Videographers' playground

Thanks to Panasonic, I was able to point the camera at various well lit subjects, make various adjustments to exposure, shoot and actually review my shots.


I was privileged to be invited by the distributor of Edius video editing software, Graphics Vision to participate in their joint exhibition with Panasonic titled 'Panasonic Power of Innovation Exhibition '09'

Our official status as certified Edius trainers gave me the opportunity to contribute some of my knowledge to the public. Since the exhibition was held in one of our largest malls, Mid Valley, the public would be out in force and so would we.

Chilling out with Graphics Vision's MD, Benedict Yee

Ironically, Edius' booth was located right next to Final Cut Pro. I took the opportunity to explore FCP a bit. So although I was meant to help man the Edius area, I was spending time chatting up the FCP people instead. It's always a good move to know the competition.

Panasonic's mock sets provide a good videographer's playground.

I was most impressed with Panasonic's concept. They had painstakingly set up a mock TV studio next to a mock lounge complete with a bar and snooker table. Surrounding these in a semi-circle were tripod mounted video cameras, giving visitors a chance to actually test out the equipment. Next to each video cam were a large LCD display or a broadcast monitor so the use could see what was shot.

Panasonic was kind enough to give us freedom with their video cameras

It was truly remarkable- their P2 and AVCHD video cams were pointed at actual sets so we would not want for a better shooting environment. I occupied myself with their AG-HPX300, a shoulder mounted P2 camera with a long lens and hence a very shallow depth of field.

It was truly amazing. Although I still prefer the ergonomics of Canon's video cams, I was able to point the camera at various well lit subjects, make various adjustments to exposure, shoot and actually review my shots. It was like having a slice of videographer heaven. When I left the exhibition, I was able to discover and recall each of the buttons that contribute to a good video shot. Giving visitors such degree of freedom and flexibility is a great way to boost video camera sales.

Back to the Edius VS FCP debate, now I can clearly understand that Edius holds the advantage over FCP in terms of workflow speed and execution, realtime functionality and multi format support. One of their guys remarked that telling the story is most important, having realtime effects won't help you tell a good story. Clearly he's just consoling himself over the edge Edius has over FCP. Having realtime support simply means Edius can craft out a great story from a great script AND do it faster too!

I had fun at the exhibition. I got to show off Edius and mess around with Panasonic's best of show. My thanks to Panasonic for organising this excellent event and to Graphics Vision for getting our participation.

Surreal: 40 works of art in 30 days

A surreal day- we went on location with Chin Yew, the founder of the '30 Day Artist' movement. We recorded him painting with acrylic on canvas and then grind chinese ink on an inkstone to draw a comic strip. These guys are famous for creating 40 works of art in 30 days.

I always thought artists required some time off in the woods to clear their minds and get some inspiration. Nowadays, it's all found on the internet! Chin Yew assures me that he still takes trips to go up north to experience the simpler life. He listens to conversations for the spark to get him going on his next piece of work.

I had a room like Chin Yew's when I was at college rushing artwork assignments and burning the midnight oil. His room was so cramped that I'm sure if I stretched out my leg, I would've broke a lamp! With all due respect, we creative folks need a cosy place to roll out that masterpiece. Large spaces make us feel alone but large spaces give videographers more room to maneuver! What a trip :)

Sze: where warmth meets beauty.

Later, she gave each of us one of her famous accessories! Talk about being appreciated! Thanks Sze :D :D

Today, we were treated cordially by Szee Yoong (owner of Sze Accessories) during her videography session. She prepared a nice breakfast spread for us! We were even told where to find the most delicious swiss rolls (Atria, a shop called Bon Bon's)

Recoring Sze crafting her gorgeous accessories was a breeze. Her beautiful home (she will be moving in with her fiance after their wedding), decorated in the modern contemporary style, inspired us to find the perfect angles.

Though it was a little hard for us to move around in her cosy workshop, we still managed to get pretty shots of Sze doing her research and then forming something from nothing.


Sze treated us warmly and we were inspired to do our best for her!


