Recreating the Mindhunter reel-to-reel intro (minus the corpses).
I'm really happy to be able to finally show you the results of something that I started work on last year.
You may remember when I first talked about this on Patreon in December 2017 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-japanese-16112412
Since then, in-between working on other things, I've been gradually assembling all the components I needed to make this video and it has turned out to be both one of my nerdiest and most satisfying projects.
I'm very happy with the results, especially the look of some of the camera work in the video, there are a few shallow depth-of field macro shots that look just about as good as anything I've shot.
I hope you enjoy this one too. This video is proudly obsessive, bordering on madness. It's what happens when I start with a simple idea and decide to follow it to see how far as it goes.
It's my Fitzcarraldo.
You're also getting this video extra early - it'll probably only be out towards the end of week for non-patrons. I just really wanted to show it to someone now that it's finally finished and I thought Sunday would be a good day as the internet seems to go a bit quiet at the weekend.
Also special thanks to Jason Moore (a long term Patron) for the tip regarding The Professionals episode.
Now in other news you may have noticed I reached my final Patreon target. I really didn't think that was ever a real possibility, so thank you (as well as all the past Patrons) for making that a possibility. The 'reward' for hitting that goal was that I'll do a full behind the scenes video tour.
I've previously documented my process of making a video - but this one is going to be more about the equipment I use as well as my studio set-up. It'll take me a while to shoot, as I'm right in the middle of a reorganisation, having recently rented a storage locker into which I've been moving unused equipment and pending projects.
I plan to record segments of this behind the scenes video spread across quite a few weeks while I'm working on various things, and once I've got enough footage together I'll edit the best bits together and present it here exclusively on Patreon. So I'm not quite sure when that will be, but you'll be the first to know.
Meanwhile, thank you again for your support. It has made it possible to make a video as non-commercial as the one you see here today.
UPDATE 1 - Fixed a spelling mistake, re-worded the section regarding difficulties obtaining a 5" metal reel, removed a couple of repetitive words (briefly/however), fixed a couple of frames where a still image moved during a transition.
Recreating the Mindhunter reel-to-reel intro (minus the corpses) (YouTube)
Comments (63)
Hi Matt - lovely video of a beautiful machine - thanks v much ! Tiny observation that at ~12:10 your title has ‘db’ and not ‘dB’ ... cheers Ed
Right! I noticed the nudge - and I went on an expedition. Not only did I find the Battery Pack module (BP-26) but also the full Sony service manual for the TC-510-2, which also itemises all the parts and service diagrams for the unit. It’ll cost you a pint next time I pass by. Now, where do you want them sent to? 😇
I’d honestly forgotten who it was had said they might have a pack, but I assumed they either didn’t have it or couldn’t find it. So I must apologise if it seemed like a nudge. However I’m delighted you’ve got one that you’re happy to part with, but it’s definitely worth more than a pint. Would you be so kind as to email me at mat@techmoan.com so we can sort out the details.
This video is one of your finest. I think you have very much captured the feel and look of the Mindhunter original. I appreciate the massive amount of work that must have gone into making this and thank you for your efforts. More than anything I believe that this video underscores the ever increasing quality of your work. Your channel is one of the finest and most professional on YouTube.
I absolutely love the level of anorak detail you've gone into in this video. It was an absolute joy to watch, and I'd say the passion and time put into it completely paid off.
Sounds like a plan. I have the mains adapter in my TC-510 - if you want to borrow it for measurements, let me know..
Thanks for that.
PS, Narcos on Netflix has what looks like a Nagra E in the intro.. hint hint
I've never seen Mindhunter, but I do I have one of these machines in my workshop, so it's quite distinctive. I checked the availability of spares and, like the machines, parts seem quite rare. I don't imagine you need to put 8 D-cells into your machine - have you considered having someone machine you a cover for the battery slot? You wouldn't need the locking knob since it would be semi-permanent, and it would complete what is a beautiful machine
I’ve definitely thought about it, and it’s something I’d pursue if I knew anyone there was capable of undertaking the task. However after the video goes live at the weekend, I’ll see if I get any offers of the spares.
Ps. I liked your version of the title sequence much better than the original 😁
Hi Techmoan! While I am unable to help you with finding a battery pack etc. I did find an accessory to the machine that enables it to play full size tapes. (But I don’t know if it is an aftermarket product or original Sony part) <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253424634994" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253424634994</a>
I excitedly clicked on that link expecting that I’d be buying one....but wow 😳 that price. Nope. But thanks for the link anyway.
