April 2018 CREATION 25
New flowtech tripod transforms workflows at Singapore ’ s Zake Productions
BY ZAVIER OW AND KEEFE CHAN
At Zake Productions , our team of neversay-die professionals is always looking for better and more innovative ways to tell a story . We are all passionate about the art of videography , and that is because our craft is much more than a job — it is what defines us . There are so many beautiful moments in life , and all we have to do is capture them . But we need the right tools for the job .
Finally , the right tripod for our team
In a nutshell , flowtech is an all-new , carbonfibre tripod system that features incredibly fast-to-deploy legs , distinctive quick-release brakes , and easily adjustable levers for almost-instant set-up in any type of remote production environment . These features mean all three legs can be deployed simultaneously and adjusted automatically to the ground ’ s surface , eliminating the need for operators to bend over and manually adjust multiple brakes on each leg .
Prior to getting the flowtech , we had been putting off purchasing a tripod of our own and instead were having to rely on either rented or borrowed equipment . On most of our jobs , we operate as a small crew , and factors such as weight and speed of set-up are important .
As soon as we heard about flowtech , we knew we had to have one in our operation . Today , we use a flowtech 75 tripod equipped with a Sachtler FSB-8 camera head , and it has turned out to be the perfect solution for
As part of a facility-wide modernisation programme , TVI Portugal has installed Riedel Communications ’ Artist digital matrix intercom system , which operates with an existing conference system to allow for communications across three fibre-connected studios on-site and via interruptible foldback ( IFB ) connections to different external locations .
The Riedel system is deployed across TVI studios dedicated to news , virtual production and entertainment , and the three areas are linked by centrally and directly managed IFBs and mix-minuses with 2x39 simultaneous direct inputs from three different consoles ( direct outs and mix minus ) being used to create feeds .
Working with this Artist set-up , TVI staff in both audio and master control can take advantage of time-saving features , including presets that recall snapshots of frequently used system configurations . Artist not only simplifies management of fibre lines between the studios but capturing 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) footage with our Ursa Mini 4.6K camera .
The flowtech in action
So far , we have used the flowtech 75 on a wide range of productions , including corporate shoots and commercials , and we are now in the midst of shooting a featurelength documentary . We use a two-person crew on most of our projects ; therefore , speed and ease of set-up are absolutely essential . One great feature of the flowtech is the ability to adjust it instantly to heights as low as 26cm ( 10 inches ) and as high as 153cm ( 60 inches ) without the detachable spreader , and up to 157cm ( 62 inches ) high with the spreader .
This means that instead of having to resort to shorter camera supports like “ high hats ” and “ apple boxes ,” we can just leave the camera on the flowtech to accommodate any height we need . The flowtech hinge lock mechanism , with only one easy-to-reach latch per leg , is a huge improvement over the knobs you have to turn on a more conventional tripod . You never have to move your hand away from the latch to raise or lower the tripod , and a simple lever makes attaching and detaching the feet super easy .
The flowtech ’ s extremely light weight is another huge benefit , as we move around a lot during a typical production . Instead of having to rent a tripod in a destination country , this tripod is light enough to fly with us to just about any location .
TVI Portugal installs Riedel Artist comm ecosystem
also serves as an audio router , equipped with convenient automation capabilities , for the 48 VoiP lines that facilitate guest commentary and live call-in contributors to TVI news programmes .
TVI put the Artist to its first major test for coverage of Portugal ’ s national elections , a huge show incorporating 37 concurrent IFBs to different points in the country . As it expands its channel offerings in Portugal and beyond , the broadcaster plans to continue modernising and upgrading its communications capabilities with further deployments of Riedel gear .
Maribel Roman , sales manager for Southern Europe , Riedel Communications , said : “ This project at TVI truly showcases the power and flexibility of the Artist communication ecosystem . With a client who knows exactly what they want and Riedel technical staff and integration partners who are intimately familiar with the capabilities of the platform , almost anything is possible .”
Zake Productions has used the flowtech 75 tripod on a wide range of productions , including corporate shoots and commercials .
The best tool for the job
Put simply , no other brand of tripod comes close to the sleek and lightweight flowtech .
Our mission at Zake Productions is to deliver the highest-quality video production possible , regardless of how crazy or surreal the idea might be . With tools like flowtech bringing greater ease and flexibility to the job , we are free to realise our clients ’ vision in the most creative manner possible .
Zavier Ow and Keefe Chan are co-owners and directors of Zake Productions , a Singaporebased video production company .
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