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Tour de France 2021: Behind the Scenes with Papa Sierra
Providing live aerial coverage of the most outstanding and highly respected bike riding competition in the world.
Papa Sierra’s gimbal line-up as they prep for live coverage of the Tour de France 2021.
Well before the Tour de France 2021 kicked off in Brest, Brittany, France on June 26, preparations were underway to broadcast the event worldwide. Race coverage requires the highest quality equipment, diligent technicians and an artful lens to convey the story of the most outstanding and highly respected bike riding competition in the world.
Enter Papa Sierra.
Based in Paris, France, Papa Sierra provides top-notch aerial shoots for cinema, events and advertising. A GSS partner for over five years, Papa Sierra owns and operates a full fleet of Gyro-Stabilized Systems gimbals used on helicopters and operated by some of the best technicians in the business.
Having covered this epic race for over a decade, Papa Sierra has the expertise and insight on just how and what to do. This year, they are utilizing two shooting helicopters each equipped with two gimbals – one with a wide angle lens and the other with a 45x telephoto lens for long zoom work. In addition to filming the race, these crews also provide stunning aerial footage of significant sites and landscapes crossing the route.
Here’s how it works: The director proposes a composition and the result becomes a team effort between the pilot and the operator. From a wide shot to a tight close-up of a cyclist, communication is essential to providing the director just what they are looking for. In this way, the coverage is an exciting information exchange between the aerial teams and the director who tells the story of the race using motorcycles and helicopters.
According to Frédéric SPRIET, Owner of Papa Sierra, the gimbal function they most heavily rely on is stability. “The stability of the gimbal allows the zoom to be carried out at very long focal lengths. This is an indispensable tool for covering sporting events such as car, boat and cycle races. GSS is the most stable gimbal in the world making it the perfect match for the most elite bike race in the world.”
In addition to “monstrous stability,” a gimbal function the operators appreciate is “Topshot in G mode” also known as POV mode or platform guided stabilization. This allows the operator to hold the racers in the shot during the heart-pounding final sprint through tiny villages at the end of each day’s race - even if the chopper is going too far and between buildings.
One of the many artful ways these seasoned operators provide an immersive audience experience is by utilizing the “magnificent 45x Canon lens with the Sony P50” to capture facial expressions and even discussions between the racers. This often happens during the mountain stages while flying at the same altitude as the cyclists.
Equipped with four GSS gimbals, SPRIET is confident his team will secure exactly what is needed all the way to the finish line.
For Tour de France 2021 coverage, check out TV: NBCSN Stream: Peacock.
For more information on Papa Sierra, go to https://papasierra.fr/en/. Photos by Stéphane Azouze.
“It is an exciting information exchange between the aerial teams and the director who tells the story of the race using motorcycles and helicopters.”
Best in Broadcast 2020
When you’re looking for the best tech in broadcast, you ask the experts. News networks across the world use GSS gimbals to capture the latest in current events.
Time and time again, our clients choose GSS Cineflex gimbals for their:
Lightweight and compact size
Rock-solid stabilization at the end of the lens
Stabilized look down in a smaller and lighter package
Fast installation
Reliability - they just work
Best Churchill Navigation moving maps integration in the industry, with Geo Pointing capabilities and adjustable heading for perfectly aligned maps
Still not convinced? Check out some of our clients with their ships and gimbal systems!
WKMG, via Parker Brown, Orlando, FL.
WLS, Chicago, IL.
WSVN, Miami, FL.
KTVU, via Ruben Campos, San Francisco, CA.
WKMG, Orlando, FL.
WPXI, via Ruben Campos, Pittsburgh, PA.
WCBS, New York, NY.
WABC, New York, NY.
Aerial Cine Group Showcases Corail Helicopters
Journey to the stunning island of Mauritius in the latest video from Aerial Cine Group. Flying alongside Corail Helicopters, the island-based tour guides in the Caribbean and off the coast of South Africa, Aerial Cine Group explores the lush landscape off the eastern coast of Africa.
The video in this shoot was captured by Aerial Cine Group with our GSS 516 Red Helium and Angenieux Optimo 25-250. The results are phenomenal. This was a great way to market Corail Helicopters.
Aerial Cine Group, the Emmy-winning, Belgium-based aerial filming team, has gone global. You may have seen their work from the Red Bull Air Racing in Abu Dhabi, sailing in Miami, car chasing in Amsterdam, and more.
See more of Aerial Cine Group on Instagram @aerial_cine_group!
HAI Heli Expo 2019
GSS team members commit themselves to sharing our knowledge and expanding the incredible industry opportunities. What better place to do so than Helicopter Association International’s 2019 Heli Expo?
GSS Managing Director Jason Fountaine and Vice President of Sales Nick Ricciardi exhibited this year in Atlanta and had the chance to meet with industry customers, supporters, and friends. We are always grateful to share our systems with members of the helicopter industry and expand our network. The heli industry has been the largest proponent of our systems to date, and we look forward to new opportunities within the broadcast/ENG, utility inspection, and surveillance markets for gimbals. It’s a very exciting time to work with this tech!
While HAI’s membership has grown dramatically since its inception in 1948, its mission has stayed the same. Nearly 20,000 experts gathered this season to share knowledge, focus on safety standards, and of course, show off awesome new systems within the helicopter industry. We are truly fortunate to exhibit with the best in the business and can’t wait for next year!
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USAF Goes Gyro-Stabilized in Weapons Test
This past December, the U.S. Air Force released footage of a successful Flight Test Integrated-03, also known as FTI-03, shot with a GSS Cinema Pro gimbal. Watch the footage here.
Filmed with a Red DSMC2 Helium and a Canon 50-1000mm lens for day footage along with stunning night footage via a Midwave Infrared Camera, the video captured combined efforts of the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy.
The team operated the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex based out of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. According to Mark Wright of the Missile Defence Agency, “This was an operational live fire test demonstrating the Aegis Weapon System Engage On Remote capability to track and intercept an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) target with an Aegis Ashore-launched Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA interceptor.”
It is incredible to see so many different purposes and projects with GSS in action. We are proud to represent the U.S. military in their defense exercises.
Get more updates of GSS gimbals, and our client’s projects by signing up for our emails below.
The Clients of GSS
What does it take to create the incredible documentaries you watch on The BBC, Discovery Channel and more? It starts with the best tech, outstanding customer service and state-of-the-art designs from a dedicated team. But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to these client testimonials from the most talented crews in the aerial cinematography industry.
“They are a step above...”
It’s all about the problem-solving abilities for Aerial Photographer Christian Turner from the US Air Force and Media Fusion. Our high-quality gimbal designs and 24/7 customer service speak for themselves, allowing Christian Turner to continue to capture the fastest aircraft around.
"It just made sense."
Emmy-winning Aerial Cameraman Skip Margetts of Helimedia wanted a partnership, not a sales pitch. With the ability to interchange cameras and lenses, Helimedia has created stunning footage on the Cape Town front for movies like Chappie (2015) and District 9 (2009) for over a decade.
“GSS is a group of excellence."
For IDO Aerials Co-Owner and Director of Photography Nathan Garofalos, accountability and consistency are crucial, and we can understand why. Since 2014, Incline Dynamic Outlet has created footage for the industry's biggest filmmakers: National Geographic, Warner Bros. Pictures and more.
“GSS has definitely set the bar high.”
Aerial Photographer Chris Higgins of the Edwards Air Force Base says his relationship with the GSS team boosts productivity. That engaging customer service really counts and makes a difference when he’s taking on the skies and capturing footage at jet speed.
"They care about my success."
Just like Winged Vision Founder Bob Mikkelson said, we do what others won't. Our partnership helps him capture awesome sporting event coverage of NASCAR, NHL, NFL and more. With stable footage, he gets in on the action both from land and in the air.
"GSS is a partner who we trust, and it works."
Alexander Brozek of CAMCAT-Systems agrees. GSS takes the time to answer questions. CAMCAT takes the European market by storm, taking on the 2017 British Golf Open and more with their remote-controlled cable system designed for aerial footage captures.
“It’s cutting edge, state of the art.”
Straight from Rogue Aviation Co-Owner Matt Barnes and Creative Director and Aerial Cinematographer Cory Hill, GSS is a family. Rogue Aviation has shot aerial work for The Mint 400 race and Pacific Flight Aviation flight school, and has been featured in commercial ads for all kinds of businesses and brands, like DuPont, BMW, and even in music videos!
Our amazing clients are the reason we do what we do. The art they continue to create inspires us to consistently innovate our gimbals for the best service and quality available.
See more testimonials here.
Award-Winning Teton Gravity Research
Last year, Teton Gravity Research created an awesome new project with their Cinema Pro+ and took home Powder’s Movie of the Year Award.
Their film Far Out goes global, from the Albanian Alps to Girdwood, Alaska. What do the world’s most wild mountain ranges have to offer? More than 30 of the most daring bike, ski and snowboard athletes find out. This epic chronicle took one of the coveted awards during Powder Magazine’s 19th Annual Powder Awards in December, an event which honors the best athletes and artists in the ski community.
Check out the trailer for Far Out below.
We are a proud sponsor of this film. As we have seen time and time again with dozens of the team’s incredible films, TGR never fails to deliver. Our client’s amazing work inspires us to push gimbal technology to new levels so they can achieve new perspectives.
A huge congrats to the TGR crew on this awesome win!
What will TGR create next? Be the first to know by following us on Instagram and Facebook!
XD-Motion Soars After IBC
GSS client XD-Motion hit the ground running after an eventful weekend at IBC in Amsterdam. With their Cinema Pro + and an Arri Mini with Angenieux 24-290mm lens, the team completed an aerial shoot and made every minute count.
By 1 P.M. the next day, XD-Motion Founder and Aerial Operator Benoit Dentan and the aerial equipment traveled over 900 miles to the helicopter base, a journey that originally began at 3 A.M. when the equipment arrived in Paris.
By 3 P.M., Dentan was ready to shoot an Airbus helicopter from a bracket aircraft with his 290mm lens. With only an hour to film, Dentan captured beautiful sequences.
As some of the hardest workers in the industry, XD-Motion takes our products to new limits for air and 1D, 2D, 3D cable systems. The international aerial filming organization has created content for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games, Kia Motors and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more incredible client-created projects below.
Travel Light with GSS
Take your gimbal anywhere without the hassle of complex packing or fear of your system getting damaged. With our lightweight cases, your gimbals can fly as excess baggage for less than 70 pounds per case.
The complete Cinema Mini/Cineflex Pro 512EX gimbal system is easily separated into three, travel-sized cases.
Packing up the Cinema Mini/Cineflex Pro 512EX for travel takes minutes.
Remove the front and rear cover using the 512EX captive hardware
Remove the inner-axis (Camera and lens Payload) via 8 captive hardware screws
Load empty turret into Turret case
Load inner-axis (Camera and lens payload) into Inner-axis case
Load hand controller, video breakout box, PDU and cables into accessories box
All cases can easily load onto a luggage cart at the airport and be checked as excess baggage on all major airlines.
Housed in its own case, the turret is a 20x20x22 unit and weighs 20.5 pounds while empty.
Protect the inner axis and payload with camera and lens configuration in a single case, perfectly fitted within a 30x16x15 shell.
The hand controller, filters, cables and video breakout box fit perfectly in the final case with more than four precisely cut compartments and a measurement of 30x30x29. With the case fully loaded, it weighs in at 66 pounds.
All cases are designed specifically to comfortably and safely fit our gimbal systems, so have no fear of damaging your system or it moving inside the case while traveling.
Contact us today about using the 512EX while traveling around the world.
Beyond The Helicopter: GSS Custom Design Services
Gimbals should go above and beyond the standard helicopter. When your project requires ground rigging from a ship or truck, as filmed during Deadliest Catch or a Teton Gravity Research project, a custom design should be within reach.
“We have mounted the C520 (Cinema Pro+) on cars, trucks, boats and small 4-wheel drive vehicles,” says Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Co-Director of Teton Gravity Research, Todd Jones.
“You can have it on a truck in the morning and move it onto a helicopter in under an hour.”
Decades of experience allow GSS engineers to develop gimbal systems which accommodate custom designs. We design every model with room for modifications as camera and lens technologies change and integrate systems to your needs.
After purchasing your gimbal, contact GSS who, along with companies including Paradigm SRP LLC, can develop unique systems fitted for your production, surveillance or broadcast needs.
Contact us about your custom design today!
From Old to New: A Look at Stabilized Improvements with Churchill Navigation
At GSS, we always look to evolve and improve. At our core, we are engineers that love to create, test and improve our gimbals and technologies to provide the highest quality and latest advancements that integrate with our gimbals. As we analyze old footage, we are proud to see how far our stabilized gimbals have come and are able to offer the best solution for IMU integration.
In this clip, we compared the original solution, External Novatel IMU, to the new, GSS Internal IMU. Both flights featured identical paths over Philadelphia and used Churchill Navigation’s BEAR mapping system with a GSS Cineflex series broadcast gimbal. Notice the incredible stabilization improvements; the street names no longer shake or bounce, and instead, glide smoothly.
What is IMU?
An IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit, detects linear acceleration using an accelerometer and rotational rate using gyroscopes. It reports pitch, roll and yaw status on a continual basis.
We use IMU data as part of an Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). The GSS INS uses the IMU measurements to calculate attitude, angular rates, linear velocity and position relative to a global reference frame. GSS IMU/INS reports the video’s location to Churchill for a live mapping overlay. An accurate IMU data feed results in a stable mapping overlay, as you see in this video.
Learn more about our development of our in-house INS here.
For more information on integrating GSS’s IMU with your system, contact us here.
For more information about our Cineflex Broadcast Series, click here.
The GSS Cinema Pro+
The GSS Cinema Pro+, formerly known as the C520, is the smallest and lightest gimbal in its class and supports the most popular cameras and lenses in the marketplace. This gimbal goes above and beyond competitors with fast installation time, a weather-sealed shell and the ability to house today’s most popular camera and lens configurations.
Weighing in at 85 pounds (without payload) and a width of 20 inches, this gimbal accommodates large cinema cameras and lenses for projects in all environments. The system has been used at sub-freezing temperatures above 24,000 feet in the Himalayas and in the sweltering heat in the Emirati desert. Unlike competitors, the Cinema Pro+ is completely sealed for safe operation in adverse climates.
Like all GSS gimbals, no gimbal tech is required for installation. Save time and money with our interchangeable systems, and swap between cameras like the Arri Alexa 65, Alexa SXT, Alexa LF, Sony Venice (and many others!) with hundreds of lens options within 30 minutes. This package can fly on a single pole mount, which will also save considerable time and money when compared to shipping, installing and using a dual pole mount.
With an expanded elevation of 30° to -205° from horizontal and six-axis of gyro-stabilized movement, the Cinema Pro+ has the most wide-ranging capabilities yet and may be operated in both standard and inverted mode. With VectorSteering™ look-down technology there is no gimbal lock.
Even with its large-scale capabilities, this gimbal still flies conveniently as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions and easily breaks down to 70 lbs/32 kg per box in about one hour.
We have designed our future-proof open architecture systems to be compatible with upgrades as gimbal, camera and lens technologies evolve.
For all of the Cinema Pro+ details, check out the complete specs for more information about its expanded, interchangeable camera and lens options.
Download the complete specs here.
Fitting the DNA of Teton Gravity Research
Earlier this year, GSS client Teton Gravity Research, an action sports media company, shared this custom feature about their journey with GSS their new GSS Cinema Pro +, and we are so proud to see our gimbal in these incredibly versatile projects.
“GSS really fits our DNA. It’s the best five-axis gimbal in the world.”
