Filming in extreme conditions with the dockman.
As a videographer and producer, every shoot presents its own set of challenges. But when it came to filming “The Dockman Episode Five,” I knew this one would push both me and my Sony camera equipment to the limit. Five days in freezing 30-degree temperatures and below? Challenge accepted.
The mission: document the installation of an incredible floating dock on Orchard Lake, just days before Christmas. This wasn’t your average dock. It spanned a whopping 8 feet wide and stretched an impressive 260 feet long. Its unique design? To accommodate a UTV driving across it, granting access to the lake.
Day one kicked off with excitement and nerves. With the chilly air nipping at us, the team hustled to orchestrate the installation. Offloading each section of the dock without causing any damage was the primary goal. My Sony gear was my trusted companion, enduring the cold alongside me, capturing every meticulous detail. I moved quickly, capturing the dock off-load.
But as with any project, challenges emerged. Tree tagging issues slowed us down initially. Some trees marked to stay were directly in the path of the dock’s route. It was a dilemma, and the pressure was on to find a solution. This was an attempt at filming a real, unscripted adventure with the dockmen, with real events and challenges from the task at hand that naturally unfolded. I kept my cameras rolling, capturing the tension and the determination of the team as they strategized their next move.
After resolving the tree tag debacle, progress surged forward. The installation schedule even stretched into the new year. Jerry recorded with a gopro the day my cameras couldn’t be there. Nevertheless, the moment of truth arrived: a UTV was to drive across this colossal structure. My cameras were poised, ready to capture this pivotal moment.
The UTV rolled onto the dock, and my Sony gear faithfully documented every second. The tension in the air was palpable, but the dock stood firm, proving its strength and design. A collective sigh of relief and exhilaration swept through us. The footage captured was a testament to our perseverance and the quality of the equipment that endured the harsh elements.
Five days of filming in freezing temperatures pushed me and my Sony gear to our limits. But it was worth it. The footage captured the dedication, challenges, and triumphs of installing this magnificent floating dock. As we wrapped up, the sense of accomplishment was undeniable.
The Dockman Episode Five was a testament to teamwork, determination, and the resilience of both the crew and the Sony cameras that braved the elements to capture every moment of this incredible journey. Watch the Dockman Series on Amazon Prime video now.
