Miller Sharpshooters
DS20 in Action Witnessing a Charity Project
In many villages in Kenya, the woman and children spend many hours each day walking many kilometers to fetch water in heavy plastic barrels. This water is often dirty and can cause illness. Collecting water also prevents the children from going to school and keeps the woman from other useful activities like farming and small businesses. Many other Kenyans have no access to medical facilities. Each year thousands of women die during childbirth. The 410 Bridge recognized this need and came alongside a community in Kwambekenya in northern Kenya to help them build their own medical clinic.
The 410 Bridge commissioned me to film and edit a short film showing the pride and sense of ownership of the project by the local community. The budget for the film was very low, the brief was loose, time was short and I was working on my own. I had to handle all of the filming, sound recording and lighting, as well as asking the questions during the interviews. I had to lug all my own gear and water and try to not get too sunburned. I loved it.
Here is a funny incident when I was flying on an internal flight on Kenyan Airways. The very polite air steward asked me: “Sir, would you like some lunch today?”.
“What are my options?” I replied.
His response with a huge smile: “Sir, today your options are…. yes or no.”
I particularly loved this project because I felt like I was really making a difference to the Kenyan people. This video would be used to raise funds for further projects in the future, and that inspired me to do the best job that I could to tell the most compelling and engaging story.
I filmed on a Sony EX1 and Canon 5D camera, ably held in place by my trusty Miller Solo DS20 carbon fibre tripod. I have used several tripods over the years and have identified the following features that I would love to have on my ideal tripod:
- Light and sturdy
- Very smooth panning and tilting, with absolutely no jerk at start and stop
- Adjustable head-levelling
- Can go very low to the ground
The Solo DS20 excels with these features.
Here are three additional features that I would love to see on a Miller tripod:
- Back-lit leveling bubble
- Faster deploying legs
- Uses base plates that are compatible with my other Manfrotto tripod.
Please have a look at the website of The 410 Bridge: www.410bridge.org
Duane Codrington