We experienced first hand how she delicately crafted her famous trinkets. It required a balance of meticulous and delicate manipulation of the tiniest strand of material and all the while her mind is working like a sculptor's, seeing her creation taking form in her hands.

Later, she gave each of us one of her famous accessories! Talk about being appreciated! Thanks Sze :D :D

Flows with the pros

Cecilia was really smooth on the dance floor and I had a hard time 'flowing' with her with our video camera on the tripod dolly.

Flowing with the pros.

The Martell Rising Personalities Award is back for 2009. We've already completed 10 up close interviews with this year's nominated personalities. We're in the midst of videography sessions on location to record the personalities at work in their element.

Today, we were at The Dance Point at Plaza Damas for videography of Cecelia Yong, the champion of the 'So You Think You Can Dance' season 2 competition on 8TV. She was really smooth on the dance floor and I had a hard time 'flowing' with her with our video camera on the tripod dolly.

Watch out for the video. We'll be uploading it sometime next month.

Cecilia looked youthful and nimble. Together with her partner Billy, they worked their magic on the dance floor. Both Cecilia and Billy were very accommodating with me when I asked them to repeat various moves (stunts) from their dance sequence. These 'stunts' were usually physically demanding but they obliged time and again.

Tomorrow we'll be with the founder of Sze Accessories. The adventure continues :)

In an Absolut World, Videographers own the night!

The new Absolut Vodka is unveiled. Glittering in a red sequin jacket, the world famous Swedish vodka is featured in this event titled "In an Absolut World, Every Night is a Masquerade".


While the main camera is being readied, the Glidecam is being balaned.

The brief from our client seemed as exotic as the brand itself: Three concept rooms, 1 lounge, 2DJs, 3 performances, a host of costumed characters roaming a two level venue. Guests get to mingle freely, there will be no speeches, no product unveiling, no launch gimmicks.

Invited guests were to mingled freely in three concept rooms. Each were designed especially for the launch and appropriately named, 'Absolut Dice', 'Absolut Jigsaw' and 'Absolut Cocktail 101'. Each room was unique and featured its own alluring elements.

Truth be told, I have been personally watching Absolut Vodka for quite some time, wondering when we would get the opportunity to shoot for the world famous Swedish brand.


Videographers enjoying a short breather by taking in the event from the audience's point of view.

Last month, we finally got the chance. The new Absolut Vodka is unveiled. Glittering in a red sequin jacket, the world famous Swedish vodka is featured in this event titled "In an Absolut World, Every Night is a Masquerade". The venetian carnevale style event deserved an equally alluring date and Friday 13th had no equal.

Our work as Videographers became a pleasure as we were inspired; inspired by the magical ambiance and enchanting characters and inspired by the venetian escapade. A delightful setting for the launch of the eminent Absolut Vodka.

We deployed the Glidecam to get smooth sweeping views of each room and provided Photography services which complimented the video nicely. We also introduced our new product: 360 VR. This item allows the user to interactively view the rooms in 360 degrees, to see everything in all directions.

The performance from 'Bian Lian' thrilled us to bits with his 'King of Masks' act. This ancient art from China awed audiences for centuries as generations of performers slip from one face mask to another literally in the blink of an eye.

Our Video Editing team had a blast completing the video. We used 'time remapping' to dramatise the Glidecam footage. This effect is made popular by the Matrix trilogy. We're sure you will enjoy watching it when we upload the completed video within the week, so stay tuned :)

Amongst Haute Couture

Well, it's been a busy year for us thus far but I'm not complaining. Juggling deadlines is a neat way to kill time, considering the global scenario.

I've just recovered from a flu (so long, weekend) in time for another Videography session.Tonight marks the eve of the finale for GH Mumm F1 Celebration Party.

The cocktail parties offering renowned french champagne GH Mumm and featuring premium fashion labels Coach, Giuseppe Zanotti, Shanghai Tang and Chloe draw to a close. Despite shooting twice a week at Pavilion for the past 3 weeks, I'm still going to miss the runway style fashion shows where the female models tower above me flaunting their haute couture apparel.

