| As both a manufacturer of Tandem
Equipment and a rating authority for its use, The Jump Shack has received
several inquiries regarding requirements and recommendations for the use
of handcam video. As we don't specifically train people to use this equipment
we cannot, realistically, dictate requirements but we can offer recommendations
based on the experience of some of our tandem instructors and examiners.
Handcam, the use of a small video camera encased in a glove and worn
on the left hand of the tandem instructor, has been increasing in popularity
over recent years. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to
this method of filming tandems, and it is the purpose of this article
to outline;
- The Advantages and Disadvantages of handcam video
- The minimum recommendations to shoot handcam video
- The necessary mindset of the tandem instructor while shooting handcam
video
- Examples of useful procedures while shooting handcam video
Advantages of Handcam
Handcam video has become popular with both instructors and DZOs primarily
because it can increase the revenue of both parties.
The Drop Zone Operator can generate more income per plane load by not
needing a slot for the camera flyer. For example, you can put two tandem
pairs in a Cessna 182 and both can get video. This also applies to any
jump aircraft because instead of dividing the revenue generated by a Tandem
with video by three slots, it only requires two.
Tandem instructors can also increase their income by getting paid for
shooting (and possibly editing) the video as well as for actually taking
the tandem student. It also helps the instructor build rapport with the
student. The development of a few easy routines to introduce the student
to the equipment and to the concept of the skydive helps in building a
bond between the instructor and the student, and where appropriate the
use of humor can ease any tension that the student may be feeling.
The actual video footage shot both on the ground and in the air can also
be used as a part of the waiver. Footage of the student being told to
pick their feet up for landing and how to arch can be invaluable against
the claim “nobody ever told me to do that.” This is especially
true when under canopy, it is advisable to have the student practice lifting
their legs and feet and actually film that.
From the student's perspective, the handcam video contains a lot of content
not available with external video, including their immediate reaction
on canopy opening, footage of them steering the parachute and the ability
to record personal messages while under canopy to people who will eventually
see the video.
Disadvantages of Handcam
Obviously having the handcam and glove on the left hand severely restricts
movement in a smaller plane (such as a C182) and a lot of preparation
should be taken before using the system with an actual student. Work out
a way to tighten up the side straps by practicing with a fellow skydiver
on the ground, in the plane, before coming to the realization that it
is trickier than you thought it would be at exit time. This is especially
important if you do most of your tandems from a Cessna 182. Practice in
both rear and front positions as both present different challenges with
a handcam.
Taking tandem students is a process that benefits from an established
set of routines, and yet should never allow the instructor to become complacent.
The instructor's job has enough potential pitfalls and inherent dangers
that adding another component to the diveflow (handcam) should never be
undertaken lightly. The presence of a handcam can be a distraction to
both the instructor and the student. This distraction can be beneficial
in some instances (having the student look at the camera while in the
door can alleviate some of the fear at exit time) and detrimental in others
(having the student forget to arch because they're too busy geeking the
camera or assuming bad body position because they spend the whole jump
staring off to the left trying to find the camera).
From the student's point of view the shots missing are the “fly
in” shot and any 360's presenting a complete view of the tandem from
all aspects. However, with the development of some routine camera angles
during every freefall, this can be compensated for, and more than made
up for with the addition of footage shot under canopy and some varying
camera angles. Also, any stills pulled from the video will not be of the
same quality as those shot with a good Digital Single Lens Reflex or 35mm
camera.
The Minimum Recommendations for performing Handcam tandems
Because of the potential for distraction and the added complexity during
hookup and exit the following are the minimum recommendations for instructors
who wish to use a handcam setup.
- An absolute minimum of 100 post-probation tandem skydives.
- Currency (the first jump back after a seasonal layoff should NOT be
a handcam jump.
- Before taking a student the instructor should make 2 solo jumps on
sport gear with the camera to feel how it affects flying and 1 jump
on tandem gear with an experienced (C licensed) skydiver.
