Discussion with a Producer about the MOVI

[Mariano Costa]

P.S.: you don`t "need" two operators - I`m sceptical how this will be working in the real world, but on some rigs there`s a special mode - Freefly calls it "Majestic Mode" on the Movi where the rig follows the operator`s "input" , it can be preset how quicklyit responds but as I said, I`m not sure if it`s really gonna work well or if you´ll miss your suject too often.

[Lawrence Karman]

A Producer calls you about a job. He wants to use either the MOVI M20 or YOU on Steadicam. He says the MOVI will "save them money", "let them work faster", and "the DP is happy" because now he can operate remotely via the monitor. However, he is calling to give you a chance to save your job. What do you tell him? What makes steadicam so much better?

 

 

 

For the sake of argument, let's assume a few things:

1. This is the future and that the equipment actually exists and works as advertised. (Just go with it)

2. The camera+AKS balances on your rig and the MOVI

3. You don't just tell the guy "Good Luck with that"

 

 

A Producer calls you about a job. He wants to use either the MOVI M20 or YOU on Steadicam. He says the MOVI will "save them money", "let them work faster", and "the DP is happy" because now he can operate remotely via the monitor. However, he is calling to give you a chance to save your job. What do you tell him? What makes steadicam so much better?

 

 

 

For the sake of argument, let's assume a few things:

1. This is the future and that the equipment actually exists and works as advertised. (Just go with it)

2. The camera+AKS balances on your rig and the MOVI

3. You don't just tell the guy "Good Luck with that"

 

This is a question that does not need an answer. Apples and oranges. If they asked the same question about a GoPro vs an Alexa would you answer it?

[Victor Lazaro]

 

This is a question that does not need an answer. Apples and oranges. If they asked the same question about a GoPro vs an Alexa would you answer it?

 

 

After all GoPro shoots 4k and the Alexa is only 2k... :lol: :D

[William Demeritt]

Is it weird that I care less about what we're shooting on and more about the fact that we're shooting less and less every year? Fewer features with a reasonable budget, more microbudget crap or gargantuan tentpoles, lower rates in "new" markets? All just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

I'd actually be OK shooting on GoPro's and SI:2K rigs, if the industry would start shooting features again.

[William Demeritt]

So you`re retiring in a few months

[Kiel Michael Eulberg]

I am very confused about how steadicam operators believe these pieces of equipment are interchangeable. I've been operating for two years or so, tried both and believe it is very obvious that steadicam is superior. The MOVI is a cool invention, that takes 3 to operate, relies on arm strength so you would need more than one person trained to use it and will only hold as much as your arms can carry.To a producer this means you have to pay more people to use it on set. The only advantage it has over steadicam is the compact size. You'll never see a 3d MOVI rig or any camera with a fat enough lens on it. Can we all just look at the facts and agree that steadicam is most likely going to win this fight, if MOVI can even get the support it needs to stand a chance?

[William Demeritt]

To a producer this means you have to pay more people to use it on set.

 

Actually, I believe the rationalization is instead of paying a skilled, experienced Steadicam operator an appropriate rate reflecting years of practice and hard work (as well as the knowledge and capability to execute the shots planned in the squeezed timeframe of a film shoot), this device will most likely tempt people to hire those 3 individuals, none of whom have the level of experience of the Steadicam operator.

 

Hell, you could even say all 3 of them don't have the amount of experience combined when compared to the Steadicam operator. Ultimately, the 3 people hired to work a MOVI command about as much qualification to work as the gentlemen who solicit work in the parking lot of Home Depot, only those gents get paid more and won't agree to a 12 hour day. Hopefully, one of them plays a lot of XBOX.

[Sanjay Sami]

So you`re retiring in a few months?

 

 

By the time the MOVI gets to the point where it can do my job, I will be in too old to operate anyway.

 

Mariano, I am sure you missed my point, which was that a gadget cannot replace me.

It can only replace another gadget I work with.

I do not get hired for the equipment I bring.

It's what I bring inside my cranium that I get hired for.

The MOVI is just another tool that I may or may not work with.

DP's and Directors are actually interested in what my opinion on the best way to get a shot is.

That's actually why they hire me.

The day a gadget can do my job, I will be forced to retire ...

But I suspect the real threat lies more in the VFX world with animated actors and CG cameras.

[RonBaldwin]

Well said Sanjay.

 

It's a new tool, give it time. It might be great, it might fizzle. Who cares.

[Alan Rencher]

If you're working on a show, and the DP wants to use a Movi for one shot, production rents a Movi, and you operate it. It's that simple.

[Kiel Michael Eulberg]

 

To a producer this means you have to pay more people to use it on set.

 

Actually, I believe the rationalization is instead of paying a skilled, experienced Steadicam operator an appropriate rate reflecting years of practice and hard work (as well as the knowledge and capability to execute the shots planned in the squeezed timeframe of a film shoot), this device will most likely tempt people to hire those 3 individuals, none of whom have the level of experience of the Steadicam operator.

 

Hell, you could even say all 3 of them don't have the amount of experience combined when compared to the Steadicam operator. Ultimately, the 3 people hired to work a MOVI command about as much qualification to work as the gentlemen who solicit work in the parking lot of Home Depot, only those gents get paid more and won't agree to a 12 hour day. Hopefully, one of them plays a lot of XBOX.

 

Yeah I guess 100 per person and rental would still be cheaper, but I doubt we will see any cinematic marvels with this thing. They advertised it properly, but I just don't see a pro set even batting an eye at it. Time will tell.

[Kevin Stiller]

Hey Jamie :D

 

The first thing that comes to mind is when Garrett Brown showed us images of the prototype steadicam at the workshop, and how it was necessary to have a body builder operate it... The Movi certainly isn't that heavy, but I would imagine that endurance becomes a huge variable when using the movi. Imagine in 1-2 more years, when a gyro unit is made to support a 20-30 lb rig. that would suck to hold for a shot longer than a minute long..

 

I would love to see movi attached to a steadicam. Imagine the possibilities of that.

Edited July 5, 2013 by Kevin Stiller

[Alan Rencher]

There are stabilized heads that exist now that can support 20-30 lb rigs.

[Kevin Stiller]

There are stabilized heads that exist now that can support 20-30 lb rigs.

 

I mean't specifically for hand held use like the MoVi

[Alan Rencher]

The Movi just has handles attached.