I'm also going to long for Miss Jeannie Lee's melodious voice serenading us with her songs, most notably Rosemary Clooney's 'Mambo Italiano', The Carpenter's 'Close To You', Michael Buble's Sway and even a charming french rendition (which I have already forgotten the name). That's right, she took the time to memorise an entire french song in a week's time.

Dunhill was across, next to Rolex. Max Mara was down the road. I could've sauntered over to Gucci if I wanted to. Prada was closer to me than the stage was. We were in the middle of high fashion. The pretty faces, the nice dresses will still be there but after tonight, we won't be dropping by anytime soon. No thanks to Pavilion's astronomical parking fees.

I can't wait to watch the completed video after the Video Editing team has compiled the hours of footage we shot. I'll write a follow up post with the video soon :)

An Equine Experience

The stars arrive and debark. Their rumps are then marked with the product logo.

One of my earliest and most unpleasant experience with horses was during my mid 20s. I spent a few days in Cameron Highlands taking in the sights and engaging in my hobby, photography.

Out in a field, I spotted a pony grazing some distance from a larger horse which I assumed to be its mother. Thinking the pony to be a photogenic subject, I approached it and from the corner of my eye, I saw the larger horse approaching. I thought of the great shots I would get from the pair.

The horse closed the gap in seconds with only a trot and by the time I realised the error of my assumption, I already knew I could never outrun an over-protective mother. Thankfully, the horse did not pursue me further after I distanced myself from its foal. Disappointed at not snapping off a shot, I was stupid enough to do it again.

When our client Pernod Ricard told us that horses were involved in a project, I wasn't exactly jumping with joy. Accordingly, the horses were part of Chivas' new campaign launch titled 'Live with Chivalry'. Based on the theme of an ancient ethical code of honour, its riders would be 'knights' carrying banners which served as branding vehicles.

I was amazed at the power the horses displayed by just shifting their weight. It also made me wonder how they kept track of what happened behind them... it's a long way to the back, there might be a Videographer caught unawares!

4 horses would march down a busy street lined with pubs. Under the supervision of police outriders, the horses cantered and we walked, briskly, as the slender promoters handed out leaflets to passersby.

It helps to walk surely and with no sudden movements amongst animals. We don't want to startle them. A slight nudge from an adult horse would surely send me flying a few feet. Having a video light attached to my camera had already made them nervous.


Horses... don't get in their blind spot!

One horse in particular got my attention. Lovely Boy, as he was known, was agitated by the slightest of things and moved unpredictably. It was challenging enough that I had to look out for shots of opportunity and busy street traffic, I also had to make sure 'Lovely' Boy wasn't about to trample all over me!


It's pretty hard to get all horses lined-up, thanks to 'Lovely Boy' at right.

It was a fun project. We accomplished giving out all the leaflets. I got great shots of the girls interacting with passersby. Lovely Boy prevented me from framing all the horses in formation simply by staying out. Despite this, I still managed to get shots of the majestic horses ferrying their knights against the busy night scene.

Videography Footwear

'On rocky ground, it saved me from some painful sprains a couple of times'

Good Videography doesn't boil down to what you wear or what covers your feet. It does however, dictate your level of comfort during a videography session and how long you can function effectively and creatively as a Videographer.

Depending on the project on hand, Videographers may be required to walk briskly, run, jump, kneel or squat. Some projects require Videographers to shoot in the jungle, in the desert, in the middle of traffic, in rocky or muddy terrain.

How does the practical yet fashion conscious Videographer transition from a wedding shoot to a corporate shoot without spending too much on shoes (and instead, spend it on the next video camera). A trendy and rugged Timberland will set us back by about $120. You surely don't want to see another scratch on your precious Timberland shoes.


Original SWAT tactical boots are a boon to Videographers.

Do safety shoes qualify? I think not. Most safety shoes are inflexible, restricting movement and heavy. How about Camel Active? You're getting warmer but they aren't as durable as we want them to be.

So what's my choice for footwear? I suggest a pair of boots. Not just any pair of boots but tactical boots- the kind that SWAT teams strap on for a mission.

