Série canadiana Mantracker (2006–2012) fez perseguição homem-vs-natureza parecer seamless. Truque: **multi-camera hybrid workflow** que blended reality-TV coverage com documentary stealth.
Tipos Câmaras e Posicionamento
- Heli-cam (Cineflex / Shotover gimbal) – Long-lens aerial establishing shots, overhead chase perspective. Piloto + gimbal op = 2 crew.
- Ground "A" cameras (2–3 Sony PDW-F800 / F3) – Shoulder-mounted, run-and-gun com contestants. Capturam diálogo, decisões terreno, tracker close-ups.
- Ground "B" cameras (GoPro Hero 3/4, later Session) – Helmet/chest mounts tracker & prey; POV inserts, hands-on-map, foot placement.
- Hidden static cams (covert housings) – Pre-placed known choke points (river crossings, ridge saddles). Triggered by PIR ou time-lapse.
- Vehicle-mounted (chase truck) – Roof-mounted PTZ para wide follow shots quando terreno permite drive access.
Coordenação e Comms
- Todas câmaras **timecode-jammed** to master (Ambient Lockit) para multi-cam sync in post.
- Tracker & prey wear **lav mics + IFB** (ouvem director cues); crew on UHF simplex.
- **No re-takes** – se câmara perde momento, gone. Directors rely on overlapping coverage.
Post Workflow
- Dailies logged com GPS/telemetry overlay (speed, elevation, heading).
- Edit selects: 15:1 shoot ratio → 42 min episode.
- Graphics add compass, distance, "time remaining" tension builders.
Por Que Parecia Real
Contestants carried **zero crew** — apenas body cams. Tracker (Terry Grant) operava solo. "Camera crew" que às vezes vêem reflexos? É **B-roll pickup team** leapfrogging ahead on ATVs, não following on foot.
Resultado: chase show onde câmaras *são* o ambiente — leves, móveis, everywhere, e nunca in the way.
