GTC Flying Workshop A Great Success

Last month The Guild of Television Cameramen's (GTC) held the amazing Shooting from Helicopters workshop.
Not for the faint hearted, the seminar was hosted by Mike Smith of Flying TV HD at Denham Aerodrome and was a huge success according to GTC's Workshop Coordinator Clive North. In addition to Mike and Co-Host Monica Wyer of Flying TV, the contributors were the GTC's very own experienced Aerial Cameramen Alan Duxbury, Laurie Gilbert and Rex Palmer.
Mike Smith kicked off the workshop by discussing how helicopters operate, how they are affected by weather and terrain, how cameramen should always work with pilots with aerial filming experience, and safe operating techniques whilst in the air. Loss of tail rotor effectiveness was shown to be the cause of many accidents involving aerial filming, while pilot error was the principal cause of most mishaps. On a more positive note, Mike showed how safe helicopters actually are and how they provide a unique filming platform.
Mike specialises in TV work from his own Cineflex-equipped Robinson helicopters and champions the use of such gimbal-mounts for rock-steady aerial work.
Alan Duxbury gave a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding a near-fatal low-level crash he was involved in whilst filming for a Ray Mears programme in the US and of his legal battle to obtain compensation.
Rex Palmer was able to show a chilling video clip of the occasion when the helicopter he was filming from cartwheeled into a Middlesex lake after a skid clipped the surface of the water.
Laurie Gilbert's contribution, given by Rex Palmer, was a detailed account of how to rig a helicopter safely for open-door filming, how to obtain steady hand-held pictures, and the use of aerial mounts.
Two members, Max Hodgetts and Phil Nixon, won the opportunity to fly with an instructor on a 'Hover Challenge' which culminated with them attempting to hold a manhole cover central in the view of the aircraft's Cineflex camera whilst flying a 360 degree orbit around it. The cameramen's actions were relayed live via a video link set up by Vislink technicians for the event.
Oliver Ward of Helicopter Film Services also introduced GTC members to the large Wescam gimbals housing ARRI 35 mm cameras and a 24 HD system.
For more information visit: www.gtc.org.uk
(BMcN/GK)