TCS Skquattro Camera Pedestals Chosen for RSC Live Telecast of Richard II  

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Squattro tracking camera support systems from The Camera Store (TCS), a Vitec Group company, captured the Royal Shakespeare Company's highly acclaimed production of Richard II in Stratford-on-Avon on November 13. The play was televised live to 346 cinemas across Britain and will be relayed as encore screenings to cinemas around the world. RSC artistic director Gregory Doran directed David Tennant in the title role with Jane Lapotaire as the Duchess of Gloucester, Emma Hamilton as The Queen, Oliver Ford Davies as the Duke of York, Michael Pennington as John of Gaunt and Nigel Lindsay as Bolingbroke.

"The camera script, prepared by screen director Robin Lough, made the TCS Skquattro pedestals essential," comments senior cameraman Paul Freeman. "The theatre's main stage extends into the auditorium on an 11.5 x 7.5 metre forward-thrust platform. This created the opportunity of televising the production, in front of a live audience, from all three sides provided we could meet the challenge of keeping the cameras out of sight in relation to each other."

TCS Skquattro camera support systems on standby for the RSC production of Richard II

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"The Skquattro pedestals allow a fantastic range of camera movement including the freedom to crane up from very low angles and achieve very steady and dramatic close shots. The front Skquatrro faced square on to the stage and handled all the left to right tracking shots under the control of a cameraman and grip. Right and left side Skquattros were moved along their respective tracks by their cameramen to achieve the correct angles when the action moved up or down the thrust. Tracks were essential as traditional wheeled camera mounts are not intended for use on theatre auditorium floors."

"The Skqattro is unique and made possible a huge variety of angles and dynamics. It is ideal for capturing live theatre to big screen cinema where smooth and stable shooting is even more important that on modern large-screen home television. The production schedule was tight but the results were fantastic."

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Sony HD cameras mounted on the TCS Skquattro tracking pedestals were cabled to a Telegenic outside broadcast truck and then transmitted live to the 346 UK cinemas.

The RSC's production of Richard II plays live at the Barbican Theatre in London from December 9 to January 25, 2014. Encore screening dates for cinema replays of the November 13 performance can be seen at
http://onscreen.rsc.org.uk/cinemas-and-tickets/default.aspx

About the Royal Shakespeare Company
The role of the Royal Shakespeare Company is to connect and help others connect with Shakespeare and produce bold, ambitious work with living writers, actors and artists. The RSC is an ensemble company so everyone, from directors, writers and actors to production, technical and administrative staff, has a part to play in creating distinctive theatre.

The RSC's home is in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 2010 it reopened the Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres after a £112.8m transformation to bring actors and audiences closer together. The company plays regularly in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and on tour across the UK and the world.

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About The Camera Store
Established in 1996 and based in West London, The Camera Store (a Vitec Group company) draws on many years of experience as television cameramen to guide clients in their choice of equipment. It has a large stock of standard equipment, including pedestals, tripods, heads, crane arms, lighting, fibre-optic cable and camera-support accessories. The Camera Store offers a countrywide rapid response delivery and collection service embracing large or small items. It is always ready to meet the challenge of improving existing kit or developing new production tools.