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OConnor Supports Modern Family

James Bagdonas ASC

OConnor, a Vitec Group, announces that cinematographer James Bagdonas ASC has chosen OConnor fluid heads to support the new season of Modern Family. OConnor’s stability and high performance allows the show’s operators to capture those on-the-fly moments key to the mockumentary style of the production.

“I’ve been using OConnor fluid heads my entire career,” says Bagdonas. “I’ve had them on Lois and Clarke, The Guardian, Chicago Hope and Boston Legal. With my last two shows they have become the only head we use. For the style of this show, we decided to shoot with Panavised F35 cameras and either Primo or Optimo zooms.

“With having to whip pan constantly, our operators need to keep one hand on the zoom lens at all times for constant changes. The fluid head is the only answer. With OConnor’s superior balance at any angle, these moves are possible. With many of the new camera systems, the lenses usually outweight the camera. Only the OConnor will handle this with no problem.

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“Many of the shots are not rehearsed and, at times, the operators even have to grab the focus knob,” Bagdonas adds. “A good example would be the Dumphy kitchen scenes. We usually have four to six people all moving about the business of the day, going into the refrigerator, getting something from the cabinets. In this fray, we sometimes try to go for their hands or pan with a look to a POV and other opportunities that just ‘happen.’ That’s where the 2575 is essential. No other fluid head has such great balance through a wide range of motion.

“At times, I change to the new OConnor 120 EX head, especially on the heavier zoom lenses. For a head that was designed to carry more weight, this 120 EX still gives you a lightweight feel.”

Modern Family, the 20th Century Fox mockumentary, which has garnered over 20 nominations and four wins, airs on Wednesday on ABC.

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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 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 tools for high-end cinematography applications.
Along with five other leading brands in the broadcast industry, OConnor is part of Camera Dynamics Inc., which in turn is part of the Vitec Group of companies.

OConnor

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