Selection of Miniature HD Cams Capture All of the Immersive High Stakes Police Patrol Action
OCALA, FL, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – When Chopper Cops, the all-new docuseries from V1 Productions and SEE IT NOW Studios, took flight on CBS/Paramount+, producers relied on a selection of cameras from Marshall Electronics to capture the dynamic and high-stakes operations. Marshall cameras used for this thrilling series include eight CV506 Miniature Full-HD Camera, two CV568 Miniature Global Camera with Genlock and two CV504 WP-All-Weather Micro Camera.
Chopper Cops offers an unprecedented look at the Marion County Sheriff’s Department’s state-of-the-art helicopters, operated by elite police pilots known as Air One. Across ten half-hour episodes, the series showcases these “chopper cops” as they utilize high-tech infrared cameras and augmented-reality mapping to support ground units in locating and apprehending suspects, providing a critical “eye in the sky.”
For Chopper Cops, the production needed to capture content from various sources, including helicopters and the deputy police cars, all while being unobtrusive and achieving these unique angles in extremely space-conscious locations. “The cutting-edge technology of the Marshall cameras allows us to provide an immersive and authentic viewing experience without interfering with police work in the air nor on the ground,” says W. Hulsey Smith, Founder, President & Executive Producer, V1 Productions. “The camera’s compact size and robust capabilities are essential for capturing the intense and often unpredictable nature of police aviation operations. This docuseries offers viewers a thrilling, behind-the-scenes look at the crucial role of these elite pilots and their high-tech equipment in law enforcement.”
Marshall’s CV506 camera was used in the interior of deputies’ cars and helicopters. This includes scenes that are captured from the dashboard of the squad cars, as well as the footage that was filmed over the shoulder of the pilot and Tactical Flight Officer (TFO). For these aerial police applications, the pilot is responsible for the safe operation of the helicopter, and the TFO is responsible for the law enforcement mission and the coordination of the ground resources. Additionally, the Marshall cameras were also used to capture some footage from the dashboard of the sheriff’s helicopter looking back at the pilot and TFO. The CV506 can capture detailed shots while maintaining an ultra-discreet miniature point-of-view perspective without sacrificing versatility or convenience.
In addition to being used in a similar capacity to the CV506, Marshall’s CV568 miniature global camera with genlock delivered synchronized, high-definition footage critical for capturing coordinated movements and actions within the vehicles and aircraft. The CV568 is built around an impressive 1/1.8″ Sony global sensor with 25 percent larger pixels and interchangeable M12 lens mount, making this the most capable POV camera in the miniature camera lineup.
In addition to the exterior of the sheriff helicopters, the Marshall CV504-WP camera was used to film from the exterior of the deputy squad cars. Footage captured from the exterior squad cars depicts the cars in motion and highlights the sheriff’s decals. Footage captured from the exterior sheriff helicopters includes POV from the skids that show the helicopters flying over the city, and shots of the infrared camera working on the belly of the helicopter. The CV504-WP delivers exceptional 10- bit 4:2:2 video performance from a durable aluminum alloy body through weatherproof breakout cable and flexible, interchangeable lenses. The new Sony sensors offer rich color, accurate video with improved low-light sensitivity and refined remote adjust-and-match capability.
“This series would not have been possible without Marshall,” adds Hulsey Smith. “They were able to have several cameras on board without interfering with the actual mission of the aircraft and real police work being done. We have used Marshall cameras across a number of productions, and we will continue to use them to capture unique perspectives as we push the envelope in documentary filmmaking by combining compelling storytelling with innovative technology to bring audiences closer to the action than ever before.”
About V1 Productions
V1 Productions is a premiere full-service media house that has built a reputation for delivering compelling, humanistic stories through its unscripted and live productions as well as breathtaking cinematography. V1 steadies its lens on real stories that emote the humanistic and truth atoms that inspire. V1 Founder and Executive Producer, W. Hulsey Smith was recognized with a 2022 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award from the National Business Aviation Association for his personal contributions to the growth of the aviation industry through his business acumen and passionate work of capturing the golden age of aviation on-screen. Based in Texas with locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, V1 has projects currently under development and in production across multiple genres. FMI: www.V1.live.
About Marshall
For over 40 years, Marshall has been a trusted provider of high-quality and reliable video, audio and multimedia systems for broadcast, pro A/V, pro audio, UCC and OEM applications worldwide. Marshall is dedicated to supplying hi-tech markets with innovative cameras, format converters, monitors, switchers and production equipment at great value without sacrificing quality or reliability. For more information, visit www.marshall-usa.com.
