Visualization of Green-landic Sound Sources

For this, the camera crew around Anni Seitz relied on the FSB 8 fluid head and the Speed Lock 75 CF tripod from Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand, and used them to explore eastern Greenland for eight days – always on the look out for extraordinary pictures and sound sources. The project was presented at the art exhibition "KUUK, Art in the Area of Greenland" at the beginning of September 2010.

The small crew embarked on several boat tours along the east coast. In Kulusuk, they explored an old military airport from World War II. Nestled in a beautiful landscape of steep mountains and rugged shores beyond comparison lies surprising evidence of humanity's recent conflict-ridden past. Remnants of a military airport from World War II and a radar station from the Cold War are rusting away in the midst of the Arctic wilderness. Together with sound artist Max Schneider and cinematographer Anni Seitz, Ivalo Frank manages to depict the contrasts between the Greenlandic scenery and the remains of modern ideological conflicts. The history of Greenlander Anna Kuitse Thatsum is just as rich in contrast. After many years in the United States, Anna returned to her hometown of Kulusuk and, ever since then, has been trying to revive the millennia-old tradition of the drum dance.

Robust and lightweight

"We were on the move in sun, rain, wind, and cold – by motorboat or on Greenland's rough terrain," says Anni Seitz. This is why the crew only used equipment that was robust enough and easy to carry. "Sachtler makes the best fluid heads," emphasizes Anni Seitz. Not only was she able to rely on the robustness of the equipment under extreme conditions, the FSB 8 also enabled dependably smooth and steady pans for the atmospheric shots. Because of its low weight, the Speed Lock 75 CF tripod had the advantage of being easy to transport in the often rough terrain of the Greenlandic coastal region. In addition, it could be placed quickly on the terrain, with the mid-level spreader providing perfect stabilization. The crew used a Sony EX3 camcorder.

Spontaneous and playful

"We worked very flexibly, as we had to make last-minute changes to our filming concept. In doing so, wonderful, spontaneous filming situations resulted – the team worked great together," says Anni Seitz. "I like filming spontaneously and situationally; for this, I think it is important to find the adequate shot and to deal with the given light situations in a playful way. While filming Echoes, we did not have any possibility, for instance, to set up lighting." Considering this challenge, the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland were not the only factors that made the project exciting for the small crew.

About Sachtler, Camera Dynamics GmbH

Sachtler, founded in 1958 by cameraman Wendelin Sachtler, is the worldwide market leader for professional camera support systems for cinematography and television production, its name a symbol of top quality and reliability for decades. With an extensive range of camera support systems as well as a finely modulated product line of reportage lighting, Sachtler is the highly qualified partner for cameramen, film and TV studios. Since 2000 Sachtler has been offering the artemis modular camera stabilizer system. With its numerous workshops and training sessions, the Wendelin Sachtler Academy has become a top address worldwide for invaluable know-how and the exchange of information, creating the ideal international platform for creative talents.