Go Green Guide: Filmiami

One thing that is easy to overlook when you are part of a production is the environment.  I've talked to people in the industry in the past, and they have admitted to being on a lot of projects that paid no attention to their carbon footprint.  And the bigger the production, the more damage is being done to our precious environment.  Xavier Cortes is currently working with Netflix on a project in Miami, as an assistant in the Craft Service Dept.  His production has made an effort to reduce waste by providing water to crew members to refill containers, and reduce plastic waste.

The folks at Filmiami, collaboration of several organizations that are supporting the film industry in the miami area, have posted a "Go Green Guide".  This is a very detailed reference manual that gives guidance is all aspects of the production, including Transportation, Construction, Wardrobe, and Craft Service.  It is my hope that these practices will be implemented during more productions in my beautiful city of Miami, and as well, all around the world.

  

Low Angle Tripod Steadicam

This is the low angle version of a steadicam I made from a tripod.  I used the action grip handle Opteka X-Grip MKIII, which the camera is mounted on.  I put a car monitor on the handle, and tied the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery to the tripod legs.  There is a Aputure V-Mic D1 shotgun mic attached to the action grip.  I used this rig to film the below video.

The Handlepod

The Handlepod is a handy little device I found a few months ago. They retail for around $30.

Using a standard 1/4" mount, the Handlepod can used in many different ways. This little device has bailed me out in so many situations. 

The elastic band allows you to attach it to most objects, including boom poles, trees, railings, handle bars, skate boards, car rearview mirrors, etc., allowing you to mount things such as lights, microphones, monitors, and of course, cameras. 

You combine this with an action camera such as a GoPro, and the potential is limitless. Equipped with strong tension knobs, the Handlepod can hold fairly heavy objects. It may not handle a DSLR, but it could handle most fairly heavy camcorders and point and shoots. I highly recommend this, as I have found many uses for it, and think it is well worth its selling price.