issue 12 xm2 - xm2 cine | aerial cinematography for the...

XM2N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 12

TECH NEWS - Quick Change Battery System & Quick Connect/Disconnect ArmsNEW FACES - Steve Taitoko, Natalie Zibung, Craig Cahill, Rob Stagg, James MareBEHIND THE SCENES - KIA CERATO, MAXIM, DISCOVERY EXPEDITION TVCINTERVIEW - Natalie Zibung Film & TV Location Manager Operations Manager

DID YOU KNOW? - XM2 LabsW W W . X M 2 . C O M

XM2W W W . X M 2 . C O M

TECH NEWS

Here at XM2 we are always looking for small ways to increase our efficiency out in the field – wether it be on a movie set or out conducting an autonomous survey. One of the ways we have been able to save time is to eliminate the strapping of batteries to the UAV between flights.

The above pictures show a new upgrade carbon fibre battery tray system with two quick release pins incorporated. The quick release pins are individually rated to hold 150lbs of force (approximately 70 kilograms).

The system consists of two or more battery trays which can be loaded with batteries prior to, or during the UAV operation. When the UAV lands, the batteries are un-plugged and the operator can swap out the battery trays in a matter of seconds, re-arm the UAV and be able to continue operation.

Any existing Gryphon Dynamics 1400 UAV can be adapted to use this system with ease. You can expect to see this product in stock at the XM2 Store in the 3rd quarter of 2016.

Another solution we came up with to save precious time and increase our operating efficiency is with this upgrade.

In the past the Gryphon Dynamics 1400 UAV arms were secured in place using two M5 thumb screws. It takes approximately 4 minutes to fix the arms to the core.

Our new system features two over centre latches which are rated to 150lb (70 kilograms) holding force. You can be confident that they will not fail during any operation.

The new latches eliminate the need for the M5 bolts which are at risk of being cross threaded, and best of all, the reduce the time to install the UAV arms to the core by 75%. The operator can setup the UAV in ¼ the time that it would take with the M5 thumb screws!

You can expect to see the upgrade available on the XM2 Store in the 3rd quarter of 2016.

QUICK CHANGE BATTERY SYSTEM

QUICK CONNECT/DISCONNECT ARMS


On June 21st of this year the FAA announced a new set of blanket UAS regulations known as Part 107, or Small UAS Rules. (Unmanned Aerial System, a.k.a drones). These rules have been a long time coming and now they are finally here. Part 107 rules will allow American Businesses to operate drones commercially in a safe and streamlined manner.

For the last 5 years the processes of using drones commercially was a lengthy and often times cumbersome process, often not suitable to cinema production schedules or locations. Within the old framework drone laws have been murky waters to navigate and difficult to remain compliant.

The new regulations under Part 107 lay out a clear pathway for legal commercial operation using drones. Starting from 29th August 2016 commercial drones will be allowed to operate under Part 107 and the US will be open for business. Some of the biggest changes for our industry include the removal of 500’ of separation from non-participating members, as well as allowing operations in previously restricted airspace. Some of the key operating guidelines are listed below. XM2 is already working on certain waivers for some of these rules that would allow us to push the boundaries of drone work even farther.

NEW FAA PART 107 UAS RULES

Single - operator flight(no second visual observer required)

Under 55 lbs

Daytime - only

less than 400 ft above ground levelWithin visual line-of-sight of the operator

• All aircraft must weigh less than 55 lbs.

• Flight is allowed under 400 feet above ground level. If flying within 400 feet of a structure, flight can be up to 400 feet above the

height of that structure.

• Flight must take place within visual line of sight of the operator.

• Approval required from specific airports to fly within their airspace boundary.

• Flight must only take place during daytime and twilight hours: flight is allowed 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

Flight is allowed near non-participating structures.

• Flight is not allowed directly over people who aren’t participating in the operation.

• Drone operators must be certified under the new UAS Operator certification, akin to driver’s license written test.

This is a landmark ruling for the US drone industry. A set of rules that allow businesses to use drone technology is a great step forward. More details on Part 107 will continue to develop, as we get closer to its implementation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions on safe and legal drone operations.

