Athens-based XYZ Productions has completed a video promo in the Sahara Desert using a Polecam rig and Iconix HD camera. The objective of the shoot was to demonstrate the versatile off-road handling capabilities of the new Freelander 2 4x4.

"We were working in the area of Ksar Ghilane near Tunis which is well known for its annual motor rallies," said XYZ Productions cameraman Nikkos Mistriotis. "The dunes around Tunis form about as challenging a driving environment as you can get. The location is hot and very gritty so our kit needed to be as efficient and transportable as possible. We used a Polecam HD rig with an Iconix camera along with Sony XDcam HD F350 EX1 camcorders. The Polecam gave us a huge degree of control over camera position, including fast changes in horizontal and vertical angle to emphasise the flexibility of the Freelander 2. We integrated several shots of a horse-rider to emphasise the vehicle's easy handling and to draw a comparison between ancient and modern forms of transport. A heavier rig than the Polecam might easily have disturbed the rider, let alone the horse. Everything went to plan, ending with a just slightly exaggerated clip of the 4x4 climbing what looks like a vertical wall. The shoot was an outstanding success and the client is more then happy. PolecamHD forms a central part of the equipment we now use for our HD productions."

Polecam sales & marketing manager, Mel Noonan, said: "We now have proof that Polecam is as operator-friendly in the dust and heat of the Sahara as it is as in the cold and ice of the Arctic. The key message is that Polecam HD can be carried and used in any location that can be reached on foot."

www.polecam.com