SOC Workshop: ARRI ALEXA Mini & Angenieux Optimo Lenses

In 2017, Imagecraft Productions lent ARRI ALEXA Mini cameras and Angenieux Optimo Lenses to the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) for their telescopic crane and underwater camera workshops. As Kristin Petrovich from SOC said “The SOC could not have produced these events without Imagecraft and their expertise.”

Compact, lightweight and self-contained, the ARRI ALEXA Mini is a versatile camera in the ALEXA camera family. Crews find that the ALEXA Mini eliminates the complications of working with third-party cameras for specialized shots. ARRI ALEXA Mini design elements include highly integrated and sealed electronics, a lightweight carbon housing & a solid titanium PL mount which connects directly to the internal sensor mount – also titanium – to ensure a stable flange focal distance, even when utilizing large lenses. Flexible in use and durable on set, the ALEXA Mini is easy to transport in backpacks or as carry-on luggage.

ARRI’s product designer, Michael Jonas told NewShooter.com “Crews working on ALEXA-based productions will use the ALEXA Mini in tight environments, on cranes or special rigs, or as a handheld camera. Other users will include individuals working with gimbals and multicopters, or underwater, who want to take their craft to the next level and open up new opportunities on higher-end productions.”

Purposely built for cinematic production, Angenieux Optimo Lens Line achieves excellence in design, mechanical and optical perfection. All cine lenses offer a fast T-stop throughout the entire zoom range, large focus scale rotation angle that enables precise manual focusing, and retain superb image quality even under extreme environmental conditions. Underwater scenes in movies are often shot using Angenieux Optimo Lens including: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Titanic, All is Lost, and Piranha 3D.

The Underwater Camera Operating Workshop with HydroFlex was held in October 2017. The workshop is one of our favorites as it teaches the ins and outs of prepping the camera and housing; what equipment is necessary and/or good to have with you; dive gear choices and situations; setting up a shot; communication with the surface; body movement; working with different sized housings. The two day workshop required diver certification to participate. With the added complications of underwater (and somewhat dangerous conditions), we facilitated the production of the workshop. As stated by the SOC rep, “The SOC depends on Imagecraft to support our educational efforts. They are here to support the crew.”

Our second workshop with the SOC this year was the Telescopic Crane Workshop designed for professional Camera Operators and Grips. Sponsored by the Local 80 and the SOC, the workshop held in October was a techno crane class. It was a great class which gave grips a chance to push a crane around while working with a camera operator and focus puller. On the same day there was a new camera movement system on display for members to see. Featuring a wireless camera sled that moves on its own monorail, track system. The sled is capable of moving from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds.

Compact, lightweight and self-contained, the ARRI ALEXA Mini is a versatile camera in the ALEXA camera family. Crews find that the ALEXA Mini eliminates the complications of working with third-party cameras for specialized shots. Arri Alexa Mini design elements include highly integrated and sealed electronics, a lightweight carbon housing & a solid titanium PL mount which connects directly to the internal sensor mount – also titanium – to ensure a stable flange focal distance, even when utilizing large lenses. Flexible in use and durable on set, the ALEXA Mini is easy to transport in backpacks or as carry-on luggage.