Per... another well done piece - this time with YOU as the wildlife !

Based on your use...some time ago I bought the same crane... It looks like you are using it on your tripod using the tripod screw, is that correct? I also made a short extension out of wood for the weight end of the tripod so I can reduce the weight needed by 1/2 due to a longer fulcrum arm. It reduces the height I can raise to, but is a definite help in carrying weight.

I took the crane with me this trip but never ended up using it. I figured it would be a red flag to park rangers that I was one of those guys needing a permit.... plus it IS heavy and i was already overloaded for a single trip... along a trail where part of which is along a cliff with about a 100 foot drop off... a great place to have been able to use a crane but too dangerous to other hikers to do so.

Thanks for sharing your information. Iit was helpful.

Chris Swanberg

ps. I am jealous of your tripod.

@Cat - it´s all depends how the light and other conditions are. And of course how you like your footage to look like. In cloudy weather, there´s often no use in using the PL-filter.
So my advice will be to try out the filter in different conditions and time of day and analyze your footage afterwards. Shoot some sequence both with and without the filter.
Also remember to try different filter positions (by turning the filter and look how the the picture change it´s amount of dark blue of the sky). Hope you understand what I mean here?

@Chris - thanks so much for your comment! I agree that operating a crane always draw much interest from people in the neighborhood! Often they ask me what TV-station I´m from and when this will be aired!
Thanks for the tip about extension, haven´t thought about this, I will try it out!

Per:

Do you keep the polarizing filter on all the time during the day? I'd like to get one. I have two of my most scenic shots ruined because of the unintentional white sky. :-(

Cat

there are several ways to replace a lost or blown sky...it's very easy in Color or you can add a blue gradient in the FCP timeline, composite in some clouds, if you like, etc...

I just got in from another extended trip and read your excellent answers to my questions. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed reply. I guess we’re all on the downhill stretch for this project! I hope things are going well for you.

Hi Per
I have to say I really appreciate your input here on Uwol. You too, raise the bar for us with each new submission and as your work is getting better all the time there is always something new to learn from the way you do things. Even when you are working in a studio, your work is technically amazing. Thanks too for sharing your expertise so generously.

Although I have subsequently read that you may perhaps not include this piece in the final film, and that this may therefore be superfluous, one thought that did cross my mind while I was watching your video is that the equipment you discuss is too specific for a general (video-making) audience, which I assume is the audience you are aiming at, because you are describing specific products and equipment that are probably way beyond the reach of most new, young and aspiring videographers.

If you decide to go with this idea in your story (rather than as a an explanation of how the video was made at the end) then perhaps it may be better to give a general overview of video equipment and show the advantages, with examples, of having certain specialized equipment like special lenses and jibs, etc. My guess is that most people who would find this video interesting and helpful won’t have cameras with interchangeable lenses and therefore won't benefit as much as they would from a general discussion on video equipment and techniques.

In your presentation you speak well and you come across well but I feel that overall, the way you present the information in this piece is a too serious. I think most viewers would enjoy it more if it were a little less formal and a little more fun. My suggestion would be to chat to your audience while out in the field - even point out places where a specific piece of equipment could be useful and why, rather than give a formal talk on the subject in the studio.

Your story idea has a great deal of potential and knowing you, with the outstanding shots you have already - from this and other Uwol entries this year - you will put together something really special and masterful as Per usual!