This 4 Minute Long Take of a Mountain Bike Run is As Cinematic As It Gets
The long take may be widely associated with cinema and television, but it's pretty damn cool in an action sports context as well.
In a segment from the recently released mountain biking/adventure film unReal, biker Brandon Semenuk tackled a custom-built trail in Cambria, California while a pickup truck fitted with a GSS C520 gyroscopic stabilization system and RED EPIC captured the entire 4-minute run in a single glorious take. Since Brandon had an injured wrist, he was only able to do this once, which makes it all that much more impressive for everyone involved. Check out the video below:
And here's the BTS video, which gives a bit of background on how long it took to plan and execute this single shot:
Here's more from Vice Sports on how they did it:
The TGR and Anthill crew spent a week on location to get the shot. There was only one cameraman, TGR's Brian Wulf, and a single camera, a Red Epic. Darren McCullough operated the focus for the camera, while Collin Jones called out the vehicle pacing to Wittneburg, who was the driver. All four people acted as a single unit. A custom-built rack in the bed of a Toyota Tundra pickup held the camera mount, which was originally designed for aircraft: the GSS C520, a gimbal-stabilized camera housing that famously provided the ultra-smooth footage in Planet Earth. A Honda generator strapped in the bed of the truck powered the camera, and Wulf filmed through a monitor while sitting in the backseat.
Personally, my favorite aspect of this shot is the the way it incorporates zooming in and out to different focal lengths throughout the run. Because of this, the spatial compression and depth of field changes from moment to moment, which makes the various segments of the shot feel completely unique from one another. The fact that much of it was shot at such a long focal length is also a testament to the skill of camera operator Brian Wulf and focus puller Darren McCullough. Long lenses are not at all conducive to complex camera moves on rough terrain, but these guys absolutely nailed it, and the final result is well worth the time and effort put in to make this happen.
If you're interested in checking out the other segments in unReal, head over to Amazon where you can either rent or buy the film.
Source: Teton Gravity Research
10 Directing Lessons From Yasujirō Ozu
Ozu always kept it simple, beautiful, and deep.
Yasujirō Ozuu, a name synonymous with the golden era of Japanese cinema, has inspired filmmakers and cinephiles across generations. His approach to storytelling, framing, and character development offers a treasure trove of lessons for aspiring directors.
In this post, we delve into ten of his most influential techniques.
Let's get started.
1. The Importance of "Ma" (Negative Space)
Ozu’s use of "ma," or negative space, in his compositions teaches us about the power of what is not shown. His frames often feature empty spaces that speak volumes, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the scene.
2. Low and High Camera Angles
Ozu's signature low camera angles, often at the eye level of a seated person, create an intimate perspective. This approach invites the audience into the world of the characters, making the experience more immersive.
His high camera angles of buildings, bird's eye views, and static scenery shots emphasize a world that changes before our eyes.
3. Minimal Camera Movement
In stark contrast to contemporary filmmaking, Ozu often used a static camera. This technique forces the viewer to focus on the subtleties of the performance and the composition of each frame.
4. The Pillow Shot
Ozu frequently inserted "pillow shots," short, transitional scenes of nature, everyday objects, or settings, to create a contemplative pause in the narrative. This technique allows for a moment of reflection and emphasizes the environment's role in the story.
5. Restrained Editing
Ozu’s editing style is marked by its restraint. He often avoided conventional editing techniques like cross-cutting, instead opting for straight cuts that offer a more straightforward, contemplative flow.
6. Finding The Profound in the Everyday
Ozu's films often revolve around everyday life and simple stories, yet they touch on profound themes like family dynamics, the passage of time, and the clash of tradition and modernity.
7. Subtle Performances
Ozu directed his actors to deliver understated performances, believing that subtlety could convey deep emotions more effectively than overt drama.
8. Set Design
Ozu's meticulous set designs were integral to his storytelling. He carefully arranged every object in the frame to reflect the characters' inner lives and the film’s broader themes.
9. The Beauty of Simplicity
Ozu teaches us the beauty of simplicity in both storytelling and visual composition. His films, devoid of complex plot twists or elaborate cinematography, capture the essence of the narrative through simple yet powerful means.
10. Respect the Audience
Ozu respected his audience's intelligence, never over-explaining or spoon-feeding the story. He believed in the viewer’s ability to piece together the narrative and find personal meaning in it.
Yasujirō Ozu’s filmmaking philosophy transcends time and cultural boundaries, offering universal lessons for directors. His emphasis on simplicity, subtlety, and the profound in the everyday makes his work a continuous source of inspiration and learning.
It's amazing to have art like his to study and breakdown as we emotionally connect with its storytelling.
Now go watch his films and take these lessons into your own work.