Key to Icetank's success is its flexibility, as the space can be hired not just for photographic shoots, but also presentations and product launches. To help him get the best out of the space, director Martin Eidemak brought DoP and lighting consultant Jonathan Harrison on board to help with the design and lighting.
Harrison explains, "The studio is one long, elegant space, with the infinity cove and luxury kitchen at one end and what could be a lounge area, with a fireplace, at the other. Opposite the kitchen is an area which can also be used for presentations. Thanks to the liquid floor which was floated in, tracking shots are absolutely perfect and smooth.
"The studio is completely white, so that a photographer or cameraman can light it exactly as he wants. The ceiling in the studio is not all at the same elevation and needed different rigs at different heights. This meant we had to design and plan the track system carefully and accurately, so that it integrated both physically and on an architecturally pleasing level to meet Martin's high standards and vision of the space. The lighting has to adapt for any type of photography or filming, as well as presentations, so needed to be as energy efficient, flexible and adjustable as possible.
"In conjunction with Cirrolite, I worked with Doughty Engineering to develop the track system. It's based on their superior Studio Rail and gives us a standard and adaptability of system way above any other product on the market. It was also really easy to install.
"I've worked with Doughty for something like 10 years and really appreciate their 'can do' attitude. They are such an intuitive, hands on company and passionate about what they do. The fact that everything is made in Britain is important too, because they can be working on developing a piece of equipment one day and I get to see it the next.
"Cirrolite provided all the lighting, which comprises Kinoflo and Dedolight fixtures, and other equipment such as Doughty's pantographs."
(Jim Evans)
