Eching

“Always prepared the director´s ideas”

 
“Useful. Chronological. Good.” This is Markus Kambeck’s opinion of the structure of the Basic Camera Stabilizing Systems workshops. They take place regularly at the Wendelin Sachtler Academy studio in Eching near Munich. In April 2009, Markus Kambeck from Karlsruhe and other participants will now use the artemis camera stabilizing system at the AV-Studio Jochen Heine GmbH – a film production company for commercial and industrial films
 
Wendelin Sachtler Academy: the developer of artemis, Curt O. Schaller, ran the workshop – how was the atmosphere?
Markus Kambeck: “It was great! Curt’s way of getting across even complex matters in an understandable way is very pleasant. He has many years of professional experience and because he developed the system, he is the perfect man to answer all the questions. He did very well and he also gave us many tips for working on the set. Also, the group was just perfect, so it was doubly enjoyable.”

You tested the artemis EFP Pro HD SDI upgraded with the HotSwap technology of the artemis EFP HD SE during the Basic Camera Stabilizing Systems Workshops. What do you think of this system?
“It’s super. I particularly liked the HD-SDI, HotSwap and the RED Option features. The vest also turned out well and is very flexible. The weight is actually distributed optimally over the whole body. The burden lies on the hips and shoulders and not directly on the spine. With the modular construction of the artemis system one is prepared for all the ideas a director may come up with – and most adjustments take only a few seconds or minutes. I have also tested the spring arm: it’s a precise piece of technology with optimum functionality. I was very impressed by the high versatility of the artemis system, it allows me to work with many diverse video and film systems. The quality of workmanship of the artemis system is outstanding. The feeling when it’s first positioned is really good, there is no play between the parts and the well-made gimbal is absolutely precise.”

Which specific demands do modern HD cameras make on a camera stabilizing system?
“The AV-Studio Jochen Heine GmbH owns many different types of cameras – it is very important that the camera stabilizing system is versatile. Many of our shots are done with the RED ONE so HD monitoring is essential for 4-K recordings. The ability to use SD and HD signals is of absolute advantage today. The HotSwap technology of the artemis EFP HD SE is highly appreciated when working with the RED because the camera has very long boot cycles. It is also very important that batteries can be changed without interrupting the power supply in order to maintain the flow on the set, to avoid unnecessary waiting time.”

The workshops of the Wendelin Sachtler Academy are modulary structured and include theory and practice. How do you like this concept?
“I really enjoyed the workshop. My current knowledge was taken into account and I was able to learn a lot more. The combination of theory and practice was well balanced. I am now able to balance my system much better. As a result, my picture is now automatically more stable. Also, the movements of my body are more defined. I believe that the practical exercises were very helpful in this matter. I think everyone’s wish is to have somebody watching him who will pass on valuable tips right away. For instance, I am now able to correct my bad posture immediately. Practicing different ways of walking also opened new possibilities for me. One has to actually do this to work the muscles. You can’t learn this by just hearing about it. I will definitely attend the Advanced Workshop, if time permits.”