Cinematographer Michael McDonough has wrapped the 3D feature –The Mortician. Thanks to the OConnor 120EX’s ability to support a heavy load and allow for smooth transitions through difficult sequences, he was able to take full advantage of post-Katrina New Orleans, Louisiana as he captured The Mortician’s world. “By day he works on the beaten, bruised and bloody bodies of gunshot victims and other murdered souls. When a young boy breaks into the morgue, and his life, the Mortician (played by Method Man) begins a series of dangerous encounters with a threatening figure,” McDonough explains.

With a limited indie budget, McDonough and Mark Pederson’s team at OFFHollywood, New York, put together a package that would give him the best possible support. “The vertically-stacked twin RED One, Element Technica 3D rig that we chose weighed in at about 100 pounds,” McDonough said. “When I looked at the head we’d use, I wasn’t sure what it was. At first I assumed it was an OConnor 2575, a piece of gear that I’m very familiar with – it goes on every one of my equipment lists right away.

“However, on closer inspection, this was different,” he adds. “I was relieved to see that it was a head from my favorite brand, OConnor, just a different one. This time, because of the set up, we were using a 120EX. With a rig this heavy, we wanted a fluid head that could make the moves we would need.

“About 95% of the movie ended up being shot on this head, while gliding on a dolly,” he explains. “I very quickly realized that the task asked of the 120EX was easily accomplished. It helped our operator pull everything off, take after take. We had a tight schedule, a tight budget, and a lot of shots to get in the camera. The thing I’m proudest of is that we shot every set up we planned, in a manner I was more than happy with – and we physically couldn’t have done it without the OConnor 120EX.”

The OConnor patented 120EX Extended Capacity fluid head features a new type of stepless counterbalance system as well as a new ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag designed for film-style shooting. The 120EX has become a favorite for 3D crews who support two electronic cinema cameras and lenses, and also the 3D rigs that position them. These 100+ pound payloads are well within the range of the OConnor 120EX, which smoothly holds a 120 pound (54kg) camera package through the head’s entire tilt range of ±90°, and counterbalances up to 240 pounds (109kg) through a tilt range of ±60° in Extended Mode.

For further information on OConnor products, 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: May 27, 2010

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.

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
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
Tel 310-392-4531
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