Hiring On All Cylinders

Shoot HD, a Pinewood Studios-based camera hire company, takes kit and crew to Anglesey Circuit for a BMW drifting session.

Shoot HD was recently involved in the production of promotional films for two of BMW’s latest and fastest cars, the Concept M4 GTS and M2 Coupé. Three days were spent at the picturesque Anglesey Circuit on the coast of the Welsh island with two precision drivers, which meant plenty of speed and plenty of noise, to be captured with multiple cameras and sound recording techniques.

The principal footage was shot on an ARRI AMIRA, including tracking shots on a jib arm from a tracking vehicle, plus up and past trackside shots and statics. Aerial material was captured with a Panasonic GH4 on a drone. Shoot HD crew were responsible for chase car tracking shots of the M2, the on-car minicam shots for both films and capturing the specific sounds of the cars.

A BMW M3 was supplied for use as a chase car for close up high-speed tracking shots of the M2 on the circuit. The main camera, a Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon L series zoom lens, was mounted forward facing on the front of the M3 using a custom car rig, at an extreme low angle to maximise the feel of speed.

GoPro HERO4 Black minicams were placed with suction cups at other points around the car to cover more angles as the tracking car moved around the M2.

GoPros were also used on the M4 and M2 for close up product badge and wheel shots, capturing the smoke generated by the screeching tyres.

Employing techniques commonly used in car video game sound production, a range of sounds were captured from various perspectives to give the post sound mixer a rich base of accurate audio of both cars, from which to build the films' soundtracks. In order to convey the immense power of the cars, it was necessary not only to obtain exterior sounds but get under the hood and onto the rear to close mic the engines and exhausts.

A range of specialist high SPL (sound pressure level) lavalier and dynamic mics were rigged in the engine bays and close to the exhaust pipes, strategically to minimise wind noise while capturing the intended sounds cleanly.

Several sound laps were completed with each car including plenty of drifting to get those screeching sounds (and bring up the soundman's lunch). Exterior car sounds and atmos were recorded with shotgun mics and a stereo mic array.

The completed films can be viewed on the BMW UK YouTube channel.

Shoot HD is a camera, grip, lighting and crewing company based at Pinewood Studios, and can offer experienced crew complete with competitive kit packages.

www.shoothd.co.uk

(JP/LM)