BMW at Anglesey Circuit - Minicams and Sound
Shoot HD was recently involved in the production of promotional films by Juice for two of BMW’s latest and fastest cars, the Concept M4 GTS and M2 Coupé. ‘M’ stands for ‘Motorsport’ so three days at the picturesque but wickedly twisty Anglesey Circuit on the coast of the Welsh island with two Driving Wizards meant plenty of speed and plenty of noise, to be captured with an array of camera set ups and sound recording techniques.
The principal footage was shot by DOP Robert Shacklady on ARRI AMIRA, including tracking shots on a jib arm from a tracking vehicle, up and past trackside shots and statics. Aerial material was captured with a Panasonic GH4 on a drone piloted by Ben Kenobi of Rogue State Media. Shoot HD was responsible for the chase car tracking shots of the M2, the on-car minicam shots for both films and the sound recording of the cars.
Minicams
GoPro HERO4 cameras were rigged with suction cup mounts on both the M4 and M2 for laps to capture mainly product badges and the wheels, showing up close the smoke generated by the screeching tyres.
Tracking Car Rig
A BMW M3 was supplied for use as a chase car for close up, high-speed tracking shots of the M2 on the circuit. The main camera, a Canon 5D Mark III, was rigged forward facing on the front of the M3, as low as possible to maximise the feel of speed. A wide-angle zoom lens at 16mm f2.8 was used, protected by a screw-in filter. GoPros were placed at other points around the car to cover other angles as the tracking car moved around the M2.
Sound Recording
Employing techniques commonly used in car video game sound production, a range of sounds were captured from various perspectives to give the post-production sound mixer a rich base of accurate audio of both cars, from which to build the films’ soundtracks. In order to convey the immense power of these machines, it was necessary not only to obtain exterior sounds but get right onto the cars to close mic the two main sources of sound, the engines and exhausts.
A range of specialist high SPL (sound pressure level) lavalier and dynamic mics were rigged in the engine bays and close to the exhaust pipes, strategically to minimise wind noise while capturing the intended sounds cleanly. A few sound laps were completed with each car to record all the types of movement, including plenty of drifting to get those screeching sounds (and turn the soundman green). Exterior car sounds were captured using shotgun mics during filming of up and past shots, and other sound effects and general atmos were recorded with a stereo mic array.
TopGear.com seemed to like the sound of the M4…
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/video/video-heres-what-bmw-m4-gts-sounds
Shoot HD can offer experienced sound recordists and minicam operators complete with competitive kit packages for your next car shoot or any other production.
Watch the completed films: