly nothing worrying With lots of options from basic will do the design and build Sportline model of the new to report back and VW claim models to the fully pimped out for you. There is the option to transporter van available. As that the new engines are a sportline vans they still offer have a factory fitted ply lining the name suggests, this model real update to this new model a comfortable drive with a kit when you buy new, but I comes with their fastest engine of van. They use Volkswagen’s load space we are all familiar would get an expert to fit you in the 180 PS and with lots latest four cylinder 2.0ltr TDI with; I certainly know what I with some bespoke shelving. of sporty extras including engine, available in four power will be writing to Santa for this One thing I found when using colour coded body work and outputs of 84, 102, 140 and Christmas...... the loan van on location (which leather upholstered seats. In 180 PS, the 140 and 180 only had ply lining) was how my opinion this is an overpriced being 6 gears and available The Transporter Sportline much a crew relies on well way of paying for a smart in the 4motion 4 wheel drive kombi costs from £29,840 ex designed storage! I think most looking transporter; you are model. The 4motion that VAT, http://www.volkswagen- cameramen wouldn’t be able essentially paying for the was on the van I test drove, vans.co.uk/transporter-range/ to survive without a certain sportline badge. Chrome side certainly helped when we were THE VOLKSWAGEN level of modification. bars, colour coded body work, in a muddy field in Devon, With many thanks to VW Vans lowered suspension (handy for whether the extra expense PR who made the loan van On the inside you still know you NCP car parks!), alloy wheels is worth it for everyday use available to the GTC are in a transporter but with and front/rear spoilers can all a few noticeable differences. be added at factory (or after TRANSPORTER The seats are slightly different by a specialist) to the basic offering improved comfort and 180 PS model (or the 140 or I noticed that the front seats 102). In fact the Kombi model For years, cameramen have have better side support than of Transporter is usually the chosen different makes and the older T5. The cab is still model most cameramen buy, It’s 6am in a wet field models when it comes to generally a pleasant place however a good Transporter choosing a vehicle. With to be which is something to in Devon. The crew, all conversion specialist can turn many factors to take into be thankful for, as crew can even the basic model panel owner operators are sat consideration, the choice has spend days on end in their van into a sportline Kombi 3163/RFV177/J in their vehicles lined up often been between an estate vehicle. The seating options are replica. SENTINEL in the field waiting for their car, an MPV or a van. Over the same as in the older model 6.30am call time, reluctant the years I’ve been fortunate T5; two single seats or a single The same options are available BROADCAST to get out into the pouring enough to have tried all of When considering a van as a Europe, which was later made driver and double passenger in terms of barn (split) or the combinations, starting off seat in the front cab area. The rain. crew vehicle, there are many available in the UK in early tailgate doors on the rear; with a Volvo estate, then a aspects the cameraman has to 2010. options on the rear seating the tailgate can be a more Seat Alhambra and finally my consider - load space, comfort, remains the same Its fascinating to see the current choice of crew vehicle, cost, fuel economy and for Whilst the chassis remains the also; three bench variety of vehicles that the the Volkswagen Transporter many, the look. same as the original T5 model, seat or split two Media Insurance Van. Many cameramen are and a single seat. cameramen have chosen the new van is easily identified Specialists Along with all of the normal to transport their kit and big fans of these vehicles The VW transporter T5 has, by its new front styling, more associated dealer services, and its easy to see why; I With added crew in. since its launch in 2003, aerodynamic wing mirrors we are able to offer a system was always impressed with become a very popular choice and a plethora of interior features on the design service from initial Review and Pictures: the space and comfort they for cameramen and facilities enhancements. dashboard, this consultation through to full Jon Boast offered even before I owned companies alike and it became generation of system design, integration one. Many years of driving one of the best-selling and When it was initially released, Transporter makes and implementation. the basic models supplied