Sachtler's FSB 8

To shoot the documentary Steppenlauf, cinematographer Florian Langanke traveled all the way to Mongolia. Together with director Anni Seitz, he accompanied three young Mongolian cross-country skiers, who, in spite of difficult training conditions in their country, would like to participate in the global community of top-class athletics. Their biggest dream is to take part in the Winter Olympics. In a small team, consisting of the two graduates from the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and an interpreter, Florian Langanke depended on the FSB 8 fluid head with the Speed Lock 75 CF tripod by Sachtler, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company.
Top-class athletics
"It's a film about contrasts and commitment to a dream," explains Langanke. On the way to the Olympics, the athletes have to do without appropriate training possibilities and a competition trail recognized by the International Ski Federation FIS. They must make something out of nothing – Oyunchimeg, Usukhbayar, and Gerelt Od make up for this with motivation, happiness, and a fighting spirit. This is the working basis for former cross-country skier and national trainer Georg Zipfel, who is actively engaged in the "FIS Aid & Promotion Programme for Developing Ski Nations" in Mongolia. Steppenlauf gives us an intense look into a far-away world in the midst of transition. For example, the film shows Georg Zipfel and his Mongolian athletes during summer training between sheep and yurts on the only paved street in the tiny town.
Optimum Performance
On the sidelines of the 2012 Winter Olympics in Austria or in the expansive Mongolian-Manchurian grassland – Florian Langanke relied on the Sachtler FSB 8 tripod system, which is compact, lightweight, quick to set up, and – above all – easy to handle. With a weight of only 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs), it was convenient to transport; so, fast location changes were no problem for the small team. In addition to the compact design and the light weight, the cinematographer considers three features to be indispensable for his work: "I particularly liked the fast but secure sideload camera connection, the self-illuminating Touch Bubble, and the fast-action clamping system of the Speed Lock tripod for spontaneous height adjustments during one-man camera operation."
Professionalism
On location, the conditions challenged both the team and the equipment. "The biggest challenge for the equipment was the weather in Mongolia. In the summer, we had to deal with wind and fine dust, which made its way into every nook and cranny. In the winter, the camera, tripod, and sound gear must work in temperatures down to -28 ºC (18.4 ºF)," explains Florian Langanke. That's why he chose the FSB 8 fluid head, which provided smooth camera pans at temperatures between -40 and +60 °C (-40 and +140 °F). "In combination with the Canon EOS C300, the FSB 8 tripod system delivered excellent precision and was always dependable.“ Plus, Langanke appreciated the small size and light weight of the rig they carried through the challenging environment.
Steppenlauf is to be finished in December 2013, but Langanke is already prepared to report positive results concerning the film project: "Getting to know Mongolia was a profound experience for me. Besides the breathtaking natural environment, it was the people who especially impressed me. In spite of all the difficulties, they unremittingly fight for their dream: cross-country skiing. Everyone can take a note from them."
Sachtler
(MH/CD)