"Feels reel" I see what you did there
While I don't have any context because I haven't seen the show, the video was beautiful to watch. It's a wonderfully well built piece of equipment and yours is in truly spotless condition (aside from the unfortunate mechanical issues of course!). The attention to detail in the production reminds me of Clickspring's videos (horology-related projects in the home machine shop), and that's something I'd love to see more of on your channel... nice close-up and/or slo-mo sequences of the interesting mechanical parts in these audio-visual devices we love. I'm reminded of "the most complicated auto-reverse mechanism in the universe", that was a great vid and I'd love to see more like it. Keep up the good work Mat, and congrats on reaching $4k.
After seeing the results I’ve decided that I’d definitely like to throw in a few more macro shots whenever the opportunity arises in coming videos.
Congratulations on reaching your $4,000 target, Mat. It is well deserved, you work hard for us. The recreation of the Mindhunter opening titles is, in a way, a very suitable video to celebrate the former achievement, in that it represents reaching a purely personal and fun ambition at the same time. Well done on both counts. All we have to do now is to help you to keep coming up with ideas for videos!
Thank you. I’d be more than happy to hear about any video ideas anyone has..even if they seem crazy. In fact those are most likely the best types of suggestions.
Congratulations on the Patreon goal - very well deserved. Mind Hunter is worth a watch when you get time if you’re not put off by psycho serial killers!
Compared to some of the youtube comments, psycho serial killers should be a breath of fresh air.
Brilliantly done. Joyous nerdiness. After watching your tape videos I’ve come to the conclusion that reel to reel tape owns retro cool - vinyl is just too easy.
Joyous nerdiness perfectly sums it up.
Another brilliant video! Beautiful work. I have to admit that when you started talking about the mic, I wondered to myself if it was the same Superscope mic I took out of our junk box at work when I worked for a stereo shop in the late 70’s. Sure enough. I have the same case too. I was never impressed with that mic.
Funnily enough I haven't recorded anything with my mic yet - the moving VU meters in the video were playing back music from the tape. I suppose they must have just liked the look of the mic (but not the base).
Elegant production, Mat: Moody music and brilliant macro images of a truly beautiful machine. More, please!!
BRAVO!
Huge congrats on reaching your target, Mat! Keep up the good work :-)
I thought yours was shot just fine...I personally have recreated the Pulp Fiction reel to reel scene with my Teac 1000 (not the same model Teac as in the movie) and mine is black rather than silver...but I have the correct reels.
Thanks for this video Matt. I re-watched the unboxing video of last year in anyicipation of this video, and you did not disappoint.
There's one on Yahoo! Auctions Japan for 30,000 yen right now, but I'm not convinced about the state, definitely not as pristine as yours.
I've kept an active search since I bought mine for very cheap broken machines with a battery pack that I could salvage, however I've yet to see any for sale.
The intro sequence was excellent. Really good production.
Thanks. It took a day to shoot.
I think you’ve achieved some excellent macro and closeup shots, given you’re not working with professional kit or staff. Also took me back to my years of working with computer open reel drives and teaching users how to thread them up. “No, it’s OVER that one and UNDER that one”. I’m too lazy to be that obsessive, I’m glad you’re not!
I realised that I'd have to shoot the whole re-creation using a macro lens as it was the only thing that gave me a sufficiently narrow depth of field. It still didn't come close to the lens they used to shoot the original. One problem I had was getting the camera far enough back to get enough in frame - I ran out of floor space for a couple of shots.
Absolutely brilliant, Matt! Your OCD attention to detail is benefiting all of us! Especially where you explain the odd operating procedures seen in the Mindhunter intro- I couldn't work out WHY they were plugging in the mic after starting the recording! And now I know the answer is 'no good reason'! Thanks to your previous video on this recorder, I started watching Mindhunter, and both my wife and I got hooked and watched the whole series which we really enjoyed, and I believe a second series is in preparation. HOWEVER, although it featured in all the title sequences, the reel to reel machine only appeared in a few episodes (but not the first) after which it was replaced by a much smaller cassette machine that looks like one of the Sony pro models you have reviewed previously - but it's only really seen in passing. So your homework is to watch the entire series of Mindhunter and then see if you can identify the cassette machine used! This really is an excellent video Mat - your recreation of the MIndhunter intro is second to none. Like you, I recently also took the opportunity to do something more enjoyable than my 30+ years job - I retired!
Soooo.... do your reproduction reels also have a 5 thou chamfer on all the edges ? ;) Those chamfers do look good on camera !
I don’t think I’d know what a chamfer was if it cut me. It’s the stuff they spray around at the end of F1 races right?
Haha.. The most interesting part I found of this is showing all the things they did wrong in the operation of the machine. This is actually quite common when it comes to almost any computer or electronic device on a TV show because often the writers, director, and actors doing the operating have no idea how stuff actually works. It's really annoying for me when I watch shows and computers are used incorrectly. One famous example is from the movie WarGames where David is war-dialing every number in a city, but he's using an acoustic coupler modem which is incapable of placing phone calls on its own.