After trying on various footwear including Bata, Converse, Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Puma, I'm elated to find the perfect pair of footwear that meet these requirements:

1) Lightweight (your camera and gear are heavy enough)
2) Durable (if it's good enough for the military, it's good enough for me)
3) Reasonably priced
4) Fashionable (like it or not, guy handling video camera stands out)
5) Flexible (for us to move with precision)
6) Cusions footfalls (great for Glidecam operation)
7) Traction (do the shoes 'grab' the floor?)
8) Comfortable (to enable us to walk in them for hours on end)

For about $99, a new pair of Original SWAT tactical boots paint a cool picture of us in our video gear and more importantly, helps us get our job done.

I've used them in various surfaces and it helps me keep my footing. On rocky ground, it saved me from some painful sprains a couple of times. On questionable terrain where grass tend to grow taller than my waist, I'm confident my feet are protected from insects and reptiles.

When using the Glidecam, the soles help make my footfalls softer, reducing camera shake even further. The boots give me a high degree of flex and movement. Foot placement become accurate and firm.

I pay no heed to every jagged rock that glances off my boots, unlike my expensive Timberland. The more nicks my boots suffer, the more rugged it looks, like a good pair of jeans.

There is a disadvantage to this setup: boots are hard to come off!

Videography: Purchasing your Video Camera pt. 1

Canon's most recent high-end, high definition offering: the glorious Xl H1S

Your first steps in becoming a Videographer will obviously be an exciting adventure and no less expensive either. One of the main reasons all Videographers are passionate about their work is because Videography equipment is expensive. When he or she decides to turn from amateur to professional, they are already committed to purchasing costly equipment.

So what are some of the features that you should look for when purchasing a camcorder? Here are some of the most important features:

1) Depth of Field
One of my most important criteria is the length of the camera's lens. The longer the lens, the more shallow the depth of field. A shallow depth of field renders both the foreground and background out of focus, bringing the subject into clear focus.

2) Preset and Custom White Balance
Some cameras allow the user to keep more than one White Balance setting. This feature lets Videographers easily switch settings when under different light temperature (sunlight has a higher colour temperature than tungsten light). Not having to set the White Balance each time the camcorder shoots in a distinctly different lighting is a time saving advantage.

3) Full Manual Exposure Controls
The ability to control your shutter speed, aperture and gain independently of each other is crucial as you will end up in situations where fine tweaking these settings yield the best results

I will cover more important features you should consider in a Video Camera. Here's a short description:
4) Full Manual Audio Controls
5) Video and Audio inputs
6) Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring

Look out for my next article, Videography: Purchasing your Video Camera pt. 2

Background Support

'There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment...'




In our line of work, I meet with many decision makers and business owners who are admired for their passion towards their products and services. They are the same folks who award us projects and sign our cheques.

It comes as no surprise that during our meetings, they are reluctant to stop production for Videography sessions. Factories continue operations, banks will continue to serve customers, showrooms display and sell, hospitals treat patients. The success of a business depends on maximum operational time. Taking an unscheduled break will add a crimp in their bottom line.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's Videography team have adapted to this environment by working efficiently- our equipment set-up and deployment drill is constantly rehearsed and improved upon.

We are able to work on-location without having to interrupt our client's operations. Sometimes, this means using the environment to our advantage. Where sunlight is available, we deploy our video cameras in positions that leverage on natural light.

As a part-time lecturer, I used to tell my students that to produce professional looking looking videos, a tripod is a video camera's best friend. There are exceptions, however.

Whenever a video camera is detached from a tripod, we collapse and hide it. What's worse than having a 'stray' tripod being captured on tape is a tripod being a hazard to the client's workforce.

There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment, such as a busy factory floor where forklifts are zipping along, where colossal robotic arms bend red-hot metal daily.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's team are trained to use objects in the background for camera support. A banister, a chair or table, a railing, a stationary car, walls, the world is littered with 'tripods' that can help us get a stable shot. We are trained to be aware of our surroundings.



Oftentimes we aren't allowed the luxury of deploying our equipment whenever or wherever it pleases us. Producing videos for the corporate world puts us in a situation of constant change. As professional Videographers, we have to assess the situation quickly, improvise and roll with the flow.

