Thunderbirds a Team Portrait
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2016
- “THUNDERBIRDS…a Team Portrait” is a television program I directed and photographed years ago. It aired numerous times on the A&E Cable Network.
Back in ’87, I was granted permission by the USAF to produce a documentary about the Thunderbirds, the United States Air Force Jet Demonstration Team. Each year, the team appears in dozens of airshows throughout the country. They’ve also represented the U.S. in numerous foreign countries. As a pilot myself, I thought it would be interesting to film the people and behind-the-scenes operations of this unique squadron.
HD didn’t exist in 1987. Neither did small video cameras like the GoPro that record to solid-state memory. Originally, I planned to shoot this documentary on film. I wanted lots of in-cockpit cutaways of the pilots as well as air-to-air footage of the F-16’s.
FYI, if you want to install a camera or other device in a military aircraft, the pilot, crew chief and often a rep from the aircraft manufacturer has to sign off that the installation is solid, secure and does not affect the operation of the aircraft or its emergency egress (ejection) systems. It’s a big deal.
A year or so before my production, Sony introduced a relatively small, Video8 camera that weighed only 2 pounds with a self-contained battery, and could record for over 30 minutes. The CCD-M8 was our only option. We decided that the entire show would be shot on 1” broadcast videotape with Video8 aerial cutaways. For the ground based footage, I used one of Sony’s first CCD broadcast cameras, feeding composite NTSC video to a 30 pound, Sony BVH-500A portable 1” recorder.
During initial pre-production, I sent one of the 8mm cameras to the Thunderbirds and asked if something could be fabricated so the camera could mount inside the cockpit, pointing at the pilot’s face. One of the team’s crew chiefs made a bracket that attached to the jet’s glare shield, next to the HUD (Heads Up Display). It’s amazing to think how much easier this would have been today with GoPros and foam tape, not to mention shooting 4K video!
Our other challenge was jet-to-jet photography. The representative for General Dynamics, who was assigned to the squadron, made a few phone calls and secured a MAU-12 wing pylon equipped with a camera housing. The system attached to the F-16’s wing as if it were ordinance. Another Sony CCD-M8 camera fit inside and was locked in position to point at the other jets. (If you watch the show carefully, you’ll occasionally see this white camera pod attached to the #1 jet.) Of course the quality of these first generation Video8 cameras was not great, but it was my only option to get certain shots. Also, the tremendous G-forces exerted by the aircraft during maneuvers affected the camera’s spinning record heads and tape mechanism.
I have years of experience directing and filming TV commercials for ad agencies, but working on a project with the United States Air Force was unique. Once you receive official permission to produce your requested project, a liaison is assigned to you. This person is experienced in working with film crews and will help you accomplish almost anything you need to happen. They know the protocol of the military base and who’s in charge of what.
In my experience, the Air Force was very organized and buttoned up. They expect production people to be equally organized. I created a basic shot list of what we were trying to film each day. We’d have a brief early morning meeting with our liaison and whomever was to be involved in that day’s filming. Every Air Force person at the meeting had throughly read my shooting plans and had specific questions.
I always hire and work with crew people who have positive attitudes and posses multiple filmmaking skills, especially when it’s a small crew. It’s really important to carefully choose crew people for a military project. Before the production, I was required to submit a detailed list of all crew personnel that I intended to bring on base. I was warned before submitting the list, that no crew person would be allowed on base if they had a criminal record. Probably, the scrutiny is even higher today in our post 9/11 world.
To revive this older program (and to replace the ugly original Chyron titles) I went back to my original edited 1” videotape sequences. I ran each one through a Black Magic Design, Terranex video processor, which cleans up video noise and repairs blanking differences between cameras or tape decks. I then re-assembled the program, eliminating commercial breaks, while creating new title graphics in FCP-X.
This program was shot in standard definition, interlaced, NTSC video. (There was no progressive scanning in 1987.) Using the Terranex, I blew the SD original master up to pillar boxed, 720P which looks better on a computer screen. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
The fact that the comms are the ACTUAL comms and not some random comm clip jammed in to sound cool makes this so much more genuine
Not bad being recorded in 1986 over 40years ago
The air crew are the backbone of the team 🤍❤️🤍💙🤍
Reading these comments one thing is clear. This documentary really struck a chord with countless children and adults around the world. Personally, for me this video and Top Gun were on daily rotation through 3rd grade.
Now, 30 years later it holds up in every way. Unfortunately I don't think anyone could or would make this now. It has actual substance and style rather than bits of info and smash cuts.
Be proud of this movie. The aviation leaders of today are part of it's legacy.