These recommendations are the absolute minimum, the instructor should
make as many practice jumps as needed to build a comfort factor.
The necessary mindset for performing Handcam tandems
Any instructor performing handcam video on a tandem should realize that
they are a tandem instructor first and a videographer second. The video
should be the very last priority on the skydive.
“A bad video of a good skydive is preferable to a good video of
a bad skydive”
From hookup procedures, through the exit, the freefall and the parachute
ride full attention should be given to the skydive and the video should
only be interwoven into established procedures.
The instructor should also remember that it is the student's video, they
want to see themselves in it, not the instructor goofing around and grandstanding
for the whole freefall.
Handcam Procedures
It is important to establish a good set of routines that will minimize
the risk of distraction during a tandem skydive performed with handcam.
This should start at the very beginning and will assist the instructor
in turning out a quality product safely. Below are some examples of handcam
procedures that will help in formulating a good, safe routine of your
own.
Either before meeting your student with camera in hand take a shot of
the student's name on the manifest board or the waiver or at the very
least either say their name in the introduction or get them to say it.
When the videos are being edited it really helps to know exactly whose
video you are working on.
Gauge the student's temperament, some humor in the introduction can reduce
the fear component, but it should be carefully used, as typical skydiver
“gallows humor” may do more harm than good. Generate a routine
that you are comfortable with and that can be adapted for every type of
student that you will encounter. This part of the video can be used to
build a rapport with the student that will help you gain their trust and
encourage them to follow your instructions during every part of the skydive.
You can even get them to show you a “practice arch” which will
encourage them to do the same in the air. If you routinely perform a practice
climbout, film that too.
During the climb to altitude film some shots out of the window, inside
the plane and, if possible, even conduct a mini-interview. If the student
is with some friends and family get them in the shots too.
In the door, pause a second and have the student look at the camera.
Ask them to do this while on the ground and remind them once you are hooked
up. Having them look at the camera can take their mind, momentarily, off
of the concept that they are about to jump from an airplane, then gently
guide their head back into position and proceed with the exit.
A good exit is better than a good video of the exit. Concentrate on stability
and getting the drogue out.
Once you are flying nice and stable bring your left hand around, either
over or under the student's arm, and get them in frame. Let the camera
rest there for a few seconds to get their reactions, this is a great time
to do a practice touch on the right drogue release. If all is going smoothly
you can obtain some good shots by bring both of your arms out wide and
high, by tilting the camera at the ground and then gently bring the hand
back to the neutral position. Make all movements as smooth as possible
and let any shot linger for a few seconds. Rapid movement shots will make
the tandem look jerky and panicky.
Always make your primary pull with the right drogue release while filming
handcam. When jumping without a camera switch to the left drogue release
to maintain familiarity with its location.
You can get great opening shots of the canopy with a little practice,
then bring the camera up to the student's face to get their initial reaction;
it can be priceless! When you have checked the canopy and done a control
check you can interview the student. When they have the steering toggles
you can tell the camera that they are flying the parachute then pan around
the landscape slowly to get the full scenic effect. Turns of 360 and 720
degrees under canopy can look startling if the camera is pointed at the
ground, and always get the student to practice their leg positions for
landing on the video.
During the landing try and keep the student in frame, but if not possible,
once safely on the ground and with a collapsed canopy get the student's
face in full frame and let them tell the world what they thought of their
experience.
Finish the video with a short interview, get their name and the dropzone
name in there and have a definite finish move such as “Welcome to
the sky” and point the camera up as you shut it off. This will give
you a definite “end point” for the edit.
As I stated at the beginning of this article, there is no training or
testing for incorporating handcam into tandem skydiving, yet its potential
for disrupting the dive should not be underestimated. The content of this
article is based on the observations and experience of tandem instructors
that have already dealt with some of the potential pitfalls, and can be
used as a platform for building your own procedures,
Freefall Photos courtesy of Jeff Colley - Jeff-ica Productions
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