– TGR Co-Founder Todd Jones
TGR formed more than two decades ago and since created thirty-two sports culture-focused films with no signs of stopping.
Check out how TGR uses their GSS gimbal to capture winter sports across the globe in the video above and learn more about their award-winning films here.
Learn more about the Cinema Pro + and it’s capabilities here.
Aerial Camera Systems meets the Cineflex Pro +
GSS customer Aerial Camera Systems received their first GSS Cineflex Pro + this summer and inaugurated their new gimbal at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
This system is contoured with the Grass Valley LDX-C86N Compact Camera and Canon CJ45 lens. For the first time, the Cineflex Pro + will help capture the legendary hoisted aerial shots of the All England Club in UHD/HDR. GSS’s newest customer has added to their state of the art gimbals and will now have the option of using their GSS Cineflex Pro + or Cineflex gimbals for various broadcast projects.
“We’re delighted to add the Cineflex Pro + to our inventory of stabilized gimbals. We’ve made some significant investments in equipment this year, recognizing the growing demand for 4K UHD formats.”
Operations Director Dave Whitlock
We look forward to the content ACS will release in the future with their new GSS gimbal, which will allow them to take on new payloads and revolutionize camera stability in the European market. ACS plans to use the Cineflex Pro + at upcoming sporting events this August.
Learn more about the Cineflex Pro + and all its capabilities here.
If you’re located in England, rent ACS gimbals and learn more about past projects from the Royal Wedding, Commonwealth Games and more at aerialcamerasystems.com.
The GSS Cinema Pro Gimbal
Formerly the GSS C516, the Cinema Pro handles the most popular medium-sized cinema cameras with ease. Similar to the Cinema Mini, its six-axis look-down extends filming capabilities without gimbal lock. An expanded width of 16 inches allows this gimbal to accommodate larger interchangeable lenses.
For increased precision and accessibility, the Cinema Pro features a geo-pointing option as well as GroundControl™ for wireless, bi-directional gimbal control.
Like the GSS Cinema Mini, this mid-sized, 60-pound gimbal is travel-friendly and still small enough to ship as excess baggage with no ITAR or EAR export restrictions.
Within 30 minutes, interchange lenses from the Canon Cinema Series, Zeiss Master Primes, Optimo wide zooms and more.
Interested in all of the Cinema Pro’s capabilities? Download the complete specs for more information about weight, dimensions, camera options and more.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL SPECS HERE
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE
The GSS Cinema Mini Gimbal
Ideal for today’s most popular payloads, the GSS Cinema Mini is the smallest, lightest gimbal capable of handling the Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon with a lens up to a Canon 50-1000.
Whether your project requires aerial, ground vehicle or marine mount, the Cinema Mini is the most versatile option for your production. Between its six-axes of movement and a weight of only 38 pounds plus payload, this gimbal is small but mighty.
The Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon will shoot flawlessly with the GSS Cinema Mini's stabilized horizon, protected from a variety of environments within the sealed system. Thanks to VectorSteering™, sixth-axis look-down is possible without gimbal lock.
With high-speed fiber optics, wireless capability and metadata outputs, this gimbal is well equipped for the most demanding jobs!
On top of that, the camera and lenses are interchangable within minutes. When it’s time to make a system upgrade, the Cinema Mini is fully upgradable to support your payload needs and changes.
The GSS Cinema Mini is compatible with upcoming new accessories, including the rain deflector and heat dissipating covers.
Looking for more details about the Cinema Mini’s dimensions, lens options and more? Download the full specs below for a complete look at everything it has to offer.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SPECS HERE
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE
The GSS Cineflex Pro Gimbal
Optimized for broadcast use, The Cineflex Pro is the smallest and lightest system in the world, weighing 35 lbs or 15.8 kgs plus payload, that can hold today's most popular Broadcast payloads!
The GSS Cineflex Pro is the only system in the world that can hold the following payloads without having to repackage:
- Sony P43 4K with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- GV c86n 4K with 45-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- Ikegami HDL-F3000 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- Sony HDCP-1/3 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
(Other camera and lens options are available as well - ask us about yours!)
