May 2009 - Cabin in the Woods(feature film)

Stunt Coordinator Scott Nicholson and Second Unit Director Freddie Hice had been challenged by Director Drew Goddard to recreate through a complex combination of live action and visual effects a pre-vis he had personally approved and invested a great deal of energy.

Scott, Freddie and Executive Producer Jason Clark knew that they would need a team of stunt riggers that not only had the best skills possible, they had to bring with them the most advanced technology in order to preserve Drew’s vision of the pivotal scene. The scene involved complex combinations of three dimensional interactive performer flying that also required that the performers be able to spin horizontally at high rpm. There were only a small handful of select stunt rigging teams for Scott, Freddie and Jason to choose from that had the required skill, technology and creativity. In the end they chose Team Velocity for their proven track record of successes and their world renowned computer controlled high speed winch performer flying technology.

A lot of what makes or breaks a successful realization of a director’s vision is the behind the scenes logistical organization. Even though Drew’s scenes were to be driven by a large component of visual effects, the scenes were to be shot on a set, not a green-screen. This called for a lot of interdepartmental organization. Jason and Production Manager Mary Anne Waterhouse were happy and relieved that Team Velocity’s skills extended to the production side as they played a significant role and catalyst in bringing all departments together to make the scene a reality for Drew.

Working efficiently with Scott, Freddie and Visual Effects Supervisor Todd Shifflett Team Velocity completed the rehearsals ahead of schedule.

There is no better measure of success than smiles and on the shoot days there were plenty to go around from Drew, Freddie, Scott, Jason, Todd and the rest of the crew. Drew was elated that the scenes that he shot so closely matched his vision. Richard Cowan who has worked with Team Velocity on recent projects was not surprised to find they maintained their usual on set pacing and professionalism helping him get though his busy day. 

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