In this super cool YouTube video, filmmaker Peter Lindgren shows you how to build your own F*** insane pursuit system. A lethal combination of ARRMA RC Speed Monster Truck, and the disruptive DJI Ronin 4D, can lead to a powerful filmmaking tool for shooting high-speed moving objects. Read on.
A camera on an RC car
While everybody is talking about aerial cinematography, and cinema PFV is the hot jargon among filmmakers, there’s a field that is not less sexy and effective. RC (Remote Control) cars are far more precise than drones, can reach an even higher speed, and don’t suffer from legal issues regarding special permits when using them on productions. Back in 2010, I’ve tried to film an action video by utilizing my RC car, paired with GoPro HERO2 (look at the picture below). The shots were quite amazing. The only stabilization I could implement was done in post (Final Cut). But it delivered. It had great potential, especially among independent filmmakers. Fast-forward 12 years, now we have much more powerful tools for the job.
High-end solutions
Today, if you’d like to achieve those epic high-speed lower shots, you can use dedicated equipment. For instance, the industry standard (when the budget is no issue), is pursuit systems (Porsche Cayenne combined with Russian Arm). Every Hollywood action movie uses that. For more solid productions, the combination of Motion Impossible AGITO, Shotover, and ARRI SRH-360 stabilized head, can do the job. Nevertheless, this option or the other, is very expensive and cumbersome, which demands a highly experienced team in order to execute it properly. It’s definitely not a solution for small crews and/or independent productions. Fortunately, YouTuber Peter Lindgren is showing us an outstanding option that we all can implement.
ARRMA RC Truck and DJI Ronin 4D
Peter used two lethal weapons to build his own pursuit system. The first is the ARRMA KRATON 8S BLX 4WD Speed Monster Truck. This RC car is heavy and tough for carrying a cinema camera on it. Furthermore, it reaches 55MPH, and that looks super epic when shooting close to the ground. The other tool is the DJI Ronin 4D, which is the perfect stabilizer to use with that car. The stabilized Z-Axis smooths the shots perfectly, even better than the Russian Arm. This combination is the ideal formula to create high-speed super smooth low shots. As for the operation, this hybridization allows the privilege of one operator. However, two operators are ideal, since one is controlling the RC track, and the other takes care of the shooting angles of the Ronin 4D.
Price
The calculation of the price is pretty simple. The RC Track costs $1,000, and the DJI Ronin 4D costs between $7,000 to $11,000. Keep in mind that you need a tough RC car that can carry weight since the DJI Ronin 4D weighs almost 5Kg. So there you go. A professional pursuit system for just $10,000. The results are amazing and professional, which can be used even on high-end production. Check out Peter’s video below:
Wrapping up
The hybridization of high-end RC car with disruptive filmmaking devices like the DJI Ronin 4D, constitute a decent solution for shooting low-angle-fast-moving objects, and with a fraction of the price, and a fraction of the complexity compared to regular solutions in the professional market. Peter’s setup can be utilized in Hollywood as well. Eventually, even high-end productions like Netflix and Hollywood must understand that those consumer ‘toys’ can be used to shoot for the big screen as well. For instance, one of the most high-budget production on Netflix, which is Red Notice, has utilized FPV drones combined with the RED Komodo for their high-complexity shots. Peter’s case is a valid reference for how filmmakers should think outside of the box, and employ affordable products that can grant professionally looking results, just as their highly expensive analogs.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- DJI Ronin 4D 4-Axis Cinema Camera 6K Combo Kit
- DJI Ronin 4D 4-Axis Cinema Camera 8K Combo Kit
