Recently signed to Right Brain Media for exclusive spot representation, Jerry Dugan, a self-proclaimed extreme sports enthusiast, just completed an ATV spot for Bombardier ("Thumbs"). "It’s my favorite spot right now," he writes via email. "It combines action and quirky imagery in a modern storytelling fashion."
F&V: How did you become known as Extreme Director/Cameraman?
Director/cameraman
On: Extreme commercials
I think it was from my work directing and shooting snowboard films and MTV sports segments. I found a way to capture cool angles on every sport thrown at me. Plus, these are sports I enjoy myself, so it comes naturally for me to shoot them.
F&V: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to get a shot?
Probably having a wakeboarder jump over me and tracking back and forth with him as I was being towed from the same boat on a long line, wakeboarding with a small water-housed 16mm package. If he fell or let go, I could have been taken out by him.
F&V: What are the dangers in your line of work?
Someone could miscalculate on a pass-by or a fly-over, not to mention avalanches or equipment failure. But I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t out there putting the camera into the face of rocks flying at me and the lens.
F&V: What camera packages are best suited for action?
I’m really excited about the new Arri 235. It’s one of the best developments for film acquisition of small, fast moving things. It’s so compact and light. But depending on the situation I will employ Arri 3’s for their durability and even some old 16mm gun cameras. Whatever it takes.