by most popular vans in the many original T5 fans, including you feel like you facilities companies in my early world. Talking to colleagues myself were sceptical that the are driving a car Please call with your career meant that when my kit on shoots, many of us love the new model would not really even more so than requirements. outgrew smaller vehicles it was fact it drives like a car, that it differ that much; same chassis, before. There is a • Cover for own and • Worldwide cover CREW CAR hired in equipment • £3,000,000 Public Liability an easy decision and with it I can easily hold lots of kit and no extra space or change in new multi-function (including continuing Limit as standard We are always looking for good quality second hand equipment. became a bit of a Transporter 3–6 crew members (depending design for the kit area. But in a display which also hire charges) • Fast track claims service Please email or fax details to us of any surplus equipment you have. geek! When asked to test drive includes a gear Allan Chapman & James Insurance Brokers Ltd, on model), has efficient fuel way, when test driving the new 7 Phoenix Square, Wyncolls Rd, Severalls Business Park, the new model of Transporter economy, and has always had van, the familiarity of many of shift indicator. Colchester, Essex CO4 9AS T: 01206 500 000 E: [email protected] van on some shoots with my a smart appearance. In 2009 the features from the original The usual factory www.acjltd.co.uk kit, I was eager to see how it options for the Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Sentinel Broadcast Ltd, 79, Qualitas, Roman Hill, Bracknell, Berks G12 7QG. Registered with much anticipation, VW T5 are reassuring but with in England & Wales Company Registration No. 4418830. VAT Reg No: 795 0588 82 REVIEW differed from my model. released the updated T5 in some new additional touches. dash are available 20 21 STRATFORD lost one of its greatest community arts champions OBITUARY when Claude Walters, general manager of the civic hall, died CLAUDE WALTERS 1953 - 2011 suddenly following a heart attack. THE GOLDEN AGE OF by Dicky Howett of Golden Age TV Claude was born on 6th July 1953, in Isleworth, Middlesex. It was TELEVISION hadn’t seen Claude for a around his 14th birthday that he went to the BBC to watch how I number of years but his likable a programme was made and made a decision there and then to All Seeing Eye demeanour has ensured that my become a television cameraman. illed as a ‘Radio and Television number’ the August 27th memories of him are still easily He went to Guildford Art School to study film and television and 1938 edition of ‘Weekly Illustrated’ featured glimpses of on finishing his course in 1973, he went immediately to the ATV B recalled so here are a few pre-war BBC television, now 75 years of age. So what did those recollections. Studios, based in Elstree Hertfordshire, as a trainee cameraman. The studios were in their heyday under the direction of Lew Grade. ’5 thousand lookers-in’ get to see? Well, a back stage murder Claude learnt his craft on dramas such as Edward VII, Clayhanger, for starters, screened live from the studios at Alexandra Palace Claude arrived into the ATV gave me confidence and I felt The Life of Nelson, Mystery and Imagination and, most famously, and plenty of scantily-clad young ladies for seconds. Billed Elstree Camera Department as a we had seen it enough so said, The Muppet Show. as a ‘Telecrime’ devised by Eric Crozier of Weekly Illustrated, fresh faced and rather earnest “Fine”. I turned and looked at the drama involved the viewers by dishing clues as the show young man, but that didn’t last them then said, “Let’s go for a At this time, big variety shows were also in production and he proceeded. The viewers then had to guess ‘who dun it’. Of long just like all before him, take”, at which I laughed as all worked alongside legends in show business such as Barbra the quality of the drama, one has to wonder, but the photos myself included. It was the three jaws dropped behind me! Streisand, Bing Crosby and David Bowie. He was part of the crew taken from the screen (and re-printed in a magazine) show a nature of the department that We did two takes and it remains that recorded Crosby’s and Bowie’s duet of Little Drummer Boy and remarkable pictorial quality. On a good day these 405 line all were subjected to having as one of the highlights of my the very last recording of Bing’s White Christmas. monochrome images, shot with Emitron cameras with reverse the Mickey taken out of them career as a cameraman. for any real or even imagined Claude had said one of his most enduring memories was when angle and upside down viewfinders, must have been truly reason but