Over the last 8 years Gordon has acquired a combination of some of the most technologically advanced camera moving products available. He has continued to modify and synthesize this package into a streamlined camera conveyance system that can be carried by a small local crew, into remote locations, enhancing creativity while conserving valuable production resources. The creative flexibility garnered by this hybrid system brings a new level of production value to locations so remote that they would normally be relegated to a "camera only" scenario with today's budgets. Gordon offers special introductory rates on his services with equipment.
The Steadicam
Flier 24 was developed by Garrett Brown and Tiffen as a lower cost,
lightweight, Hi-Def camera stabilizing conveyor. From the factory it was
not possible to pull the whole unit apart quickly and fold it up into
a small backpack. By re-configuring the cabling and tensioning and re-machining
some of the parts Gordon was able to up the load capacity to float the
Arri 235, RED or even the Sony F900. The whole system folds up into the
vest and sets up in less than 10 minutes with no stand needed after the
initial configuration. The Marshall HD/SD multi format monitor works perfectly
on the Microjib, who's Powerhead works equally well on the Suction/Car
Mount or Microdolly allowing smooth, silent, remote pan and tilt of the
moving camera.
One or both of Gordon's Kenyon KS8 Gyros can be bolted to the Steadicam or in a custom built speedrail yolk designed to ride next to the operator for super smooth boat, car, microlight, or helicopter shots that don't bolt to the airframe bypassing FARs that normally shutdown inexpensive non-certified rigs.
The advantage of Gordon's modified system is the crossover compatibility of components with fast set up times in light weight, in waterproof backpacks which allow high production value image acquisition in difficult, remote locations.
Powerhead on the Microjib.
The developer of the Microdolly; Jerry Johnson did a remarkable job of designing and manufacturing this light weight system. The "Microdolly" weighs in under 10 pounds with 13' of track as thin as tent poles that sets up in under 5 minutes. Gordon's "Microjib" weighs in at 15 pounds and carries cameras 3 times its weight with ease. His modified "Microdolly Suction Mount Kit" provides mounting in almost any position on cars, bikes, even at high speeds. The "Powerhead" works with either of these systems and can be used with motors and controller or by cable so it can be used in National Parks and other sensitive areas like the Galapagos Islands where you are not allowed to use motors. The system also has the ability to go from under to above water and back, provided, of course, the camera is properly housed. The Microjib is designed to counterbalance with water, rocks, sand or anything else handy you want to put in the basket, so there is no need to bring weights just to counter balance the camera. The Microjib's silent operation allowed Gordon to use it in a hypnosis session on a pilot program with Pilgrim TV for Discovery.
Pictures of components courtesy of Microdolly, Tiffen and Kenlabs
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Gordon also has a large amount of sports and sport cinematography equipment including underwater communications, housings, rigging equipment, single rope technology, Spelio-equipment and mounting expertise for aerials and vehicle rigs. Though Gordon is not a soundman and will happily work with yours or make recommend but he has supplementary sound equipment, including 3 wireless mics and and a mixer. In addition to underwater HMIs and a DP kit Gordon has a small lighting package tailored the fit the "Highly Portable Production Profile" including 6 battery operated LitePads HO. sets of 3"x6", 6"x6" and 12"x12" Pads can run off either AC or batteries, are dimable and daylight balanced. They make a great fill light for daytime interviews as well as providing hassle free press lights. The LitePads are amazingly useful in cars where they can be taped to the dash or hung from the visor and in small spaces like tents where they can be slipped into a pocket or hand held. With a color temperature of 6000 kelvin and a small filter pack for each light, these are the perfect "anywhere light" that have saved many a night and more than one day. Mains power or not the LitePads are faster, smaller and lighter than comparable lights for small sets or "specials" and save time running "stingers" to ultimately keep the set cleaner. To complement the lighting, cameras and support system are 2 Powerflex Portable Solar Collectors from Global Solar. These 30 watt folding collectors run directly into Tekkeon intermediate lithium batteries which after the sun goes down can then be used to charge or power a variety of devices from the LitePads to camera batteries with output voltage in a range from 4.5v to 19v. Lighting, camera, monitoring, gyros and hothead all are seamlessly integrated. |
Gordon
running with Steadicam with Sony F900H on "3 Peaks 3 Weeks"
for 
Gordon
with Microjib and "3 Peaks 3 Weeks" team beyond Baraka
Camp on Kilimanjaro.
Gordon with Microjib and Sony F900 shooting toward Meru from Kilimanjaro,
using local rocks as counterbalance.
Gordon in Iceland with Microjib shooting "What Lies Below"
Pilot for Discovery with Pilgrim Films.
