Switronix Equips Deepwater Rising's "Science of the Spill" Crew For Gulf Coast Expedition

Five months ago, Switronix was contacted by cinematographer Harry Rabin of The Film Crew Inc. and On The Wave productions. He would be working alongside veteran filmmaker Mike deGruy who has been filming the ocean for three decades, shooting for BBC, PBS, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.  Rabin outlined their power and lighting needs for a documentary that required long hours of shooting in the infamous (albeit cramped and dimly lit) quarters of the Alvin Deep Submersible Submarine.  The project would explore the devastation caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Barrier Island and Gulf state shorelines and at the bottom of the ocean (over 5000 feet below the surface).

With much territory to explore and limited time, Rabin needed dependable equipment that could operate for long periods of time in rough conditions.  “The XPL-90A and Powerbase-70 batteries were extremely reliable keeping our Panasonic 3700’s, Canon DSLR’s and lights running for hours in temperatures as low as 20 degrees in wet, hostile environments”, said Rabin.  “Also, the LED power indicator was highly accurate, granting us peace of mind during critical nature shoots and interviews.”

Rabin also found that Switronix met his lighting needs.  “The GP-H56P lights offered great flexibility and power from a small footprint consuming minimal power.  Whether shooting in the Alvin Deep Submersible Vehicle’s cramped 7’ diameter titanium hull, the bridge of the Atlantis Research vessel or lighting a microscope to examine the ear bone of a juvenile bluefin tuna, we were able to easily produce the right amount of light at an appropriate temperature.”

When asked to comment on his overall Switronix experience, Rabin raved stating that, “Switronix has filled a broad void in the realm of DSLR and full-sized professional gear.  I highly recommend their equipment for all shooting and lighting needs.”


Director of Photography Harry Rabin on set

Rabin and his crew are currently back on land moving through post-production.  The first phase of their production is set to be release in seven mini episodes to all news networks through the National Science Foundation by late April 2011.  For more information on this project, please visit http://onthewaveproductions.blogspot.com/ or http://www.mikedegruy.com.


Alvin inside the hangar