Xander Thomson’s Lightweight Setup for the Dodgers Victory Parade

Xander Thomson, a seasoned filmmaker and engineer at the MSG Sphere, is known for his meticulous approach to gear. In this article, we dive into how Xander streamlined his gear for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory parade in LA using the Kashmir Air 2 paired with the Large Pro ICU. This setup allowed him to pack light while ensuring he had everything he needed to capture the parade.

The Challenge: Packing Light for a High-Stakes Event

The Dodgers’ victory parade was a one-time event, and Xander knew he had to be agile and ready to move quickly through the crowds. While he typically relies on his Shinn with a Master Cine ICU for its capacity to carry "absolutely everything," this time, he opted for the smaller Kashmir Air 2 to stay nimble. The goal was to balance having essential gear with the ability to move freely and capture the action without being weighed down.

Gear Selection: Minimalist but Effective

Xander’s lightweight setup revolved around his RED Komodo camera. His go-to run-and-gun camera for the past 4 years. A camera which he disassembled and reassembled himself! Here’s a breakdown of his gear for the day:

• Camera: RED Komodo (Giving Xander the ability to capture stunning visuals in 6k raw)
• Lens: Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 (chosen for its stabilization and versatile range) 
• Media: Angelbird and ProGrade cards (Xander prefers using different brands of media to avoid potential issues)
• Filters: Firecrest ND filters (0.9 strength) for controlling light in bright outdoor conditions
• Batteries: 4 BP-U30 batteries and spares 
• Accessories: Side handle, and a compact Matte box setup

The Bag: Kashmir Air 2 with Large Pro ICU 

The Kashmir Air 2 is a significant departure from Xander’s usual Shinn, but it proved to be the perfect choice for the day. Here’s why: 

• Compact Size: At 30 liters, the Kashmir Air 2 is significantly smaller than the Shinn, making it easier to navigate through the crowded parade.
• DuraDiamond Construction: Xander praised the bag’s durability, noting that it has never failed him in the field. 
• Large Pro ICU: Despite the smaller bag size, the Large Pro ICU provided ample space for Xander’s gear, keeping everything organized and protected. He was initially concerned about space but found the setup to be "pretty dope." 

Packing Strategy: Fast, Secure, and Ready to Shoot 

Xander’s packing philosophy is all about efficiency and readiness. He prefers to pack his gear in a way that allows him to start shooting immediately, without needing to reassemble equipment on-site. Here’s how he approached packing for the parade: 

1. Pre-Assembled Gear: Xander packed the Komodo fully assembled, ensuring it was ready to shoot straight out of the bag.
2.  Media Preparedness: He loaded the ND filter onto the lens beforehand to avoid fumbling with it during the parade.
3.  Redundancy: By carrying multiple brands of media cards, Xander minimized the risk of card failure during the shoot. 
4. Weight Distribution: The Kashmir Air 2’s design allowed Xander to distribute the weight evenly, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods. 

On the Ground: Flexibility and Agility 

Once at the parade, Xander quickly realized the benefits of his lightweight setup. The smaller bag allowed him to move through the crowd with ease, something that would have been much more challenging with the larger size and weight of the Shinn. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between moving quickly and keeping gear secure, a balance that the Kashmir Air 2 and Large Pro ICU  helped him achieve. 

Key Takeaways from Xander’s Lightweight Setup 

1. Adaptability is Key: Xander’s ability to quickly switch from his usual 80L bag to a smaller, more agile setup demonstrates the importance of adapting gear to the specific needs of each shoot. 
2. Redundancy Matters: Even when packing light, Xander ensured he had backups for critical items like media cards and batteries. 
3. Efficiency in Packing: Pre-assembling gear and organizing it thoughtfully can save valuable time and reduce stress during a shoot. 
4. The Right Bag for the Job: The Kashmir Air 2 proved to be an excellent choice for a fast-paced, crowded event, offering the perfect blend of capacity and portability. 

Xander’s Final Thoughts 

As the Dodgers’ victory parade came to an end, Xander reflected on his decision to go light with the Kashmir Air 2. "I wouldn’t have been able to be that flexible or move around the crowd carrying the 80-liter bag," he said. "The ICU makes it so everything is in the exact spot I want it to be, keeping everything protected. It’s all about striking that balance between rolling fast and loose but keeping your gear secure." 

Xander’s experience is a testament to the importance of having the right gear for the right situation. Whether it’s a massive 80L bag for a full-scale production or a compact 30L setup for a fast-paced events, the key is to stay organized, prepared, and ready to adapt. 

Connect with Xander Thomson: 
Instagram: @Thomsonvisuals