American Cinematographer - July 2011 - 78

and gear. This type of hands-on, creative approach benefits our clients and has been the main reason for our growth.” For additional information, visit www.radiantimages.com. Petrol Bags Unzips DigiSuite Petrol Bags has introduced the DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case. The front lid of this semi-hard suitcase-style carrier unzips quickly to reveal a central compartment contoured to fit up to two DSLR cameras with lenses attached. Detachable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing a mattebox, camera plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder, cables and more. With the dividers removed, the DigiSuite can serve as a regular suitcase. On the lid’s interior, a padded pouch can hold a personal computer with up to a 17" screen. Contents are surrounded and cushioned by padded fabric. Twin brackets on the bottom of the DigiSuite allow for quick connection of Petrol’s Snaplock wheel and trolley system.

The exterior features a plastic, exchangeable logo frame for personal branding. Additional features include cold-molded laminate panels for extra protection, auxiliary zippered storage pouches for personal accessories, an exterior front pocket, top and side carrying handles, and dual-directional easy-glide zippers. The DigiSuite is constructed of black 900D and ballistic nylon fabrics. For additional information, visit www.petrolbags.com. Vinten Adapts to 3-D Vinten has introduced the 3-D Wedge Adapter for stereoscopic production. The device balances rigs that cannot be mounted to a conventional head in a balanced position. It is designed to facilitate the proper balancing of 3-D beamsplitter rigs and allows more clearance for the under-slung camera, which increases the available downward tilt. The 3-D Wedge offsets the head’s level position by a few degrees so the balance mechanism produces a back-torque when the camera is level, moving the payload’s center of gravity forward of the tilt axis. The 3-D Wedge Adapter integrates seamlessly with Vinten’s full range of heads and allows the option of shooting in 2-D and 3-D. “All of our adapters are designed to help improve the versatility and usability

of Vinten’s products,” says Peter Harman, Vinten’s product manager. “The new Wedge Adapter can help users to deliver 3-D performance without compromising creativity. The Wedge Adapter is a significant addition to our extensive range of accessories; it is able to perfectly balance the often heavy payloads used in 3-D broadcast, and proves that Vinten is 3-D ready.” For additional information, visit www.vinten.com.

Focal Press Launches FilmSkills Focal Press has launched FilmSkills, a subscription-based educational resource that promises to bring Hollywood insiders directly to the computers of a new generation of film students. “Digital tools are transforming book publishing and education,” says Focal Press publisher Elinor Actipis. “We are proud to offer our world-leading content on a platform that allows our customers to learn this visual art with visual tools.” To create FilmSkills, Focal Press has partnered with more than 200 industry experts, including cinematographers, directors, studio and network executives, and equipment manufacturers. “Filmmaking is a collaborative art,” says FilmSkills co-creator Jason Tomaric. “With FilmSkills, we’ve recreated that collaborative atmosphere so young filmmakers can learn from the best filmmakers in the world.” FilmSkills covers the entire process from writing to distribution and organizes each lesson into multimedia modules. Features include more than 100 videos featuring working professionals and academic experts, downloadable tools, companion text from Focal Press books, instructor resources, and social-media features that allow students and teachers to continue their conversations. In conjunction with FilmSkills, Focal Press has also launched the website www.masteringfilm.com, which features free tips, techniques, interviews and articles, all designed to help visitors become better filmmakers. For additional information, visit www.focalpress.com, www.filmskills.com and www.master ingfilm.com.
78 July 2011 American Cinematographer

OConnor Glows with Marking Disks OConnor has introduced Glow-inthe-Dark Follow Focus Marking Disks. The rings are standard-size flat marking disks designed for use with the OConnor CFF-1 follow-focus unit; they are also compatible with many other standard focus wheels. The glow-in-the-dark design provides maximum visibility to an assistant working in a dark location. The phosphorescent marking rings join OConnor’s family of lens and camera accessories, including the CFF-1, O-Box WM mattebox and O-Grips handgrip system. The Glow-in-the-Dark Follow Focus Marking Disks are sold for $30 each and in sets of 10 for $290. For additional information, visit www.ocon.com. Movcam Accessorizes Sony F3 Movcam has introduced a support system for Sony’s PMW-F3 digital camera. The kit includes a mattebox, follow focus, front handle, battery mount, and 15mm lightweight-support and 19mm studio rod modules that are compatible with standard cine accessories. The support also includes

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American Cinematographer - July 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - July 2011