Satoshi Watanabe, Technical Producer for theMulti-camLaboratory
The combination of Panasonic’s memory card portable recorder, AG-HMR10, and compact camera head, AG-HCK10G, is utilized actively to shoot the TV program, “Dreamer” now airing on the TBS affiliate channel BSS (Broadcast System in San-in). (The 30-minute show is produced by WORLD WIDE MUSIC JAPAN LLC and airs Sundays from 2:25AM). The program roots for people pursuing their dreams and features people that are flourishing in their field. Satoshi Watanabe of Multi-cam Laboratory is its technical producer and handles everything from equipment selection to post-production. He explains: “For interview shots, I do multiple shooting using 4 AVCCAMs. To get a variety of angles, I choose the AG-HCK10G, because it gives me flexibility.
Makes It Easy toUse a Combination of Multiple Cameras / SD Card Enables Low-Cost Operation
“One of thebiggest reasons why I employ an AVCCAM is because it allows me to recordcontinuously for a long time, even as long as 3 hours, in PH mode, the highestimage quality, using a single SD Card that can be purchased easily at low cost.The quality of the image is impeccable, and its greatest merit is that it canbe operated with a small crew working in a limited-budget, tight-scheduleenvironment,” says Watanabe, who operates multiple AVCCAMs by himself on “Dreamer” shoots.
“The Control menus for the AVCCAM camera recorder and the memory card portable recorder, AG-HMR10, are very similar, so there’s no confusion when using either. That kind of ease-of-use is very important when you’re trying to shoot at a fast pace. The AG-HCK10G comes in handy in other types of shoots as well, like ones where you need to mount the camera onto a car or use it as a head-mounted camera, which is frequently necessary with variety shows. Their low price is also particularly worth a mention. This makes it easy to employ a combination of multiple cameras. The SD Cards can also be purchased at low cost and they’re reusable, which helps greatly by substantially keeping down running cost.”
Aerial Shots,Underwater Shots, and Action Scenes/Taking Advantage of the Camera’s CompactBody
Watanabe has also contributed his expertise to a “balloon movie,” where aerial shots are captured by hanging acamera from a balloon. “When you’re trying to shoot from aballoon you have to contend with a weight limit, so here again I employed the AG-HCK10G forits small and light body and high image quality. The AG-HMR10 has a monitor, and if you use the 20m cable that’s offered as an option, you can easily checkshots from the ground and remote control any function, from zooming toadjusting the iris. The AG-HMR10 is small and light as well, so even if youwant to go higher than 20 meters, you can get it up in the air along with the AG-HCK10G. Moreover, it allows you to shoot continuously for a long time, so there’s alsothe benefit of not having to bring the balloon down all the time. If you shoot at 24p, you can extract beautiful still images too,” says Watanabe.
He also cites an interesting way to use it for action scenes in dramas. By attaching the AG-HCK10Gto a leg or an arm during a fight scene, you can capture an image that’s richlyrealistic. “It’s something that’s possible because of the compact body. The blur that’s created in the image by the punch or kick adds energy to the shot and gives you a scene that’s vivid and powerful. If you use the 20m cable, the director can also direct the actors from someplace removed while checking the shot through a monitor. If we see further upgrades in the future, like wireless, the camera will become even more versatile,” he enthuses. When Watanabe tried the technique, he did a test shoot in 720/60p and did a trial run of the HS (High Speed) effect and got satisfying results. Next time he wants to try attaching the camera to the actor’s head to capture a scene from the p.o.v. ( point of view ) of the one getting punched.
“The pairing of AG-HMR10 and AG-HCK10G allows for remote control of the camera function so it enables you to shoot a rich variety of shots that isn’t possible with traditional cameras.” Watanabe is currently in the process of developing a waterproof blimp that will make it possible to shoot underwater from as deep as 5m below sea level via remote control from a nearby boat.
* The Users Reports provided aboveis correct as of the time of publication. Note that information such as company and organization names may no longer be correct.