Miller Braves Snowy Japan

Miller Camera Support Equipment has assisted Australian photographer and writer Shane Peel with its Compass 12 Solo 75 Carbon Fibre system during shooting in Hokkaido, Japan for the production of his debut documentary film 'Snowsurf'.

Miller's Compass 12 Solo 75 Carbon Fibre system consists of the Compass 12 Fluid Head and the Solo 75 3-Stage Carbon Fibre Tripod. Features include selectable smooth pan/tilt drags, illuminated bubble level and quick release sliding camera plate with 60mm travel.
"The reality of film making is that it's a whole lot more complex than capturing stills; camera movements are the key to this type of storytelling, which is why I chose to work with Miller's Compass 12 Solo 75 2-Stage Carbon Fibre system as my primary camera support solution on this project," Mr Peel said. "Miller tripods and fluid heads have been in my equipment roster since day one. Shooting in Hokkaido, where long hikes in waist-deep snow and negative 30 degree wind chills are the norm and a simple mistake can take your life, means that the equipment decisions have to make sense from the get-go. Working with Miller's exemplary camera support solutions makes the most sense to me."
Shane is currently one year into the production of 'Snowsurf', which is a documentary on the history of a special snowboard subculture that exists in Japan's northern-most island, Hokkaido.
"Communications during this project have been difficult. As my crew doesn't speak a word of Japanese, we are often faced with sudden changes while shooting, because language barriers often hinder the communication between the rider and the crew. For instance, a slow, steady panning shot can turn into a rapid double axis 'L' movement in a matter of seconds," Peel said. "To be able to smoothly adjust the Compass 12 Fluid Head's movement speed to any of the three pressure options in a moment's notice has been a real advantage. Additionally, the illuminated bubble level has been incredibly handy, especially when working during the darkening blizzards I often experience! The head is a joy to work with."
He continued: "I have experienced some amazing days, shooting in unique places that boggle my mind – awesome silver-birch glades, natural hot springs and majestic snow-capped volcanoes are just some of nature's amazing gifts that I've seen. And, the defining element, through it all, has been the smooth, clean movement of Miller's Compass 12 system."

www.millertripods.com

(IT/JP)