The heat is here...almost.
June is Phoenix translates to hot days, and lots of them. Although it has been relatively mild so far, the summers in Southern Arizona can be blistering. Temperatures often reach triple digits by mid-day, which makes shooting here all the more challenging.
Optimum Dynamics has teamed up with Hoff Productions for a third project focusing on the Chain Gangs of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The one-hour Documentary follows the the inmates of Tent City Jail and the Chain Gang program that some inmates are eligible for. The Program is set to air on the Discovery Channel early 2010.
Going into the production meant streamlining a documentary sound kit to allow for mobility and functionality while keeping the weight of the kit to a minimum. Since inmates cannot be mic'd, the majority of production sound is captured via a Schoeps CMIT-5U. Working long days in the heat with lots of boom work, a lightweight sound package is paramount.
A Zaxcom Digtial Wireless run-bag is rigged for shooting un-tethered, when working with a smaller HDV camera. This option provides greater flexibility during production. Both camera and sound can work independent angles to cover more of the action. Comtek Monitors provide an ear for our P.A. to take production notes, and Lectrosonics SMa radio mics help capture dialogue of the Detention Officers.