For more information or to reach out to our Director of North American Operations, Maxwell Tubman please contact [email protected] and +1 (339) 222 2078.


Natalie Zibung

Natalie’s career in the Film & Television industry started her off very early from the tender age of 19, working alongside Australia’s best Location Managers in Victoria and New South Wales, and fast becoming Australia’s youngest Location Manager working on major feature film and television productions and running one of the countries busiest location companies by the age of 26.

To this date and having worked on over 500 shoots since 2002, Natalie has brought her location knowledge and experience to XM2, a perfect union that goes hand in hand in assisting Directors and Producers in being able to make the impossible happen safely and seamlessly.

NEW FACES

Rob StaggCAMERA OPERATOR

OPERATIONS MANAGER | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER | FILM & TV LOCATION MANAGER

Craig CahillBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – MINING & QUARRY / PILOT

Craig has 26 years’ experience as an Electrician in the industrial sector specializing in the quarrying and concrete industries. He established CEC Electrical in 1993 and successfully operated the business until its sale in 2013 where he joined Gordyn & Palmer as a regional manager until joining XM2. Craig’s skills included the design of large scale electrical distribution systems, HV electrical installation, motor control circuits and software design.Craig’s passion for RC helicopters started over 15 years ago after purchasing his first aircraft with no knowledge of how to build or fly them. The first flight only lasted a few seconds. Undeterred and enjoying the challenge of mastering RC helicopters Craig soon had a number of different aircraft including drones. Drones offered new challenges and enjoyment. Obtaining his UAV controllers certificate in 2014 Craig gained work in Australia and Europe flying drones for TV commercials.

Steve TaitokoCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Steve is an experienced senior executive having lead fast growth companies over the past 15 years. With a successful career as CFO for publicly listed technology companies in Australia, he has also founded several successful private companies. Steve is responsible for the design of the company to allow it to scale rapidly whilst maintaining and amplifying the innovative and service excellence that is the hallmark of XM2. Steve is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and has an MBA.

Robert Stagg has over 12 years experience in the film and television industry. Working in close proximity with some of the best Directors and Producers. Over the years he has honed his skills as a camera operator and editor. Rob has been with the business since 2012 and has worked on major TVC’s and Feature films making him one of the most experienced UAV camera operators in the industry.


DID YOU KNOWDid you know about XM2 Labs? XM2 Labs is a dedicated Research and Development arm under the XM2 Group. Luke Annells (C.T.O) heads various engineering projects which engage with clients to provide solutions and also assist Monash University and Melbourne University Students to engage in the industry through practical applications.

Our team has a wide array of skills including Mechanical, Aerospace and Electronic Engineers capable of problem solving and manufacturing solutions for the UAV and Cinema industry.

James MareENGINEERING INTERN

James Mare is an Electrical Engineering student with a keen interest in UAV payload and control systems. Specialising in embedded systems, with experience in software and hardware, James is well equipped to deal with the complexities of aerial computing and sensor integration. James is involved in integrating various UAV subsystems, from cameras to flight controllers, to improve usability and performance in the field.


AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY

In the past, full sized helicopters, airplanes or complex rigging systems have been used to showcase a director’s vision. While effective, these methods are expensive, time consuming and typically inflexible. Utilising our drones, your setup times will be dramatically reduced and direction change is achievable within minutes. With XM2’s technology you can have a helicopter, tripod, jib, techno crane or steady cam in the air at a moment’s notice.

XM2’s drones provide freedom unimaginable with traditional methods and equipment. Full size helicopters are expensive to use, rig with cameras, are not permitted in metropolitan areas and cannot fly at low levels, drones on the other hand, can skim the ground and then lift to any height desired, can be flown down metropolitan streets, chase cars or even follow people down an alleyway.

DRONES IN FILM

“A game changer.”


THE EQUIPMENT

We offer a unique combination of filming experience and skills in piloting, programming, engineering, design and manufacturing. We design and build our own drones. This increases our dependability and means we offer a fleet that easily exceeds industry standards. It also means our pilots and camera operators have greater capabilities which in turn defines new boundaries for your imagination.

