Filmotechnic USA, the industry’s largest provider of high performance camera car systems to the entertainment industry, has stayed busy through most of the Covid-19 pandemic through its adherence to strict, safe production protocols, ensuring safe-as-humanly-possible shoots.
“We’ve been busy in several areas of the country, with others just beginning to come back online,” says Filmotechnic Head of Sales Thom Tanton. “Our safe production protocols have put us in a strong position in regards to keeping everyone safe on set. We want to do everything as carefully as possible.”
In February, Filmotechnic auditioned equipment at Willow Springs Raceway that would prove priceless in keeping live action, on-location production from coming to a complete standstill during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Not only were we trying out three new camera car platforms, but also remote technologies that allow our clients complete control over the production while still maintaining a safe distance,” says Tanton. “Little did we know how vital all our new upgrades would be.”
Filmotechnic has instituted a three pronged approach to safe shooting during Covid-19. First, everyone on the Filmotechnic team adheres to a strict healthcode, including testing for Covid-19 before each production. Each employee answers a health-related questionaire and temp checks begin each shoot day. Masks and gloves are worn at all times under a zero-tolerance policy. Filmotechnic also invested in military grade satellite technology to make collaboration on shoots instantaneous for its clients, allowing for maximum bandwidth and making instantaneous collaboration possible.
A Mercedes Sprinter van acts as a mobile video village to keep clients comfortable and safe. The re-fabricated van features dual HD monitors, live streaming, and climate controlled seating for up to 14 people. Before and after production, the Filmotechnic team uses foggers (like those used by the airlines) with disinfectants to carefully clean every area of each camera car and service vehicle.
Additionally, Filmotechnic indemnifies all clients against lawsuits involving COVID-19 spread during production. “Everyone wants to continue to work, and we all want to stay healthy,” says Tanton.
About Filmotechnic
Filmotechnic is the original in the industry and established the innovative standards with which other companies are now measured by. Over the past 25 years, Oscar® Award Winner Anotoliy Kokush, along with Denis Kokush have built a legacy of advancing camera car systems. Our Academy Award winning developments coupled with other respected achievements in enabling camera movements and image stabilization, deliver a diverse range of professional camera systems, camera cranes and gyro stabilized heads for film, motion picture, and advertising industries. For more information go to www.filmotechnicusa.com or contact John Urso at 310-418-3311.