Camera Corps has provided nearly 80 cameras, plus controllers, remotely-activated camera heads and protective covers for the latest series of the ITV’s reality-television show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, writes David Fox.
The show takes celebrities to a location in an Australian rainforest, and requires unobtrusive, weather-protected equipment. The technical infrastructure for the series is supplied by Gearhouse Broadcast.
“Camera Corps has co-operated successfully with us on many television productions, including this very demanding series,” commented Kevin Moorhouse, Chief Operating Officer, Gearhouse Broadcast. “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is always particularly challenging for everyone involved, being set at Murwillumbah in the tropical rainforest of New South Wales. Murwillumbah is one of the hottest and wettest environments on the planet. We have to protect the kit from torrential rain and prolonged humidity as well as insects that look on a camera as an ideal place to set up home.”
The cameras are a mix of Camera Corps’ Q-Ball remotely controlled pan/tilt/zoom heads, Camera Corps’ MiniZooms, Hitachi DK-H32, Iconix HD-RH1 and Toshiba IK HD1.
“The Q-Ball heads come in a fully weather-protected machined-aluminium sphere, so the only extra protection needed is to ensure rain doesn’t land directly on the lens if they are used outdoors. Each Q-Ball has an integral pan/tilt drive, which operates very smoothly and practically silently, allowing live follow shots of contestants performing their challenges or moving from one location to another. Picture quality from the Q-Ball and MiniZoom cameras is stunning, fully justifying the decision to capture the programme in HD,” he said.
The MiniShot remote pan-and-tilt heads are being used to allow remote control of the Hitachi cameras. “Like the Q-Ball cameras, these are operated via assignable joysticks and remote control panels,” explained David Sisson, one of three Camera Corps technicians working alongside Gearhouse crew to install, control and reposition the cameras.
“The Toshiba cameras are being used in a variety of applications including ultra-wide angle shots via Theia lenses of the celebs in the helicopter prior to sky diving into the camp. As ever, we brought a very wide range of camera mounts and waterproof housings to cater for every scenario from rocky ground and riverbanks to all imaginable varieties of tree.”
I’m a Celebrity… was first shown on ITV in 2002 and is now licensed globally. Viewers phone in to vote for a contestant to complete a Bush Tucker Trial and money is raised for charity from call fees. The last remaining contestant, after others have been evicted, is declared King or Queen of the Jungle.