Claude in some way When Claude got married he was on set as a young trainee. He was setting up the cameras remarkable. seemed above all this and was to Moira I was invited to the alone in the studio before recording began when Gene Kelly very quickly liked by all. wedding and as usual carried walked in and began to rehearse. He treated Claude as a fellow professional, engaging him in conversation and discussing camera my Pentax so took some Lifting the Lid Off Television moves for the show ahead. This consummate professionalism and On Wedneday November 2, BBC Television celebrated 75 Claude was a dedicated tracker very informal pictures of the the acknowledgment of all around you never left him. years of 'High Definition' broadcasts with a modest gathering and I was always pleased when happy couple. I was delighted at Alexandra Palace. Cake and wine were on offer as well as he assisted me as I knew that when after later giving them In 1983, Claude moved to Birmingham when the TV franchises an opportunity to meet various 'AP' tv personalities (amongst because of his professionalism to Claude some of the were changed and worked for Central Television as both cameraman whom Zena Skinner and Michael Aspel) and also to prise the top he wouldn’t let me down. On added to their official wedding and lighting director. Shows he worked on include Family Fortunes off an original Emitron camera. On display was an EMI Emitron one production of ‘Disraeli’ with album. with Les Dennis, Bob’s Your Uncle with Bob Monkhouse and of Ian McShane and Rosemary course Crossroads. Claude then moved to Nottingham to the Iconoscope-type - although the picture tube was missing, all the Leach we had Claude Whatham Claude was a very well liked Central Television Studios and remained with the new Crossroads (surprisingly small amount of) head electronics were intact. as director who had achieved and respected member of the with Jane Asher until both Crossroads and Central Television closed great success directing ‘Cider ATV Camera Department and after a merger with Granada television. with Rosie.’ During the first eventually moved to Birmingham rehearse and record day, as a Lighting Director. I had Chris Tower Claude had gone off to sort also made the same move but Staffordshire Herald something out with a prop man to Nottingham which was then when I needed to talk to him, Central TV so I called out ”Claude”. The so was not director Claude was close by able to see and said, “Yes?”. “Not you, the much of what other one” I replied. “I’ve not he did as met another Claude in TV!” an LD. He lit came the response at which ‘Crossroads‘ point both Claudes were in of which front of me so I was able to say, he told me “Claude, meet Claude”. about a cockatoo Because of Lew Grade, ATV did which was many shows that were mostly the only for the USA, one was “Bonkers” thing in the with The Hudson Brothers. I was pictures for operating Camera 1 on the the engineers Nike and after a look at a three to find peak minute musical number done to a white on. track during which I got the crew He would The picture was taken on the ATV backlot on a production of to move the crane all over the have done that and many other ‘Clayhanger’ and shows the camera crew with a Nike crane and an place, the director, Pete Harris, programmes with the same EMI 2001 on the front; people from left to right; said, “How do you feel about dedicated professionalism doing the whole number as one which personified the extremely shot on your own?” Having a likable and sadly missed Claude Floor Manager David McDonald with white hat, cameraman Mike great crew with Claude Walters Walters. Dugdale, actor as policeman, actor with bowler hat, cameraman and Mike Dugdale on the arm Jim O’Donnell, senior cameraman Dennis Bartlett and cameraman and Steve Harrow on the motor Jeremy Hoare Claude Walters. Lifting the lid off the EMI Emitron Zena Skinner and Michael Aspel 23 22 Insurance MATTERS ‘‘Over the festive period, there are a couple of things that may need special attention from an insurance perspective.’’