100% RELIABILITY

Our systems represent cutting edge technology and reliability. We have a 100% redundancy policy which means we always travel with two identical units as well as spare parts. As designers and manufacturers of the UAS, we can make repairs and change configurations to ensure minimal downtime on set.

UNSURPASSED HARDWARE

We not only have the best technology, we also have the best pilots and aerial cinematographers. Industry leading personnel and world class technology give us the competitive advantage. If we cannot make your vision a reality - no one can.

EXPERIENCE

Our team consists of professionals with decades of experience in photography, cinematography and drones operation, which set us apart from our competitors. We have developed and continue to enhance our expertise in creating aerial content that is unrivalled in our industry. Whether it be a TVC or feature film, we come to set knowing what to expect and how to execute the task at hand.


BEHIND THE SCENES ”KIA - CERATO”


BEHIND THE SCENES ”MAXIM”


BEHIND THE SCENES ”SSANGYONG - XLV”


Natalie ZibungFilm & TV Location Manager

Operations Manager

INTERVIEWHaving worked on hundreds on film sets over the past decade how have you noticed the changes in the use of drones in filmmaking?Drones in the film world is continuing to gain momentum, enabling filmmakers to experiment with aerial cinematography in ways that were not possible before. More and more Directors and Cinematographers are making great use of the fact that drones can go to places where people and helicopters can’t reach, giving film makers are new magic tool to help create their masterpiece.

How did you get involved with XM2?I was working on a television commercial for LG in Kiama a couple of years ago and there was talk of using a drone to capture aerial shots of the Kiama Blowhole. There were all these questions asked to me by council about the use of the drone relative to safety, the rules and the regulations and also from the production about what can and can’t be achieved. I had absolutely no idea what to say because drones were a brand new thing to me and also to everyone around me, I didn’t even know where to start. XM2 were working on the same shoot and I kept hearing great things about the company and how experienced the team were and I saw that for myself at the end of that shoot. With bringing my 10 years experience working in locations to XM2 proved to be a good match that helps with assisting not only productions with their permitting process but I also assist various councils to ensure they have all the relevant insurances, paperwork and safety measures in place to be able to permit drone activities safely and as per CASA guidelines.


Is there still a stigma attached to using drones in the film industry? What I’ve noticed is that there is more of a fear of using drones in public, which I know can sound scary to the odd council representative that gets the request to use a drone on a beach or in an open public space, and that’s where people like myself, other Location Managers and Production crew such as Producers, Production Managers, Safety Officers as a start need to be aware of the things that drones can and can’t do, and with the activities that are possible, what are the processes and procedures in being able to achieve the shots safely, under the CASA rules and regulations and in line with public safety and management. There is a lot to know such as the right types of insurances, exclusion zones, airspace clearance and restrictions in being able to fly over persons, vehicles and buildings. The more education and knowledge we receive on the use of UAV’s the more safer and stronger we become as an industry.

What are the regular questions that are asked by filmmakers that are still a little sceptic with using drones?Across the world of arts and entertainment, drone cinematography is fast becoming an essential new specialty and tool. UAV’s are creating a new visual vocabulary, delivering the stunning aerials once only affordable by big-budget projects.

Imagine all the shots you couldn’t once achieve, capturing a shark breaching out of the water from right above it’s mouth, being able to fly down mountain and along cliff edges close to a subject standing near the edge, through the spokes of a Ferris Wheel, following a chase sequence across building rooftops capturing stunt jumps nice and close, shots that descend from high up and zoom through a tight space, speed low to the ground facing straight into the action or lift from intimate angles to huge panoramas in a single fluid movement. The opportunities are endless and we can get so creative. A drone’s signature is getting more and more familiar. Don’t be afraid I say!


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W W W . X M 2 . C O M

M. +61 477 270 727 P. +61 3 9568 8458 E. [email protected] 8 Park Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, Australia

AUSTRALIAM. +1 212 653 0069 E. [email protected] 1834 S Camac St, Philadelphia PA 19148, USA

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issue 12 xm2 - xm2 cine | aerial cinematography for the...

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