Yes, I didn’t want to get too mean in pointing things out...after all it doesn’t feel good when it comes the other way. Overall though, I think they did well with this, much better than most shows. I especially appreciate how they really went out of their way to source more obscure components for the exact look they wanted.
Once again, you’ve done a fantastic video. Can’t wait to see the follow up on your Sony TC-510 when you get those issues fixed.
I've seen a few videos where this skillful Japanese chap takes his apart to repair it and it's like a watchmaker dissembling an incredibly complicated clock. When I get enough time (and courage), I'll give it a go, but it's probably going to be a while.
Your attention to detail is remarkable, not only for this one; but all videos. I'm pleased you have found your passion - as you feed ours. Great work 👍
Thanks - after almost 30 years of not enjoying my job, I finally got the opportunity to turn my hobby into a job.
Congratulation for reaching that goal, that is most impressive. It doesn't come as a surprise though, since the quality of your videos can easily compete with any of today's "professionally" made TV show where a lot of people are involved. It often reminds me of BBC's "Tomorrow's world" which is not around anymore since 2003.
If I had to name one influence - it's Tomorrow's World. It was definitely my favourite show growing up.
Reely (sorry) interesting video. have to say its a beautiful machine.
Love Reel 2 Reel. Thanks for the video.
What a great video Mat! I love these obsessive videos so much, I love the detail you go to, like the KC easter egg and what settings were in use when the machines were being shot. Terrific production, keep it up. As always, thanks for producing such fabulous content.
The seller was an idiot, why shouldn't i send a package to the UK? It's not my postage, so why should i care? Some people... -.-
It's more to do with just ticking a box. If you tick the 'international' box that then opens you up for getting buyers from places that are almost impossible to send to. If you have enough local buyers it's much easier to just tick that you'll only send it locally. I understand totally. Perhaps I need to re-word that part of the video as I can see it's already creating a good percentage of the responses, and it wasn't that big a deal. They were also only selling it for too high a price.
Man, I always appreciate attention to detail like this. It speaks to pride in one's work, and is such a joy to watch.
I think this is the one video that I'd like to be remembered for. For someone to spend so much time, money and effort on doing something that's so ultimately pointless really sums me up. It's like a victorian folly.
That was a masterpiece! Well done Matt, you have done the Sony TC510-2 proud. Thank you for the mention in the video description and on Patreon, something to show the Wife. I'm pleased to see you used a short clip from the Professionals, I'm sure many will recall memories of the show. I look forward to a follow up on the Sony when time allows, a remarkable piece of engineering. Well done on reaching the Patreon Goal, I'm sure every Patreon feels as honoured as I do to support you.
I hope the exploding caravan adds a bit of humour to the video - every video needs a bit of light relief, so things like that really help to elevate it. The other part I was happy with was spotting the connection between the prop house and the writing on the reels at the end - it was something I only twigged in the final stages of editing. Things like that really make these videos fun for me, and I hope for others too. Thanks again.
Great video. Been eager to see this. Also I want more people to see that show, Mindhunter, as it's really good. Better than most Netflix originals. So good that it gers a mention. You shoot way more professionally than you humbly claim, you know. Can't wait for the behind the scenes tour
I do have it on my watch list. I'll really try to get to it in the next few days. David Fincher seems to really pay attention to title sequences - It was his Panic Room where first I saw the technique of having virtual writing appearing that was fixed in space relative to the objects in the background. Its a technique that's been mimicked thousands of times since.
I enjoyed that, thank you. 8-) One small point, at 13.38, it should be absence not absense.
Many thanks. There’s always a mistake somewhere that I miss. I’ll do a re-edit and re-upload before the public gets to see it.
Nice one Matt. You mentioned in the the video that youhad a problem with a vendor not wanting to ship international (from Germany to teh UK), I use a shipment forwarding service called AGS (Aramex Global Shopper). They have forwarding offices in 22 different countries (including Germany, Japan, & USA), and the vendor ships to them, and they courier to you. So the vendor does not have to worry about customs, or export permits. The service works very well for electronic items, however the main downside is that there is a fairly large 'restricted items' list (no liquids, food items, blades, hazardous things etc.)
Thanks for that. Its not something that crops up often, but I'll definitely bookmark this.
Very cool! I'd imagine the prices of all that equipment has gone up after the release of that series.
I'd been looking for a TC510-2 machine since I'd done the Sony TC-D5 video in early 2017. While researching that I'd come across the 510 on The Vintage Knob website <a href="http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TC-510-2.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TC-510-2.html</a> and decided it was something I'd like to get at some point in the future. However as soon as the Mindhunter show came out and I saw all the chatter about the machine, I realised that I'd have to get one sooner rather than later. I was anticipating a Back The Future Delorean-esque price bump.