OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, announces that cinematographer Eric Schmidt chose the OConnor 2575 to support The Mechanic, directed by Simon West. This high-tech action feature about an elite assassin (Jason Statham) out to avenge his mentor’s murder, was shot on film at a location in Detroit, Shreveport, Washington DC and at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

“Whether I’m shooting commercials, music videos or features, the OConnor Ultimate Fluid Head is always my support of choice,” says Schmidt. “When I first saw the script, I knew that the OConnor would be crucial to capturing the high-octane action sequences quickly and easily, allowing us to pack as much punch in our limited shooting schedule as possible.

“There is an incredible scene where Arthur Bishop (Statham) and his protégé Steve (Ben Foster) flee a cavalcade of gun-wielding private security and the only way out is for them to rappel down the face of a 35-story building,” Schmidt explains. The actors decided to do this eight second 385-foot freefall themselves. Schmidt knew he had to get everything right and cover the stunt perfectly, putting the audience in the middle of the action, the first time.

“This meant using multiple cameras positioned in the most well thought-out places,” he says. “We had A-camera 35 stories up, mounted on an OConnor 2575 with its ability to tilt straight down, holding a Panavision Millennium with a 21mm lens, for the actors as they fell away from the building. Another camera mounted at the base of the building, with a Panavision Millennium mounted with a Primo 27mm, on an OConnor 2575 was pointing straight up as Statham and Foster rush down the face of the building right at camera. And another camera, set up two blocks away, out on a street corner on dolly track doing a slow dolly move, the drag turned way up on its OConnor 2575, creating a smooth countering to the fall and filmed at 40fps.

“Deciding what gear to use to cover an action sequence is as important as deciding how to cover a scene,” Schmidt says strongly. “Especially one with an awesome stunt at the culmination of it! The moment of a perfect stunt doesn’t happen twice and you have to get it right, to do this. It is crucial to select the best equipment under these circumstances because the stakes are so high. That’s why I rely on the OConnor 2575 Ultimate Fluid Head every time.”

“The Mechanic” premiered in the United States, Canada & UK at the end of January 2011 and will begin its worldwide run over the next few months.

For more information go to www.ocon.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow the company on Twitter; or contact OConnor, 2701 N. Ontario St, Burbank, CA 91504, Phone: 818-847-8666, Fax: 818-847-1205.

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News Release Effective: January 28, 2011

About Oconnor

Pioneering fluid head and tripod innovator OConnor has been the choice of top cinematographers since its invention nearly 60 years ago by Chad O’Connor of OConnor Engineering.  Known for their hallmark smooth feel, consistent reliability, and cinematographer-friendly features, OConnor’s award-winning fluid heads offer maximum control and stability for film-style cinematography. Today’s support line includes the Ultimate range of fluid heads and Cine HD and carbon-fiber tripods. With the 120EX OConnor introduced the flagship of its new series of EXTENDED CAPACITY fluid heads—the EX range. OConnor’s new 2575D fluid head continues the legacy of the industry standard – the Ultimate range of fluid heads for cine and digital cameras. The new camera accessory line will offer a range of camera lens tools for high-end cinematography applications.

Along with five other leading brands in the broadcast industry, OConnor is part of Vitec Videocom Inc., which in turn is part of the Vitec Group of companies.

A Snapshot of The Vitec Group

Vitec is an international Group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange with 2009 revenue of £315 million, Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely.  Vitec is organised in three divisions:  Imaging & Staging, Videocom and Services.

Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for photography, video and events.

Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production and MAG.

Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless technology used by TV production teams and film crews.

More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com

Press Contact:
Susan Lewis
Lewis Communications
724 Ocean Park Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Tel 310-392-4531
Fax 310/392-0183
Email susanlu(at)aol.com