I have seen many documentaries of teams like the Thunderbirds, often combined with smash cuts and such, but this documentary has a special charm that no other documentary has, especially the montage beginning at 27:00 where you see details like #5's engine going into burner, the actual throttle movement, the transition from the 8-point roll in the cockpit to the ground camera, seeing the operations officer actually judging and checking the limits and margins for the demo, the way the shots were obtained, the music and the overall cinematography is just outstanding for a 1987 film. I am so glad i found this movie and that it still holds up and beats modern day productions in many aspects.
Wow, this is incredible. I notice the uploader spoke of the challenge of getting the best quality possible and the difficulty in not just mounting cameras to get good shots but of being allowed to get the gear in the aircraft in the first place - to think that this was put together more than 30 years ago is incredible. It does annoy me when people talk about how bad a youtube video is to watch because it 'looks like it was recorded years ago' -
*A little PSA courtesy of uncle mid*
if you want to see an event/show/movie from years ago, it can't come as a shock that it would've been recorded years ago, on equipment from years ago and it will be vastly different in terms of sound and picture - if the quality isn't good enough for your taste then watch something else, don't moan in the comments at someone who's taken time out of their day to upload a video(s) for others to watch and enjoy.
That said, this is very well put together and is great quality.
Great work Sir, you deserve to be very proud of this project and I hope there's more of your work that we can check out.
Hope everyone is well and good.
I was the engine technical representative assigned to the team for five years during which this movie was made. I recall all the work and preparation that went into its making. I am just seeing it for the first time today and I am overwhelmed seeing many of my teammates I haven't seen since the film was made. Later the same year the team had their first tour of the Asian Pacific region in years to include the first show in China. Thank you for posting this outstanding movie.
Thanks so much for your kind words... It's sad to think that 2 of the pilots featured in this film are no longer with us.
I miss Tom and K.C. They were wonderful people.
I remember watching this in the late 80s. I saw the team perform at Dobbins AFB in late spring 1987, so it was most, if not all, of these men and women there that day. I'm trying to remember exactly where I saw this, since I didn't have A&E. But I never forgot the cockpit and aerial footage. It blew me away. Thanks for posting this Glenn, I'm really glad to find this again all these years later.
Thanks for the comments Grant, I'm glad you enjoyed this show and that it brought back memories...
That final practice music is so beautiful.
Glenn...I was doing a search for this video and so glad I was able to find it! A friend of mine had this video on VHS in the late 1980's and I used to watch it every time I would visit. When I found the video on CZcams I was pleasantly surprised to see it was produced by someone from Pittsburgh (I grew up in the North Hills and now live in Zelienople). Even though this video is 35 years old it's so sharp and well done that it looks like it was done in recent years with modern video equipment. Thanks to this video I became interested in the 'Birds and the Blue Angels and have seen each perform many times at Wings over Pittsburgh. I also think it's pretty cool they still use F-16's (different variant than '87) 35 years later.
Thanks for your kind comments... Yes this video appeared a number of times on the old A&E Network as well as being sold as a VHS & Laser Disc by Sony. The version that appears on Vimeo is even higher resolution... vimeo.com/166417215
F-16As! So glad I’m an Air Force Brat and remember when this was on VHS! Actually remember seeing this team!
I purchased a vhs version at an air show at scotia-glenville airshow in early 2000’s
Man talking about a throwback! I use to watch this everyday on VHS,when I was a kid growing up visiting my grandma's house! This is a classic.
Glad you enjoyed watching it one more time... Glenn
Ha I did the same thing. Recorded it on VHS and watched it nearly everyday
Thanks for the kind comments... I directed and photographed this video in the late 80's and we did the best we could with the video equipment technology that was available at the time. It's great to hear that people still enjoy watching it today.
Glenn Przyborski when I was 13 I remeber watching this on TV and I recorded it to VHS tape! I still have that video tape. That was the best show I ever recorded back then and would watch nearly everyday! Along with the movie Top Gun!
You're Most Welcomed. Please don't stop making those great videos.
I too watched this nearly every day as a young kid on VHS tape. The sequence from 27:06 to 32:12 with the music was always my favorite part and would play that over and over. Finding this so many years later...when that music started I was nearly moved to tears. It means more than I can express. Thank you!
Hey brotha, I grew up watchin' this video as a kid and absolutely loved it, I've always had a love of military jet fighters growin' up since my parents took me to see Top Gun when it first came out and it was released when I was born, crazy huh, I actually have a genuine connection to the legendary T-Birds, my older cousin Jim (who is WAY OLDER THAN I AM) was actually a crew chief for the T-Birds durin' the early 90''s, and I actually saw them live and in person at the airshow at Klamath Falls Air Force Base in '92, great time, as for the photography, it definitely looks of the time but it still holds up well even today, most of the films similar to this we owned on tape are great as far as the content, but the photography definitely shows it's age, but this film's photography still is breathtakin', especially the footage in the cockpits durin' the flights, the best example was the sequence durin' the pre-show demonstration they did in this film, shit it still puts a lump in my throat, and the music durin' that part only amplifies it, great film and a timeless classic.
