Camera Copters

14661 SW 141st Pl Miami FL 33186 P:305-232-7687 F: 305-232-7084 www.cameracopters.com

 

Camera Copters’ turnkey aerial production units are unique in the world. The custom-built 53-foot transport/production trailers, dubbed Big Rig 1 and Big Rig 2, are self-contained mobile units designed to house the company’s Hughes/MD-500D helicopters on the road. Modeled after a NASCAR race truck, each Big Rig carries a helicopter, camera gear and jet fuel to job sites in the US, Canada and even Mexico in some cases.

"Other companies move helicopters on flatbed trucks, but nobody else has a totally turnkey unit fully outfitted with equipment plus a lounge, rest room and sat Internet service," says president Paul Barth. "Our Big Rigs are designed to be a customer’s base of operations on location."

With production budgets shrinking and filmmakers looking to stretch production dollars by taking advantage of attractive state incentive packages, Barth believes "there’s never been a better time" to offer his Big Rig concept for on-location aerial support. Since the Big Rigs come complete with gyro-stabilized film or HD camera systems, FAA-approved camera mounting brackets, recording and monitoring gear, crew, plus helicopter and pilot, customers are spared the expense of shipping in resources from various locations, arranging crew transport and ferrying in the helicopter saving thousands of production dollars.

Having bases in Florida, New York and California, Camera Copters also maintains a Louisiana corporation and keeps one of the Big Rigs in that state when the pace of production is heavy. This enables producers taking advantage of Louisiana’s lucrative production incentives to get tax credits for using Barth’s Big Rig as well.

Camera Copters’ second Big Rig hit the road in early 2008 and is identical to the original truck except for its completely black exterior. "Its unmarked exterior means it can be used as a prop in a production," Barth explains. He’s developing, with producers in LA, a TV series and possible feature in which the unit plays a starring role.

Meanwhile, the Big Rigs were used for the Florida aerial segments of the feature Get Smart, and they have traveled to many other states, including Michigan for corporate projects, including one for Sea-doo, and Missouri for PGA golf.

The Discovery Channel also tapped a Big Rig for back-to-back shows in its Ways to Save the Planet series. "We traveled across the country with them to each location which guarantees a continuity of production," Barth points out. The trucks have been on hand for The Amazing Race at multiple US locations and followed several 3,000-mile races of The Bull Run, including one for Spike TV.

"It’s very cost effective to bring a Big Rig to any part of the country, especially areas without aerial resources of their own," emphasizes Barth. "One phone call does it all."

Barth himself recently served as aerial coordinator and pilot for Jonah Hex in Los Angeles and Earthbound in central Florida, for the hang gliding sequences, and New Orleans. He is currently heading out on the road to shoot ocean racing in Newport for ESPN Sports, Discovery Channel’s Curiosity Retreats in Gateway, Colorado and a Word War II dog-fight sequence in Atlanta as well as prepping for the feature The Green Lantern shooting in New Orleans.

 

 

Professional Sound Services

311 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 P:212-586-1033 (800-883-1033) www.pro-sound.com

New York City's Professional Sound Services (PSS) is dedicated to providing the best in audio equipment sales, service and rentals throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

For a number of years PSS has brought a concern for service to a loyal clientele in production sound for motion pictures, broadcasting and video production. They also serve recording studios, schools, universities and government agencies worldwide.

Owner Rich Topham Jr. is a leader in bringing "sound education" to many throughout the years. With experience in just about all aspects of sound and recording in production and postproduction, he has worked with many major films, televisions series, sitcoms, commercials and industrial videos. He has received six Emmy Awards for technical support in sound and is a member of the Cinema Audio Society (CAS), Society of Motion Pictures Technicians and Engineers (SMPTE), Audio Engineering Society (AES), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and National Technical Investigators' Association (NATIA).

Rich believes that "education is fundamentally the most important part of the audio business," and PSS workshops offer the tools, techniques and procedures used in the professional sound business. Workshop students gain an appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of sound recording, learn tricks for creating an audio design and explore how to manipulate room tone, dialogue and effects tracks for a realistic sound presence. Pre-production planning, boom and wireless microphone operation, microphone planting, tape deck signal set up, and other techniques are also addressed.

