Making demanding web videos around the world with Sachtler s Ace M

Making demanding web videos around the world with Sachtler's Ace M 18 Apr 2013

Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come, thought young filmmakers Paul Jax and Niclas L ffler in the spirit of Victor Hugo and so they started their own film production company We Make Them Wonder in 2012. Their specialty: web videos that stand out from the crowd demanding and creative. With these ideas, they are very successful, and their commissioned work has already taken them to 18 countries. The filmmakers were looking for a handy, lightweight tripod system suited to the budget of the young start-up company; they needed a system with a quick set-up, durability, versatility, intuitive operation, and designed for work with video-enabled DSLR cameras. They chose the Ace M tripod system with mid-level spreader by Sachtler, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company.

Adaptable in the tuscan countryside

When a tripod system works dependably in the Brazilian jungle as it does in the snow of Spitsbergen, you can be more than satisfied, says Niclas L ffler. But even when the weather isnt particularly challenging, Ace M wins over filmmakers. To profile an artist, we spent a few days in Tuscany last fall. The weather was super, which meant we shot a lot outside in nature. As our tripod is lightweight and quick to set up, we were able to work very flexibly. In addition, secure footing plays an important part for outdoor shoots. Depending on the surface, the Ace 75/2 D offers rubber feet or retractable spikes to guarantee a firm stand. The mid-level spreader provides an extra level of stability on top of that, says Paul Jax.

Lightweight on the streets of St. Petersburg

For Etsy.com, an online shop for handmade products, Paul Jax and Niclas L ffler traveled to Russia. There, they followed shoemaker Vladimir Grigoryev in St. Petersburg with their camera. During filming in the city, the up-and-coming filmmakers also profited from the light weight of the Sachtler tripod system. Niclas L ffler recalls: Once again, we were constantly on the go, and our Ace was, of course, always at our side. The lightweight combination with the solid fluid head is an ideal support for our method of working. It enabled us to film in public transport, in a tiny music rehearsal room, in busy shopping districts, and in the Palace Square in front of the Hermitage Museum. And in Vladimirs workshop, several nice extreme high angle shots were captured. To do this, the tripod was quickly extended to its maximum length.

Dependable on a dreamy chinese beach

Especially after filming concerts and sports events, every filmmaker becomes aware that equipment must also be particularly dependable, says Niclas L ffler as he begins his report about the filming of the womens longboard world championship. He filmed the finale on the coast of Hainan, the Chinese Hawaii. We had great waves, tropical temperatures, and the competition was very exciting. But before I could really enjoy my work in paradise, I did get a bit nervous. Fluid heads and sand are, by nature, not the best combination. Even the most expensive equipment comes up short here. But even in the sand, we were fortunately able to depend on Sachtler. Working with Ace M, you notice the high level of quality that was pursued during development. All of the settings worked in the sand without delays, and the pans were just as clean as they usually are.

As soon as Ace L hits the stores, Jax and L ffler want to see their tripod systems big brother for themselves. The extended payload range of 6 kg (13 lbs) would be an advantage for us. As the corresponding tripods are made of carbon-fiber, which makes them even lighter, they would, of course, be optimal for our purposes, says Paul Jax.

For more information, go to www.sachtler.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the company on Twitter or contact Sachtler directly +49 89 32158 200, contact@sachtler.de

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