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 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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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
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