@@dinorocker8647 Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughts... I'm glad the video brought back some good memories. With today's camera technology, I would have shot this differently, but you have to work with what's available at the time.
I thought this was a documentary from the late 90's at first. Then I noticed the pilots oxygen masks, and thought "Wow those are old masks..." then I thought that the quality and clarity of the footage was fantastic. Needless to say finding out this was made in 1987 BLEW MY MIND. Fantastic documentary, and excellent footage!
Thanks for the comments... The show was shot on some of the first generation of Sony standard-def broadcast CCD TV cameras. If you saw the show when it first aired on A&E Networks, I had to eliminate the copy line "Female Air Force pilots don't fly front-line fighters..." In 2015 the statement seemed out of place as times have changed.
Glenn Przyborski revisionist history. leave it the way it was. censorship is the foundation of communism.
I used to watch this as a kid!
I love the soundtracks very fitting
Thanks for making such a fantastic documentary. I really enjoyed it.
Dear Mr. Przyborski.. Thank YOU for producing such an outstanding video of some of the best men and women of our nation who happen to make up one of the finest aerial demonstration teams in the world. The USAF Thunderbirds! Great Stuff!
Thanks for the kind words... As a pilot myself, being around the Thunderbirds for several weeks was an amazing experience.
Mr Przyborski, my heartfelt thanks for making this beautiful film. I remember watching this over and over again when i was just a 20-something reporter. It is one of my favourite documentaries. Again, thank you for this fine piece of work!!
You're more than welcome... Glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately quite a few of the pilots featured on the show are no longer with us, but everyone can appreciate their role with the team and the United States Air Force.
Thank You Glenn. Good to see this video posted online. I remember when you and your film crew visited our hanger and operations and we assisted your team in fitting the camera pods on the aircraft for obtaining the great formation videos. Good to see all the folks again when we were young in this video, but brings a few tears to my eyes knowing some have passed over the years. A point to note for everyone viewing here, of all the years the USAF Thunderbirds flew the F-16A/B Blk 15 aircraft, never was one lost during airshows or training; in fact all went on flying many years after the Team transitioned over to the F-16C/D aircraft. All these F-16 A/B aircraft served well into in early 2003/05 timeframe before being retired as museum/pedestal displays or to find themselves scattered in the many rows of F-16 aircraft at AMARC awaiting their fate. Again, thank you Glenn for such a great video. Dane A. Crew Chief '85-88
sorry this reply has taken so long... I believe I do remember you Dane. You guys took so much pride in your work and you could literally eat off the floor of the T-Bird hanger back then. I remember that one of the maintenance guys we featured was leaving the team to work on the then secret stealth project in another part of Nevada if you know what I mean and I think you do... Hopefully this brought lots of memories back for you and your family!
Still have the VHS I got from selling Avon in the 80's. Love it! All my kids loved it! Watched a gazillion times!
I'm glad you enjoyed this. Really enjoyed the couple of weeks with the Air Force when we photographed the show. This same video on Vimeo is in progressive scan which looks a little better... unfortunately CZcams doesn't let you reload or update previously uploaded video.
Wow, I don't think I've seen this in over 25 years. I remember watching this documentary when I was a little kid, in fact my dad recorded it on the VCR and I watched it over and over. It really inspired me when I was young and made me want to become a fighter pilot. I never got to be a fighter pilot, but I did end up joining the Air Force and worked on F-16 engines as a jet engine mechanic for 10 years.
Glad you enjoyed seeing this video again. It aired about 20 times on the original A&E channel back in the 90's. The Vimeo version I uploaded is progressive scan, so it looks a little better, plus you can download it to your computer if you'd like.
I got this on VHS for my 10th birthday. I watched it more times than I can count.
This brings back so many fond memories. Thank you sir for all your hard work!
I got this for a Christmas present in the early 90s. Thank you for creating this. It was serious motivation to keep me focused on getting my appointment.
I had this on vhs
I absolutely love the Blue Angels. but, the Thunderbirds will always be my favorite
Mine too. I get sick of people claiming the Blue Angels are better...they're not...
i love watching this..it's a great learning experience
This is awesome thank you for putting it on CZcams
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for writing! I direct and photograph TV commercials around the country and working with the USAF was the most enjoyable time I've ever had in the production industry.
WOW is all I can say.... and to say that you shot the airshow here in Tucson, I've tried to go to every airshow that I could since 85 and I've seen the Thunderbirds in both the T-38 and F-16 and all I can say is you did a awesome job with this video... Even though this was released on VHS it looks like this came off a DVD instead..... Awesome Job and I hope your able to shoot a airshow out here at DM again... maybe in 2018 when the Blue Angels come to visit us in March.... Word is that they will be in the F-18E/F Super Hornets for this one..... Once again awesome work and please keep it up
Thanks for the comments... The video you saw is from the 1" analog broadcast master. In addition to airing on the A&E Channel in the early 90's. It was released by Sony in Japan as a LaserDisc (remember those huge 12" silver discs).
