Would anyone buy a full Steadicam Rig that can support heavy and light cams for 2k

Matt Sconce

Matt Sconce

Veteran
Would anyone be interested in a full steadicam rig made for RED ONE for 2k?(Can support any cam though...even HVX and DVX)

My dad is a physics teacher and engineer and has designed a system that we are currently testing, that can support an HVX all the way up to and past the RED (with full gear and mattebox) load. I just wanted to see if there was any interest out there, before we pursue patenting, etc. It is called the Hypercam, because we are Hyperactive Studios www.hyperactive-studios.com
Here is a teaser pic:
1208975113.jpg

The differences in this design is that there is a low, medium and high rig as well as an angle rig, as well as structural differences which are original concepts, hence the patenting, as well as a new feature called the Hyperdrive which will add an extreme amount of control over the banking and tilting angles while flying the rig. The rig also has the ability to have a modification to hold extra heavy rigs, much larger than the RED ONE plus gear. (45-70 lbd rigs) The entire thing fits into a standard travel suitcase.

Most recent test with a weighted HVX setup. We will be shooting something with the Hypercam and the RED ONE in the next three weekends.
http://aftershockstudios.homestead.com/HYPERCAM_TEST.mov
First low rig test with just an HVX on the rig Unweighted to see clearance issues. This is a video of running quickly in tight quarters with an unbalanced rig:
http://aftershockstudios.homestead.com/Low_Rig_Fly.wmv


Does this idea interest anyone?:)
 
That photo dosnt show much... Is it part of the arm?

I personaly am going to stick to the steadicam brand, there are plenty of cheaper rigs out there like the action cam or asapi, but I personaly am going to stick to the tiffen steadicams. My next rig will be a Clipper3, and the Flyer i have now is great as it is, and I just about managed to fly a Red One on it.

Oh sh!t my dinners burning
 
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It takes the concept of a steadicam, changes the structure to comply more with physics, allows it to handle any weight of camera, allows it to tilt and boom up and down, allows you to fly at 3 different levels including directly above the ground and between 2 foot gaps and tight spaces, feels more comfortable, employs a new design or Hyperdrive unit that lets the camera bank and fly if desired, can fit into a suitcase, and completely rests on a c-stand with the Hyperdock, including the arm.

The picture is a teaser of the arm. We can't show any more of it until we are legally protected as two of the major changes will be seen if we have a wider shot. What this is targeted for is the indies that want a multi faceted rig that can fly heavy beasts all the way down to Hvx's on a budget. The little spring is not the tension spring for the arm. Those can be seen inside the arm barely in this pic. I hope this calrifies things for you all. This in no way replaces the 30, 000 steadicams but it will be a niche for the indie market looking for something powerful yet affordable.
 
There is some wobble in the footage. This is the first beta test and the rig is a light HVX. The low fly shot with the chairs the rig is bare except for the camera (unbalanced). It is designed for a heavy Red rig. Also, this will require User skill if the full range of motion is desired. It takes a special skill to operate one of these. This was unrehearsed so my dad was reacting to my movements as opposed to choreographed motions. We have the same issue with the glidecam V-16 until you get used to how to walk with it. After some practice, it will be smooth as silk. One of the misconceptions of a Steadicam is that you can put your camera on it, walk out without knowng how to run one or practicing, and have smooth movement. You have to learn how to use it and that takes time. I am excited how this will develop with more practice and I am excited to see how it will work with the RED in the upcoming weekends.:engel017:
 
I just talked to my dad and he is targeting the wobble. He says after the red shoot coming up, he will eliminate the wobble. After that he will make some Beta test deals.
 
Well, to answer your question, Yes a good rig at 2k would be interesting.

You will have some heavy skepticism to overcome though. There are some very experienced critics on this site, and judging from your demo, they have plenty of ammo to criticize.

But if you have a better mousetrap, then by all means...
 
Your best bet is to test this out on a couple movies and use them as proof that your product works.