The Cineflex Pro is just one of the GSS 5-axis gimbals from the Cineflex Broadcast Series. The Cineflex Pro beats out competitors and is ideal for major-market ENG clients and live broadcast applications. Compatible with lighter helicopters like the Bell 505, Robinson R44 and R66, it is fully upgradeable and functions with existing air and ground mounts.
Take advantage of top features including VectorSteering™ look-down with no gimbal lock, isolated electronics for eliminated video noise and optional internal IMU for Geo-pointing with a moving map interface and Virtual Reality Overlays.
Its compact size of 13.8 inches wide and 19 inches tall combined with the small platform size allows this gimbal to be transported as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions, making shipping easily accessible.
To learn more about the Cineflex Pro, click here to download and see the complete specs and features.
If you haven’t purchased yours yet, contact us today for the best broadcast gimbal available.
GSS Used In The French Rally Championship
This past May, the GSS Cineflex gimbal was used to film the 53rd Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally of the French Rally Championship. More than 170 teams raced cars during the Antibes portion of the championship from May 18 to 20 in Juan-les-Pins.
Mikko of Mikko Aerial operated the gimbal system alongside Pilot, Manuel Benitou. The pair have previously combined efforts for documentaries, movies, advertisements and sporting events.
The team filmed with a RED Helium and a Canon 30-300mm lens, and a Sony HDC 1500 HD with the Fujinon 25-1100mm lens.
Check out the footage Mikko shot with our gimbal here.
GSS Acquires Arctic Built, LLC
This week, GSS acquires Arctic Built LLC, the solution for Robinson R44 and R66 helicopter utility camera gimbal mounts.
With this addition, GSS will be the sole owner of these utility mounts and will further extend aerial cinematography capabilities to the cinema, broadcast and surveillance markets.
The FAA and EASA-approved mounts provide the necessary weight and balance when mounting a gimbal on these lighter helicopters. With a maximum load of 100 and 115 pounds respectively, the R44 and R66 mounts require limited installation time and do not require aircraft modifications.
Both mounts are fitted to the right side of the helicopter and have even weight distribution, so they may remain attached while flying with or without a payload. The mounts are compatible with 360 degree systems and LIDAR mapping. As an added bonus, the R44 mount is portable and separates into three pieces to make shipping easy.
Founded by GSS customer Daniel Zatz of ZatzWorks, Arctic Built has designed, tested and sold utility mounts since 2016. The Alaskan-based company worked alongside ZatzWorks for aerial filming.
“I’ve worked with the GSS team since the day I bought my first GSS and Cineflex and there isn’t a finer group of creative engineers anywhere,” states Daniel Zatz. “I’m extremely happy to transfer Arctic Built to GSS and let them continue to innovate and support the broadcast and production communities.”
We are eager to broaden our aerial cinematography service capabilities with this acquisition and offer Arctic Built mounts to the marketplace.
Contact us to learn more and get your own!
Newest GSS Customer, KOCO 5 Oklahoma City
GSS is continuing success in the ENG market with another broadcast news station customer, KOCO 5.
KOCO 5, part of Hearst Television, chose Gyro-Stabilized Systems’ Cineflex Pro + equipped with an Ikegami HDL-F300 low-light camera and a Fujinon 42x9.7 lens.
With a helicopter provided by Heli,Inc, KOCO 5 has the newest and most advanced news helicopter in Oklahoma.
The Cineflex Pro + allows KOCO 5 to have the most advanced technology with the finest cinematic news gathering camera, allowing better zoom-in ability for storm tracking and the ability to share every angle of the news story.
With a customer-first approach, GSS is continuing with a strong customer service strategy and is gaining traction in the ENG market. With multiple ENG installations around the world, the GSS Cineflex Pro + is the smallest and lightest package proven in the demanding ENG environment.
To learn more about KOCO, take a look here!
Contact us here to learn more about how to get your own gimbal!