OConnor is supporting “To the Arctic,” the seventh project in the MacGillivray Freeman Films ocean-and-water-themed films that promote conservation of the natural world.
Shot entirely in 15/70mm in Canada, Alaska, Greenland and the Arctic Ocean, “To the Arctic” uses 3D IMAX cinematography to document the life and diversity in the Arctic as well as the dramatic transformations taking place in the region from climate change. The new OConnor 120EX head supported the IMAX MARK-II camera, which weights 125lbs fully loaded.
The 120EX is the flagship of OConnor’s new Extended Capacity range of fluid heads — the EX range. The head features a new kind of stepless counterbalance system as well as a new ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag designed for high-end production shooting.
In the IMAX format, any small aberration in movement is highly exaggerated. So the head must be extremely smooth with no jerkiness. With the 120EX head, the user can tilt from straight up to straight down and stop anywhere in between and the camera will stay. Then the move can continue without any glitch or jerkiness.
The older model OConnor head had spring tension and counter spring tension, so operators had to use a little muscle strength to make a smooth move.
“To the Arctic” is scheduled for release to 3D and 2D theatres in the spring of 2011.