Buenos Aires’ Jorge Newberry yourself and others to spend • Misstatement or misleading Claims can be brought against I don’t know about you, but I take you over your usual sum Even if you have Capital airport suspended all flights time contemplating these risks. statement not made Directors and Officers from struggle with finding presents insured, meaning that any Additions cover under your recently whilst it waited for deliberately or recklessly employees, shareholders, for loved ones at Christmas. claim may be reduced by the policy, I would always an ash cloud to pass. So, time Wrongful trading under creditors, competitors, My wife is great at this, and percentage you are under recommend notifying your HAPPY NEW • to check your Travel Insurance s.124 of The Insolvency Act regulators (Health and Safety always finds those little gems insured by (I covered this in insurer as soon as possible, (FINANCIAL) YEAR details again… 1986 Exec, for example), etc. for the family, whilst the gifts GTC In Focus Issue 112 Dec as human nature is to delay, I know that some of you are I give look like they’ve been 2010). delay - and then forget, and sole traders or partnerships, • Employment Wrongful Act So what could go wrong? Each issue, pilfered from a jumble sale… this could leave you exposed SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER so please excuse me whilst I (unfair dismissal, breach Here are some real-life Andrew Leen from Some business policies have (never good in winter time!). Over the Christmas period, a speak to the Limited Company of employment contract, examples: Performance film Over the festive period, there something called ‘Capital number of businesses bring in directors for a moment. discrimination, failure Breach of Duty – three friends and media insurance are a couple of things that may Additions’ cover. This means additional staff to help them to employ or promote, HOUSEKEEPING set up a company. Some will answer your need special attention from an that, if you acquire some hit deadlines. If you are one An area of insurance getting wrongful disciplinary If you are lucky enough to take years later one of them in questions and queries insurance perspective. additional items (generally of those businesses, then do a lot of press in these austere action, failure to adopt an extended winter break, then their position as shareholder, on all things insurance buildings and machinery or revisit your Employers Liability times is that of Directors and adequate workplace/ there are a couple of things complained that the other two related. items that would be classified cover to make sure that it is in Officers Liability Insurance employment policies or ENHANCED RISK OF you may want to check before had breached their fiduciary as fixed assets as opposed to place for volunteer, contract (D&O). procedures, retaliation THEFT – CAPITAL you depart for some sun. duties as directors in a number If you have any current assets in your balance or temporary workers – all against whistleblowers, of ways, including unnecessary burning issues, ADDITIONS sheet - so not stock, although of whom could be viewed As a Company Director, you invasion of privacy, data During the winter months, water client entertainment expenses, or simply want to It goes without saying that most some policies would include as Employees and therefore have certain fiduciary duties protection legislation, in your premises’ pipes is at allowing friends excessive clarify how best to homes will have a greater- stock fluctuations clauses) that have a right to expect a imposed on you in law, and if libel/slander/humiliation/ risk of freezing. This can cause credit and the misuse of the protect your business, than-usual amount of expensive you have either purchased Duty of Care from you as you commit what is referred defamation, failure to the water inside the pipes to company property for work please email help@ ‘stuff’ in them over the winter or received as a gift, and their Employer (see Insurance to as a “Wrongful Act” then provide accurate job expand, fracturing the pipe at their home. Defence costs performance- months. Gifts from family, forget to notify insurers, they Matters GTC In Focus March you could be personally liable references) which will subsequently leak. amounted to £463,000 insurance.tv with discounted items from the will still be covered as long 2010 Issue 109). This is one of to the extent of your personal the subject line ‘GTC January sales, and probably only two mandatory insurances as the overall sum insured One way of preventing this wealth for any claimants Insurance Matters’ some left over turkey. Thieves (the other is motor) where has not increased by more is to leave the heating on a costs, damages or settlements and Andrew will do typically love this time of failure to hold cover can result than the lower of a certain setting high enough to prevent – that means that they take his best to help you year – it’s nice and dark, some in punishment by the courts. percentage or pound amount the water in your system everything - the house, the car, resolve things. homes are left unoccupied for Important stuff. (in Performance’s case 10% from freezing. Some policies the kids... (ok maybe not the the A-list choice for film and extended periods and there media insurance, oering or £500,000) and as long as stipulate this as a condition kids). A selection of these are usually some nice pickings unrivalled cover for you add them within a certain and also state the minimum SLIPS, TRIPS, BUMPS freelancers, production/post- questions and to be had. production companies, amount of time from when you temperature required, or state AND ‘DO A RISK I often have conversations with responses will be film-makers, studios and acquired them (Performance that the apparatus should be Directors who say “but my equipment suppliers. published in each Whilst physical security will ASSESSMENT!’ give 6 months) and pay the drained to prevent freezing If we have another winter like company is a limited liability issue of GTC In Focus. hopefully prevent your home additional premium to add company, so I’ll be okay”. This (please note that the occurring. last year (and it’s on the cards, or business premises being them from when they were first simply is not true. Any Director questions and responses by all accounts) then ensuring ransacked, there will obviously or Officer of a company could may be edited to save bought. These thresholds can Many policies will exclude that your job is properly risk be those who are not so alter from policy to policy, so be held liable for committing space) fortunate and will need to water damage and malicious assessed is of paramount do check your own cover to be damage at any time of the importance to protect not only such an Act. A good D&O rely on their insurance to make clear. policy usually extends to cover things better, so there are a year whilst your premises are yourself, but those who may be unoccupied for certain periods impacted by your actions. all Employees (as a safeguard couple of things that should be In addition, modern home to them) and covers, in addition considered. (usually 30 days) so do check contents policies may provide your cover. Slips and trips (and slides) to the above, any Defence for an increase in sum insured Costs incurred. Make sure you revisit your sums can occur at the best of times, over the Christmas period Talking of travel, at the time but during the snowy season, insured. If you have received Examples of Wrongful Acts (although now normally of writing, the news is that particular attention should be that expensive item, make referred to as religious could include: sure that your insurers are Iceland is experiencing volcanic paid to walkways, gangways, festivals to be politically activity again, with the Katla and dangerous obstacles that • Breach of Duty, including Designed for your needs, our advised as soon as possible correct) and usually limited to flexible approach provides either and keep the receipt safe (you volcano (which, incidentally, is may be hidden by snow in fiduciary or statutory duty annual or short-period solutions, around £ 3,000 although this with fast, instant cover available. can always scan a receipt and larger and more powerful than order to highlight any potential • Negligent Act, error or may be higher if you are lucky its neighbour Eyjafjallajökull) hazards and the likelihood omission Call us now for personal, expert advice on 0208 240 8378 or save it digitally, as a backup). enough to have a ‘high net visit our website www.performance-insurance.tv showing signs of increased of injury to yourself and • Defamation or libel Failure to do this could mean worth’ insurance policy. Again, that the item is not covered, activity. Further afield, Chile’s others. Consideration up front committed in good faith check your own cover to make Puyehue volcano has started can mitigate many of these Breach of warranty or You don’t just need insurance-you need... Performance 30 or the value of the item may • Performance is a trading name of LIBG Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered oce: Wigham House, Wakering 25Road sure. puffing again - so much so that perils and you have a duty to authority Barking, Essex IG11 8PJ. Registered in England No. 2831010 24 24 25 GTC COUNCIL DIRECT DEBIT CONTACT LIST Insurance MATTERS SUBSCRIPTION Libel & Slander – A company’s unfair dismissal and the action is usually in reach of most Please do keep using the Forum HONORARY PRESIDENT managing director was was settled for £275,000. This businesses. I would suggest to pose your insurance-related FACILITY Dick Hibberd [email protected] allegedly quoted as having may be an extension under a that, even if the cost of £1m questions, or any problems you VICE PRESIDENT concerns about the propriety D&O policy, so do check that cover is out of reach, having at would like me to investigate John Henshall [email protected] of the owner of one of the cover for such eventualities is least some lower level of cover for you. FREE CHAIRMAN company’s suppliers. The owner