Norburn Model Aircraft Supply/Labatts Crash -

Crashin' for Cameras Over the years Norburn has been called upon to perform many stunt and crash scenes for the film industry here in Vancouver. TV series credits include Airwolf, Danger Bay, X-files, feature film Narrow Margin, and numerous TV commercials. 2004 included work for IDT Telecom where a Logo 20 electric helicopter was used in the 30 second spot entitled "Phone Bill". Finished product can be seen here. What never ceases to amaze me is the work and time that goes into a spot that may include 2 seconds of usable time. The IDT commercial is a prime example. On set for 7 hours, 20 minutes of flying, 2 seconds of finished product. The work shown below was done for Labatt's beer and the production company Industry Films from Toronto. This should be airing sometime in 2005. The last 2 commercials we've done have been a little unusual in that the productions have wanted a model helicopter to play a model helicopter rather than trying to perform a stunt or blow up sequence that can't be performed by the full size machine. As with most beer commercials, comedy plays a large role in the script and this one should be no different. The main premise being, everything the sidekicks partner touches either falls apart, blows up or crashes. The crash part is where we come in.
Showtime!!
Click to view larger image	As anyone who has ever worked in, or done work for the film industry, know it's a lot of hurry up and wait. We arrived at 7AM and were de-briefed by the director and special effects people what was expected for the day
Standing around
	The script had originally called for the helicopter to be blown-up. This idea was promptly shot down by the Vancouver parks folk who I'm quite confident envisioned a 10 pound whirling fireball landing in the middle of the Stanley park causeway. No sense of adventure really.
Standing around with bright lights
	Approximately 6 hours after our arrival it was finally time to go. The sequence was a simple one. Hover for 30 seconds and stick the model sideways into the ground next to the mocked up party area.The crew cleared the grounds and we were ready to go.
Ooompah-Kersplat!!
	Traffic was stopped, crew cleared away and up the machine went. A minute later and the entire sequence is over. Melodramatic really. Lot's of preparation for a sequence that's over in seconds
A Century Predator not so flyable!
	The final carnage. Certainly repairable but now in the offices of Industry films.

Crashin' for Cameras