Interesting new rig

[Michael Hauer]

Are we going to get the grips to run around with this thing whilst we operate? Or are we going to run around whilst the DoP operates?

To me this is the crucial question. When the video first hit I was talking to my buddy, and he said "now you get to have a department" I said that basically we'd be relegated to dolly grip status once someone puts this thing on an arm. The more i think about it though, there is no way this system will ever be as precise as a steadi op. Its up to us to be at the forefront as a proof of concept. Let the dp operate, miss his mark twice, and then call for the steadicam!

[Tianlun Jiang]

I think this rig is great for shooting vérité style documentaries, for small cameras with less set-ups.

[Markus Kuballa]

I see this tool more as a new option for shots where you would use a stabilized head than as a replacement for Steadicam operators. So no thread there ;). For me working as both Steadi op and Grip its certainly interesting for vehicle mounts and such. Going Handheld with a full size camera doesn't seem like an option so...No worries.

[AndreasKielb]

Another problem that speeks against a use as all day tool is rain. I just thought it will be very difficult to protect, much more difficult than wrapping our Steadicams. A normal shifting camera cover wouldn't be possible as the motors have that low holding torque. The camera has to be really in neutral balance in all axis or it doesn't work.

 

Wrapping the camera in clear plastic foil will of course be possible but the motors need their free moving space and also get a little hot. If light or space doesn't allow for a large umbrella or "Easy up" carried with the camera a large plastic garbage bag around the whole thing including handles might be the best option, leaving just a window for the lens. But this will certainly restrict panning. When I'm ready with my system I will have to test if the the edges of that window can be loosly connected to the matte box or if that already affects balance.

Edited April 9, 2013 by AndreasKielb

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Vincent Laforet at NAB:

 

http://vimeo.com/63599115

[AndreasKielb]

Nice to see what is meant by the majestics mode. Good idea but probably it takes a lot practice to get the framing just quite OK. I think the normal shooting style will be two persons.

Edited April 9, 2013 by AndreasKielb

[Jesus Valadez]

Thomas,

Once you are good at balancing a camera in the gimbal, it takes 5 minutes to mount an Epic and usually another 5 on lens changes.

 

Tom,

100% we will have an attachment for mounting on steadicam arms. It is on a long list of things we still need to do.

 

This gimbal is simply another tool to create a variety of amazing shots in addition to what is available not as a replacement to current technologies.

 

Hugh,

 

I just put my deposit down on the Movi 10. I am order #1034. Is there a time frame yet on shipping?

 

Also, any idea when we could expect that steadicam attachment?

 

Thanks!

[Thomas English]

I wonder if that is unit number 1034 or 34?

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

I can see producers jumping at the chance to hire something like this that uses more manpower, is weight/size limited, and is of course, brand new. Let's see how the years treat it. Can it be scaled up to accommodate large frame cameras? Time will tell all.

[Twojay Dhillon]

Good lord... the stuff coming out of that guy's mouth are just ridiculous. Hell, he touts no rehearsals as a positive thing. And is anybody going to point out that when they shake and rotate the crap out of those handles (because, you know, we all operate that way), the lens is very obviously being influenced. You'd think they would scale back the arm-cycling a bit, at least for demo purposes.

 

And he admits that you need two Ops for complex stuff. That means pretty much all the time on a real set. I still think it's a good idea and it's a cool "invention" but it's (as other Ops have said of other game-changers) another invention looking for a shot.

[chris gonzalez]

another invention looking for a shot.

 

in 1976, a grip and and camera assistant sitting on a 500 lb dolly probably said something similar

 

and just like the steadicam, now there are new ways of telling a story, and isn't that what cinematography is all about?

 

i just got back from NAB and the rig demos were blowing people away. they knocked this one out of the park.

[Lars Erik]

 

 

another invention looking for a shot.

in 1976, a grip and and camera assistant sitting on a 500 lb dolly probably said something similar

 

and just like the steadicam, now there are new ways of telling a story, and isn't that what cinematography is all about?

 

i just got back from NAB and the rig demos were blowing people away. they knocked this one out of the park.

Chris, did you try the unit yourself?

 

I see that this unit can change the industry in some parts, but I really don't understand how one can shoot with an Alexa with this for several takes, let alone a whole day. You don't have the vest and arm to hold it up for you. Only your hands. And it's not like it's resting on your shoulder. You're holding the rig away from your body. And such creating muscle tension between your shoulder blades.

 

I've shot a lot on cameras like the EX-3 and F-3, and without any support, my back starts bitching after about 5 minutes of operating. I know this isn't supposed to be shot with for many minutes, but I don't get the physical use of the unit. Seems to me there's a component missing.

 

LE

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

 

another invention looking for a shot.

in 1976, a grip and and camera assistant sitting on a 500 lb dolly probably said something similar

 

and just like the steadicam, now there are new ways of telling a story, and isn't that what cinematography is all about?

 

i just got back from NAB and the rig demos were blowing people away. they knocked this one out of the park.

I totally disagree, this is not a home run. It's not an invention looking for a shot, it does have an application, but its never going to replace a Steadicam. It's also not going to scale up to an Alexa sized rig

[Victor Lazaro]

I personally compare this system to what the AR brought us.

A new, different way of approaching some specific situations where a standard steadicam could not work, allowing operators to work in more situations than before. I believe that it will be a nice addition on a steadicam arm and this will definitely get to an Alexa at some point. I also think that more people doing R&D on this system will bring a good length of inventions with motion compensated for all purposes (steadicam, jib, car mounted camera, body cam, quadrocopter, easyrig, and more...)

[David Hughes]

What you said Victor, you forgot to mention rollerblades.

Not sure it will scale up very well to alexa size weight though.

Edited April 11, 2013 by David Hughes