Cinematographer Si Bell recently used two ARRI AMIRA cameras to shoot a feature film called TIGER RAID, directed by Simon Dixon and featuring actors Brian Gleeson and Damien Molony. The challenging shoot in Jordan involved soaring temperatures, space-constrained locations, handheld camerawork and a tight schedule, but AMIRA -- designed for documentary-style productions of any kind -- did not let him down. Here below is Bell's testimonial after completing the shoot...
When we approached the rental facility Picture Canning North about a camera kit for our feature film TIGER RAID, company director Jamie Hutchinson suggested we come in and see the ARRI AMIRA before choosing which camera was to be our weapon of choice.
Having used the ALEXA and ALEXA Plus numerous times before, I was confident in what an ARRI product could do, and curious about the new AMIRA. After a brief testing period it quickly became clear that the AMIRA was going to be ideal for the shoot.
We were filming TIGER RAID in the 43-degree heat of Jordan, with a need for handheld shots as well as working in tight spaces. The AMIRA did not disappoint -- what a beautiful piece of kit. Not only did it withstand the high ambient temperatures -- it was lightweight, comfortable, and extremely easy to use.
The internal NDs were such a timesaver when we were up against it, and the AMIRA's fold-away monitor came in really handy when viewfinder access was tricky.
I loved the camera and the footage we got from it was unreal; most importantly, myself and the director got exactly what we wanted. I liked the product so much that I've decided to use it for my next project, UNDERCOVER, a TV drama co-produced by Bonafide Films and Baby Cow Productions for UKTV's channel Dave.
