Roland Morley-Brown - World Heli Challenge 2011 - Wanaka

The 'Wanaka World Heli Challenge 2011' invited a small handful of camera operators to compete in a "SHOOTOUT" video event. As individual cinematographers we had 10 days to shoot and edit a 5min clip about what ever we felt told a good story. Our only boundaries were the inclusion of event footage from the 2 heli access aspects of the event. Freeride and Extreme days. Footage from the event cameras were supplied and mixed into my angle from on the mountain.

Because I was a one man band on the mountain at all times I kept my subject simple. I choose to follow good friend and fellow Kiwi, Roland Morley-Brown, AKA 'RMB', who is sponsored by Billabong. The event played out in the first 2 days of the 10 waiting period. 2 Days Heli followed by 1 day pick up shots at Snow Park NZ on some features and sunset 1/4 pipe session. A drive out the Matukituki Valley for some scenics / time-lapses / dolly pans, and then a quick Wanaka SK8 park sesh. The Surf aspect took us to the West Coast where legendary surfer Occy put on a show in what could be described as as good as the coast gets, No wind and consistent 3 - 5ft feathered by light off shore winds.

The extra heli footage with the deer / mountain goat / sunset mountain shots were all shot the day before the event using our new heli rig based in Wanaka. The Cinestratus Giro Stabilised Heli Cam.

Credits:

Client: www.Billabong.com and wwww.helichallenge.com

Camera Op and Director: Chris Kirkham

Post Production: Andrew Bamford

Additional Event footage: Cinestratus - R J Low, Rob Norman, Jeff Aldridge and Jason Hancox.

Equipment Used: Af102 with a selection of glass, EX1, Canon 60D, Kessler Cine Slider with stepping motor, A nice tripod a bit of audio gear, the trusty go pro and a bag of nicknacks......