In addition, students are introduced to the latest recording equipment, inter-format recording for music videos and commercial production, time code and other management tools for postproduction. PSS holds at least two workshops each month, either onsite in the New York City store or on location at various colleges, universities or private businesses.

Rich also makes sure the tech staff at PSS is technically up-to-date. "In this everchanging environment, sound mixers need the latest gear and the latest knowledge of the best way to run that gear," he notes. A recent client testimonial says it all: "I can always rely on the PSS staff to answer all my questions without having to 'get back to me.' Their knowledge is up to the minute and immediate."

The Rental Department carries a wide range of the latest equipment for all audio needs. From a Sound Device mixer to a Lectrosonics combo system to a Sennheiser microphone, PSS offers a three-day Rental Week, a deal that can't be beat. Rental manager Mike Boyle customizes packages to make sure they're just right for clients.

As a Factory Authorized Service Center for many manufacturers in the audio business, PSS provides prompt and reliable service on a wide variety of professional audio equipment, both in and out of warranty. "I know that their investment in production audio equipment is important to clients," says Rich. "Regular care and maintenance is an important step in prolonging the life of that investment, and service manager Vlad Tarasov, one of the best audio technicians around, helps with that process."

PSS recently added a postproduction studio equipped with the best in professional equipment for both audio and video. Need audio clean up, an audio transfer with time code, or just a basic audio dub? No problem. Open 24/7? No problem. The PSS technical staff is highly qualified and respected.

PSS offers the largest inventory of professional sound equipment on its website (www.pro-sound.com) where the monthly online newsletter presents news, photos and stories from the field. Customers can buy directly online or stop by the New York City office to chat with the staff and share pizza Friday at noon.

 

Tupelo Film Office

PO Drawer 47 Tupelo, MS 38802 P:800-533-0611 www.tupelo.net

 

Tupelo, recognized worldwide as the "Birthplace of Elvis," is a city that has attracted filmmakers and production companies across the globe for years. The filming of documentaries and television programs about Elvis, gospel music, the Natchez Trace Parkway and other subjects have been of continued interest.

"It is the mission of the Tupelo Film Commission to attract productions to Tupelo," says Pat Rasberry who heads The Tupelo Film Commission. "We are genuine in our efforts to accommodate filmmakers’ requests and provide the assistance needed for successful projects. We are fortunate to have a municipality and citizens who are supportive of film productions." In addition to supporting productions, the Tupelo Film Commission has increased film synergy in the area. The Commission also oversees the Tupelo Film Festival, Film Workshops, Children’s Film Events, Indie Film Series and other special film projects.

A city of 36,000 residents, which expands to 100,000 during the workday, Tupelo has a wonderful historic downtown district, interesting and remarkable attractions, great retail venues, old buildings and that ‘Pleasantville’ environment. Also within a few miles is the Tombigbee River, diverse terrain, cotton and soybean fields, manufacturing and industrial plants, and railroad yards.

The city also has an innovative alternative to soundstages for producers looking to shoot interiors or do extensive set building. Tupelo is the third-largest furniture market in the country with two huge furniture complexes. The Tupelo Furniture Market Complex is open all year with the exception of a six-week limitation during furniture market season, but the Mississippi Complex is open the entire year for film requests or set building.

"The buildings have many amenities," Rasberry points out, citing carpenters, electricians, office support, security, 24-hour access, props from permanent showrooms, huge lighted parking lots, RV hook-ups, catering venues, an onsite apartment, and numerous loading docks. The largest space available in the six-building Tupelo Complex is 96,000 square feet and the largest column-less space is 63,000 square feet. The Mississippi Complex offers spaces measuring 43,000 and 39,000 square feet.

Mississippi’s Motion Picture Incentive Program offers "great incentives to filmmakers," says Rasberry. "Ward Emling, director of the Mississippi Film Office, has been the driving force behind enhancing the incentive package and making it more attractive." Emling continues to research ideas and opportunities to improve the rebate program and strengthen the crew base in Mississippi.

"With great incentives, warm hospitality and genuine interest, Tupelo wants to be your next film location," she declares. "Take a look at what we have to offer and give us a call."