provided. in place to begin with is better claimed defamation. The claim than having none. As ever, if you have any 1 MONTH’S SUBSCRIPTION Graeme McAlpine [email protected] was eventually dropped, but D&O cover is usually questions about this article, VICE CHAIRMAN only after insurers had funded purchased with a limit of After all, you want to hold on please email me at help@ ‘SELVYT’ LENS CLOTH John Hoare [email protected] the MD’s defence costs of indemnity which is chosen by to all those nice pressies Santa performance-insurance.tv with SECRETARY, Press & PR, Manufacturers Liaison any busy working cameramen have little spare £32,000. you. This typically ranges from brought you over the years, the subject line “GTC Insurance Darren Bramley [email protected] £100,000 to £1,000,000, don’t you? Matters”, or indeed, if you time enough and are often away on location for M [email protected] : [email protected] Health & Safety Executive but other limits are available. have any other insurance- weeks at a time. So why spend your valuable free - A managing director and The limit you require will be I’d like to take this opportunity related questions that I may be time setting up standing orders sending off credit TREASURER several technical managers largely based on the perceived to wish all the members of the able to help with, please drop card numbers, or making internet banking payments Simon Roe [email protected] faced criminal prosecutions for exposure to your business. GTC a very Merry Christmas me a line. for your annual subscription? MEMBERSHIP OFFICER alleged breaches of Health As legal costs can escalate and all the best for the New Rex Palmer [email protected] & Safety legislation, which quickly and Damages awarded Year. Thank you for all your If you are happy for your Setting up a Direct Debit for your GTC Subscription is WORKSHOP ORGANISER resulted in the accidental can be hefty, a minimum questions, problems and issues name to be published, please easy, and if you do it now, you will receive a month’s Clive North [email protected] deaths of two employees The of £1,000,000 should be that I have had the opportunity let me know. If you would free membership and a free high quality ‘Selvyt’ overall costs amounted to considered by most, but your to look at for you over the last prefer to be Mr, Mrs, Miss lens cloth. Just email [email protected] or call AWARDS EVENT ORGANISER £890,000 broker will be able to help you 12 months, and please, please, or Ms “Name and Address 0300 111 4123 and we will email or post a form for John Tarby [email protected] arrive at what is right for you keep them coming (see details Supplied”, then this is perfectly you to complete. You will also receive a form with EXHIBITIONS MANAGER Employment Disputes – A and your business. below on how to do this). I fine as well, and I will only be your subscription reminder. Dudley Darby [email protected] director was dismissed for hope that 2012 proves to be a too happy to ensure that your EDUCATION OFFICER alleged unauthorised use of Typically, the cost for such great year for you, and I look privacy is protected. Your membership doesn’t have to be up for renewal Drew Hartley [email protected] company property for his cover is in the early to mid- forward to speaking with some for you to set up the Direct Debit. Once we receive personal benefit. He sued for hundreds of pounds, which of you in the near future. the form your account will be automatically debited FORUM MODERATOR ONE MONTH after your current renewal date, and Andy Smith [email protected] annually thereafter. WELFARE OFFICER Brian Rose [email protected] So why are we being so generous? Simply to save the INSURANCE LIAISON, CARNET LIAISON, PAT LIAISON ING GTC an enormous amount of time and expenditure HT Eric Samuel [email protected] LIG m that we currently incur in collecting subscriptions every ION NT AT ME DIGITAL CURATOR OC IP month. L QU & E o IO RT Simon Curtis [email protected] UD PO ST UP With many cameramen being busy or away on S c SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER RA KS E AC location, the subscription reminder letters go M . CA TR BS Christina Fox [email protected] S & JI LIE S & unanswered for many months resulting in us sending OL NE STUDENT MEMBERSHIP OFFICER D RA out several more reminders. The existing Standing C k RA NT James Fulcher [email protected] ME ME Order system is problematic where the member CA UIP EQ hasn’t increased the subscription amount for many INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES DIO u STU years and then has to send a supplementary payment Europe - Richard Van Nijnatten [email protected] (after more letters). 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