Garrett Brown Custom Olympic Camera Rigs Interview [29:26m]: Download

While watching this year’s Summer Olympic games in Beijing, I was struck by the unique and varied ways used to get the camera up close and involved in the action of each sport. From the submarine-style camera that followed swimmers from below, to the eye-in-the-sky shot overlooking the rowing venue, to the dynamic camera that followed platform divers down into the water, each a creative and technical feat. To find out just how these amazing shots were accomplished I spoke with the man who designed the rigs, the legendary Garrett Brown. Garrett really needs no introduction, anyone who has worked in the film and video industry should recognize the man who invented the Steadicam and countless other unique dynamic motion rigs over the years. In this fascinating podcast interview, we engage in a frank and open conversation about how he developed the rigs used in the Olympics, and the specific challenges that had to be overcome to make it all possible.

We discuss the underwater MobyCam used in swimming heats, and how it has evolved over the years from the first iteration which Garrett himself hand-cranked all through the 1992 Barcelona games. We talk about the DiveCam, a unique rig that allowed the camera to follow divers into the water during platform diving. Garrett discusses the relatively new FlyCam, a lightweight HD camera rig that rides a 1/4-inch line stretched taut 3000 feet over the rowing and canoeing venue. And of course we talk about the omnipresent Steadicam used to some extent in nearly every venue and event during the games. In the course of the interview I asked, in addition to live production, how these new tools and techniques are being used in traditional filmmaking. And late in our discussion, Garrett dishes on his dream that one day the horse racing industry will call upon him to create a rig that rides below the infield rail of a horse racing track and provides a stunning low-angle views similar to those you can see in films like Seabiscuit. To hear Garrett describe his vision of the shot is extremely compelling. Finally, don’t miss the word on the Mysterious MoleCam, still unavailable for rental. You can see the rigs we discussed, and more, at www.garrettcam.com.

We hope you find this interview interesting and informative, thanks for listening. To listen, subscribe to the FreshDV podcast feed.