 

Virginia Film Office

901 E Byrd St Richmond VA 23219 P:800-854-6233 www.film.virginia.org

 

Virginia and the Civil War

The United States is approaching the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, and the spotlight is on Virginia, once the capital of the Confederacy and the site of more major Civil War battles than any other state. In 1861 the first battle of Manassas was fought at Bull Run, and the following year two ironclad ships engaged in the first naval battle of the war. Numerous other battles were fought in the state, including the second battle of Bull Run and the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. The war reached its conclusion in Richmond followed by the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

Virginia has a wide range of architecture dating from the Civil War era. Government and commercial buildings, farms, railroad stations and historic homes can replicate this important era in American history. Films such as Gods and Generals, Cold Mountain, Tad and Gore Vidal’s Lincoln have all taken advantage of Virginia’s rich Civil War historical sites and locations.

In addition to its history, Virginia is a study in contrasts where spectacular natural beauty and rich architecture co-exist with a wide variety of cities and towns. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean with urban resort towns and deserted ocean beaches. To the west are rolling foothills, dramatic mountain vistas and serene valleys. There are towns of all sizes and descriptions, some rough and industrial, others historical and charming, still others sleek and ultra-modern. Dirty Dancing, Coal Miner’s Daughter, What About Bob? Evan Almighty and Sommersby all showcase Virginia’s scenic and urban locations. Richmond also doubles for Washington, D.C.; feature films such as The Contender, Hannibal, Dave, and First Kid all used Richmond as the nation’s capital.

To find out about filming in Virginia visit www.film.virginia.org or call 800.854.6233.

 

Raleigh Studios

5300 Melrose Ave E Bldg Los Angeles CA 90038 P:323-960-FILM www.raleighstudios.com

 

Phase One of Raleigh Studios at The Celtic Media Centre in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been completed, Four soundstages are up-and-running for all forms of entertainment, including feature films, TV programming, audience-based shows and special events. The complex is owned by The Celtic Group and operated and managed by Los Angeles-based Raleigh Studios.

΄Until now, the influx of production to Louisiana to take advantage of the state’s production tax incentives has been a location-based business,‘ notes Kevin Murphy, director of studio operations. ΄We hope filmmakers will begin to think of Baton Rouge as a place to do stage-related work, too.‘

The Celtic Media Centre opens with Stage 1, measuring 4,000-square feet; Stage 2 at 7,000-square feet; Stage 5 at 28,000-square feet; and Stage 8 at 29,600-square feet. All feature sound reinforcement, silent air conditioning and lots of power.

΄This complex is not a converted warehouse,‘ Murphy makes clear. ΄All of the stages meet Class-A production requirements in one purpose-built building.‘

The Celtic Media Centre features a number of anchor tenants that support the production industry: Hollywood Rentals for lighting and grip equipment; Ragtime DNA Rentals for grip and drapery; Cast & Crew Payroll; and the corporate headquarters of Hollywood Trucks for honeywagons, dressing rooms and stake bed trucks.

In addition, the complex is home to independent production company Films In Motion (which also offers postproduction) and has just added The Post Digital company to the facility.

Louisiana boasts a strong crew base, says Murphy, and local crews ΄are growing at a steady pace.‘ Baton Rouge and surrounding communities have been supportive of what they see as a new, clean industry that stands to build on a very successful production incentive program that has filled state coffers and propelled Louisiana to the rank of #1 incentive states in the country.

Although The Celtic Media Centre just officially opened it is already hosting Chameleon, a French drama starring Ellen Barkin and Famke Jansen. It is shooting on Stage 2 and on location in the area.

Films In Motion is also posting its two latest Indie features, Burning Palms and Deadline which are headed for the festival circuit.

The complex expects to draw more producers, domestic and international, as word of its opening spreads. It is conveniently located between the corridor of Interstate routes 10 and 12; it is 15 minutes from the Baton Rouge airport and downtown hotel accommodations and just 60 miles from New Orleans.

"When producers say they are shooting in &rsquot;LA&rsquot; you&rsquot;re going to have to ask them which one!" Murphy predicts.