Royal Salute 38 'Stone of Destiny'

WOLFANG DIGITAL documented the noteworthy launch of the Royal Salute 38, Stone of Destiny. An elegant and royal setting, a room filled with ancient treasures, a 38 year-old scotch whisky.

The finely superior Royal Salute 38 year old was unveiled to privileged eyes and sampled by distinguished, discerning palate. WOLFANG DIGITAL was honoured to be in the company of his excellency, the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Ian Campbell who graced us with his presence all the way from his native Scotland.

On display are his excellency's magnificent collection of treasures on loan from his expansive castle, Inveraray in scenic Scotland. WOLFANG DIGITAL did not hesitate to capture these rare wonders that helped shape a nation's history.

The Royal Salute 38 made its grand entrance escorted by a pair of bagpipers in full highland regalia. Scenes from the movies Braveheart and Rob Roy played in our minds amidst the bagpipers' melancholic yet majestic melody.

When the classics do the twist

Here is a short video clip of an artiste par excellence at work.


We're proud to have Joanne Yeoh select WOLFANG DIGITAL as her official Videographers!

WOLFANG DIGITAL was engaged by internationally renowned professional violinist Joanne Yeoh to cover her performance. Joanne worked her bow with passion in the concert hall- thrilling music connoisseur- which was packed to them brim. Some of her fans were sitting on the steps, next to my video camera's tripod!

Knowing full well that music recorded through the on-board camera microphone wouldn't sound good, especially when heard through the tone sensitive ears of a world famous musician, we decided on an alternative plan of action.

Joanne's talented ensemble for that night are acclaimed pianist Dr Lim Pei Sien and cellist Dr Chong Yew Yoong. Music from all three musicians were 'harnessed' and piped into our video camera from specialised AKG microphones installed in close proximity to each of the instruments namely the cello, piano and of course, the violin.



Attached to my ears are a pair of fine enclosed Sennheiser headphones that separates the ambient noise from the music recorded by the video camera. I got to hear the crisp clear sound of music as if I was standing next to the musicians themselves. I was able to enjoy Piano Trio In C Major KV548 by Mozart, Reverie by Claude Debussy, Trio by Charles Ives and La Muerte Del Angel by Astor Piazzolla.

The three masters cooked up a storm, especially Joanne who looked fabulous in her ebony evening gown. Her fingers danced across the strings, she whipped her bow forward and back as she dazzled us with her renditions. We're proud of Joanne Yeoh for winning the Martell VSOP Rising Personalities Award 2007 and having her as our client. We wish her all the best in her next venture!

A Poignant Moment

During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure had not hit us... yet.


It was an eye opener for us when we visited the Adventist Hospital's Renal Care Centre in Penang. None of my family members or anyone I know of are facing kidney related illness, making this trip a poignant one for us.



WOLFANG DIGITAL traveled to Penang to produce a Product Video for B. Braun Avitum- an internationally renowned pioneer and manufacturer of medical products for treatment of extracorporeal blood treatment (out of body blood cleansing or haemodialysis) based in Germany.

During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure did not hit us... yet. It wasn't until when we started the Videography session when reality descended. We were told that the rows of reclined patients were in various stages of kidney failure.

The head nurse continued to tell us of the three times a week dialysis sessions where each patient had to undergo five to six hours of treatment costing RM 250 a session. It wasn't just the financial aspect of it that disturbed us, it was the abrupt change in lifestyle not to mention the distress each time a needle pierces a vein AND artery. All physical activity had to be kept to a minimum and a strict dieting regime is implemented.



I had to set up the camera in front of the patients although my subject was not the patient but the dialysis machine drawing out their blood, cleaning it and transporting it back to their body. They seemed pleasant enough but by looking at them, I could sense that they had resigned to their fate but always, there was a glimmer of hope.

We all learned that high blood pressure and diabetes led to kidney failure. To anyone out there reading this, take good care of your kidneys. Drink lots of fluids, cut down on your sugar and salt intake and exercise regularly. Being put on dialysis will not just put your life on hold, it will inconvenience your loved ones too.

Photos were taken with my K800i for archiving purposes.