If you ask the question "Does anyone want an inexpensive revolutionary camera stabilizer?" the answer is yes. Of course, it is yes.

But, you'll find it takes a lot to convince people that your product can do that. You'll need a completely finished product and finished projects that have used it to convince most people.
 
j said:
Well, to answer your question, Yes a good rig at 2k would be interesting.

You will have some heavy skepticism to overcome though. There are some very experienced critics on this site, and judging from your demo, they have plenty of ammo to criticize.

But if you have a better mousetrap, then by all means...
Click to expand...

hoarp001 said:
Maybe you should hand it over to a full time pro steadicam op and see how it handles...
Click to expand...

I understand people will be skeptical, and when this is ready we will be getting it out to some pros for feedback. That will be our Beta testing time. It should help us refine the rig. Based on some production decisions, the price may move to 3000 it depends on which direction we go with some metals and pre fab places. Our goal, is inexpensive, strong, and very effective.

Prodigi Pictures said:
Your best bet is to test this out on a couple movies and use them as proof that your product works.

If you ask the question "Does anyone want an inexpensive revolutionary camera stabilizer?" the answer is yes. Of course, it is yes.

But, you'll find it takes a lot to convince people that your product can do that. You'll need a completely finished product and finished projects that have used it to convince most people.
Click to expand...

Excellent Idea. It will be used on two shorts coming up and then launch into Full Beta Testing phases as more units are built based on needed changes based on these two short films.
 
I'd say your best bet is to bring me one for testing, I'm a cane dependant DP, so If I can get a smooth shot, anyone can, (and I can get a smooth shot) I'm in SF, not to far from you, I'f you'd like me to test it out, just let me know we can set up a time for you to drop by. I'll review it honistly.

Jason
 
Jason Miller said:
I'd say your best bet is to bring me one for testing, I'm a cane dependant DP, so If I can get a smooth shot, anyone can, (and I can get a smooth shot) I'm in SF, not to far from you, I'f you'd like me to test it out, just let me know we can set up a time for you to drop by. I'll review it honistly.

Jason
Click to expand...

Awesome! When we have a working Beta Prototype we may take you up on that offer!:thumbsup:
 
There is quite a bit of interest in this on the Reduser site so here is the response I just posted there. This is the game plan for the future of the Hypercam:

Thanks for the interest guys! We will know much more after the two Red One shoots coming up the weekend of the 10th and 17th. I should have a petnent pending soon on some aspects of the Hypercam and then it will make sense to show more of it. Also, the next step will be to choose the professional production materials and location based on keeping costs low and quality high, smooth out the design and make several Beta testing prototypes...perhaps 5-10. After a few months of intensive Beta Testing and getting the Hypercam into some pro-steadicam user's hands as well as indie film makers, we can move toward a final model and start to make the Hypercam available. That is the plan at least! We will let you know as we plod along. -Matt
 
Hi Matt,

Here is my 2 cents . I think it’s a great thing to have many competitors for products and innovative approaches. As you stated your target audience is not the high end steadicam users but making something affordable that can be acquired by many.

I would recommend for you to meet with an actual steadicam op who is currently working in the industry at the high end level (too bad I dont live in california anymore.) There is more to the expensive rigs we use besides its stability. Steadicam offers flexibility that help ops perform better, faster, easier and be more flexible. Like a tilt head, 3rd post, motorized head, ride control on the arm....etc

All these add up to make the unit and make them desirable (and spend 40-50K) I can switch from High to Mid shot in under 2 minutes in my steadicam. Or for low shots I can just flip the rig (when time is critical). Try to figure out the end user requests with an experienced op and try to apply them for the "mid" market.

Also if you are designing a steadicam, you should to be an op,so consider taking classes. Your test shots look like what we call "camera on a stick" no offense. Marketing is your best tool to get your product out there and you will be the first beta user for your rig.

Just meant as constructice critisism

Good luck with your venture.
 
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