Glenn, wonderful video! And wow! They flew a really good low show in South America! I wish they could still do that these days.
Given the tech you had to work with this is great!
This seems like the crowd to ask. I remember a documentary about a US Military air demo team soloist with landing gear down and tail hook down, high angle of attack, almost walking the wheels through the air, was called a "Tennessee Walk". I've had no luck finding any mention of record of it over the past 3 years.
Thanks for posting this and for the wonderful background story on the description. I watched this like 40 times back in '88. Loved the photography & variety of shots; the music score was right on as well! I've had it VHS (that I purchased through Avon) and I remember it having a slightly different musical score (e.g. the music in the intro was different).
Thanks for the comments... I posted this from the 1" analog master of the show because several people had uploaded half-ass poor quality off-air & VHS copies without anyone's permission. I also removed the scripted line about women not being allowed to fly fighter jets as (at the time of production) they weren't... today they are allowed.
Yes, I noticed some cheap transfers around. I appreciate the SD-to-HD upscaling in your video (looks nice). However, interlacing artifacts are quite noticeable in many parts :( Did you try a deinterlacer when converting?
Watch the video on Vimeo the de-interlacing is much better.
I've just watched it now there. The difference in regards to de-interlacing is like night and day! Thanks!
Is that the original music from 80s? I need to know!
It was the ironeagle era too.
Hi Mr. Przyborski, I must have been 19 when this finally aired in my country in 1991...I recorded and I cannot tell you how many times I've re-watched with my little nephew at that time...want to send you a heartfelt thanks for this...just watched today with my wife again and the start just gave me goosebumps.
In your description up there you mentioned that many of the pilots have passed which surprised me since I was thinking they couldn't be that old...if I'm not mistaken Lt. Col. Roger Riggs is still around and is now a Captain in Southwest Airlines?
Again thank you for putting this up
Hey Danny, Thanks for your kind comments. I was asked by several people to post the original show as some others had uploaded half-ass copies from VHS or off-air recordings from A&E Networks. This is when I learned just how many people that we featured were no longer with us. I decided to add the closing segment to pay tribute to them. I spoke with the former Commander-Leader Roger Riggs about a year ago. He is retired from SouthWest Airlines due to the FAA's mandatory age retirement. His son, who is seen in the segment with his wife playing baseball, is now a fighter pilot in the USAF flying F-16s!
@@PrzyborskiProduction that's awesome his son is a fighter pilot. I'm retired US ARMY
ALL MY ANGEL SUPPORTERS ARE JUST 1'S FOREVERMORE AND THEIR FIRST BORN SONS. DAUGHTERS AND HEIRS CHOSEN EXCEPT FOR FIRST BORN SONS...🦋🐺🐏🦅👑
My dad's older bro flew close air support in Korea and trained at Nellis
Is there more complete footage of that '1 Mach' pass plus those ridiculously low passes in Paraguay? Such a pity, maneuvers never again to be seen...
Hi Bill... Without question, the old F100 South America shows were the most exciting of all and would never be allowed to take place today. I got the footage you mentioned from the Norton AFB archives and what you see is all the USAF has at the depositary. Also, if you want to download the show, the identical version on Vimeo is progressive scan which looks better on a computer. Thanks
Thank you so much for this! It's people like you who give those of us who can't go to any of the shows the opportunity to see them anyway. Bless you! Is there a place online where we can purchase their merchandise or is it only available at their shows? Sure would like to purchase some things. I'll try to use Google and see what I come up with.
Thanks for your kind comments. I directed and photographed this program way back in 1987 & 1988... I'm sure that somewhere on the internet, someone's selling Thunderbird souvenirs and other team related merchandise.
Thanks for replying to me. I found a site called café press online that has some things. I'll keep looking for more. I'm partial to the Blue Angels because of their colors and the fact they don't use oxygen masks or flight suits for the g's but the Thunderbirds are great too. My whole house is blue and yellow! You take care and thanks again.
I've often wondered if you pointed an F-16 straight up with full afterburner how high it would go until it quit climbing...70, 80 thousand feet? Higher?
A ok !
What's the title of the Instrumental Piece playing while the Thunderbirds are having their final practice over Nellis AFB?
All the music for "Thunderbirds...a Team Portrait" was composed and performed by Robert Deaner, a Pittsburgh based composer/musician. There were no formal titles assigned to the various musical segments of the program. Rob's company is "Contagious-Music.com"
Glenn Przyborski+ Thanks for the info. Much Appreciated.
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