Hanging in the balance.

As with all things in life, achieving a balance leads to a successful and fulfilling existence. This too, applies to the proper deployment of the Glidecam.

Three years ago, I had the opportunity to edit a Product video for Westin Hotel. The Videography was provided by a third party who used the Flowcam from Varizoom. I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that Varizoom's stabilizing products are nowhere near Glidecam Industries'.

After my own considerable practice with it, I managed to iron out the intricacies of my Glidecam. In retrospect, it was very clear from the get go that the Videographer did not consider balancing his Flowcam before applying it on an actual Videography session. The symptoms are an annoying swing of the video camera along the axes (a left-right or forward-backward rocking motion) when then the Videographer alters the speed of his movement.

A well-balanced Glidecam should not deviate much from any of its axes when the Videographer shifts his movement speed or abruptly stops. The Glidecam manual clearly shows us how to test for balance: walk with the Glidecam (camera mounted, LCD panel folded out) and stop suddenly. There should be no noticeable pendulum-like swinging of the Glidecam; this is a good indication of a well-balanced Glidecam.

I have to allocate about half hour to set up and balance our Glidecam. This means being on-location earlier. During our practice runs, it's a real drag packing up the Glidecam knowing full well it's going to be set-up again the following day.

TCIE Videography pt. 1

'The site was dusty, gritty, muddy, rocky and provided various obstacles that hindered shot composition. '

photos are taken with my K800i camera phone for archiving & training purposes.




What was meant to be a simple Videography session left us weary and exhausted by the end of the day. The Videography session for Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE) started mid morning but I was up at the crack of dawn to avoid the traffic congestion and to get some paperwork done before heading off to TCIE HQ in Gombak.

Our first scene was of an express bus ferrying tourists to an exotic locale. After an enjoyable breakfast with our client, we were told that the bus (huge by my standards) was meant to remain in the workshop for additional service so we headed off instead to a cement processing plant owned by YTL Group.




The site was dusty, gritty, muddy, rocky and provided various obstacles that hindered shot composition. As our subject was the cement mixers trundling in and out of the plant, we were exposed to the hot weather bordered by the colossal structure and cement mixers. The almost stark blue sky wasn't kind to offer enough clouds.




Back at TCIE HQ, we set up for the express bus scene. By this time, it was close to noon and the sun was relentless in searing us with its heat rays. While the Batu Caves (huge limestone caves) provided a photogenic setting, we had too much outdoor light and too little indoor (inside the bus) illumination to correctly expose the bus driver. No amount of redheads (800W lights) could compete with the sun and properly light the driver through the bus' tinted windscreen and compete so we opted to use our mobile video lights inside the bus.

Next in the agenda was a well deserved breather for all of us- lunch break!

To be continued...

Glidecam Videography

We're hard at work practicing with our new Glidecam. It helps us capture great looking video footage: dolly, arching and tracking shots but at a cost to our physical stamina. Our Sony video camera balanced very well on our Glidecam but at 2Kgs, it was already very heavy when attached to the Glidecam in addition to the counterweights.

At about 1Kg, our 3CCD Panasonic video camera with a wide-angle lens adapter and fold out LCD panel was perfect but still exacted a toll on us. I just don't want to imagine loading our XL1 onto the Glidecam... I tried it anyway and suffice to say, it's not a good experience.

I intend to use the Glidecam on our upcoming project for Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE)'s Corporate Video. This project promises to put us face to face with huge diesel powered commercial trucks. The TCIE Corporate Video will be the first video to feature Glidecam Videography from WolFang Digital.

Meanwhile, it's going to be more sessions at the gym and more practice in the studio with our Glidecam. It's a great piece of equipment for moving, stable shots. With the help of the Glidecam, our Videos will gets a more refined look, resembling a high-budget Hollywood production but it still takes lots of hard work to become a competent Glidecam Videographer.

Glidecam Cometh

Today marks a historic day for WolFang Digital because we are able to offer a new service to all our precious clients!

This day marks the arrival of our brand new Glidecam, an equipment significant in Hollywood movie productions but rare in the Malaysian Video Production industry. Glidecam adds that distinctive elegance to your videos.

