Following on from last weeks post about camera mounts for 5D MkII, I was sent a link for another kind of mount – a helikite. It’s a mix between a helium filled blimp and a kite, and allows the camera to make very smooth aerial shots. The clip above is probably shot using a helikite, and probably has some post production jiggery pokery in After Effects too, I just don’t know as the film makers hasn’t revealed his secrets. Yet…
What’s amazing about the DSLR evolution is all the new tech and rigs that allows photography that was previously near impossible without huge rigs. Now it can be built in a garage and packed in the back of car!
More on Helikites on this website here.
Onwards and upwards!
Chris Jones, Film Maker and Author
www.livingspirit.com
mail@livingspirit.com
Freakin amazing.
Isn’t it! AMAZING!
This is the first time in 34 years that I’ve seen a viable replacement for the Steadicam. Just how ‘steadi’ those shots are is astonishing. Both at slow speed, near the ground and high up. You can’t even do that with a Steadicam!
… and an afterthought to my previous post. This device could provide new angles for 3D cinematography. I’d love to see those trees in 3D, especially since tracking through a cluttered set is so effective. It’s like the ‘Canon DSLRs revolution’ of the grip/helicopter world.
Cost for buying a ‘Skyhook’ helikite for lifting a 300g camera are around £1000. Pretty good price!
Beautiful work but in the comments on Vimeo the filmmaker says he used a remote control helicopter – not a helikite.
It’s bizarre he should say it’s a helicopter, when it clearly isn’t in many shots. There would be flakes flying off the branches and shaking of same.
Makes no sense!