A Glidecam is a professional video camera stabilisation system. The Glidecam attaches to a video camera. The Glidecam gives a Videographer the freedom to walk, even run with his video camera without any jerky (shaky) video footage. In short, you will no longer see unsteady shots if the Glidecam is deployed.

Previously, a Video camera is attached on a tripod. While this set-up provides steady shots, it severely limits movement. The Glidecam lets our Videographers walk through a scene or an event, generating smooth flowing video footage.

Sweating for a new skill

Sometimes I get asked the question prior to an event when all of us photographers and videographers are chilling out, "Why do you need to do stretching?"

When our clients visit our office, they see our mini-gym and the inevitable question, "Do you guys actually work out?"

I was at the gym again on Sunday for an hour. My recent workout doesn't include the push-ups, chin-ups and the leg-raises I do during the weekdays. It's sounds odd when I tell people that as videographers, we need to spend time at the gym. We have to keep ourselves in top physical condition. That also includes doing stamina intensive workouts, not just the muscle building stuff.

Taking up videography seriously involves more than having a good eye for scene composition and lighting. Holding on to a 6 Kgs video camera to get a steady shot for even a short period time takes considerable effort. Hence the time spent at the gym. Hence the stretching exercises before I take up the video camera.

I can shoot hand-held comfortably for long periods of time so I realised it's time I advanced my videography skills to the next level. I decided to attain a new skill and become a Glidecam operator.

I had the opportunity to try both the Varizoom Flowcam and the Glidecam. Both are heavy devices even before the camera is attached. Without constant gym sessions they would be very difficult to lift and impossible to wield for any length of time.


My gratitude to Glidecam Industries for its research that contributed to the development of the Glidecam 4000 Pro.

The Varizoom Flowcam looks and feels crude, almost unfinished. I found getting any useful footage from this device is a gamble at best. The Flowcam doesn't age well either, another design flaw inherent in this system.

The Glidecam is an ingenious camera stabilisation equipment that depends on a gimbal, weights and counterweights, letting the videographer walk, even run with the video camera while still getting smooth, steady shots. Glidecam's gimbal has a more free-flowing gimbal compared to the Flowcam. The Glidecam's robust and ergonomically designed body reduces operator fatigue and increases operation time.


The Varizoom Flowcam cannot compete with the superior stabilisation and ergonomic functionality of the Glidecam from Glidecam Industries.

We all know that track-based dollies take a long time to set-up and is rendered useless in narrow areas. The wheel-based dolly doesn't fare well either, depending on a smooth surface for it to glide along. Every turn of the dolly for arching shots produces a slight jerk visible in the video footage.

Until my Glidecam arrives and long after that, I'll still be at the gym regularly for my health, so I fill out my shirts and for my profession!

Working out, staying on top

Today's technology allows videographers to get away with murder, not literally, of course. The advancement in video camera technology simply allows us to do more without feeling the pain.

Unsteady hands? Don't worry. The video camera's got built-in Optical Image Stabilizer. Can't focus fast enough? Let it go, the video camera comes with Auto Focus. Insufficient lights? Chill out, just turn up the Gain. It's no wonder some of the videos produced today are starting to look bad. We are too reliant on technology.

There are some of us who simply don't care: By the time the videos are uploaded to YouTube, they'll look bad anyway. Videos produced nowadays are uploaded to the internet, its mainstream audience. Videos meant for the internet have never looked good, so why bother.

You need to bother because YouTube's and Quicktime's video compression technology is only going to get better and this may just leave you obsolete.

You need to bother because no matter how good a video camera, you cannot be too reliant on technology. A tripod, deployed to assist unsteady or tired hands tend to take up too much space during event video shoots.

I cannot stress this more: We as professional videographers need to work out and stay on top of our game. We need to strengthen our chest muscles, our backs, the abdominals and our hands, the biceps and especially. We need to improve our stamina because even a heartbeat can be felt and translated into jittery movement on a video footage.

I advise amateurs who are planning to venture into the business to train hard. Do lots of push-ups. This is an exercise that improves upper body strength.