As the independent film world explodes DSLR filming, all manner of new kit has been emerging – camera support rigs, camera movement rigs, follow focus, ND filters, lenses… Two of the more innovative and entertaining evolutions are this helicopter rig (right and video above) and the SegWay rig (below).

The Helicopter rig comes out of Australia and was the details were sent to me by our Aussie correspondent Simon VanDerSpoel. Of course I am not sure how I would feel about attaching MY 7D and lenses to this rig! But check out the shots. Very, very cool.

Below is the Segway rig – here it is being operated by James Layton.

James is shooting the short film for us at the Screenwriters’ Festival at the end of the month (there is still time for you to enter, rules and regs here). This rig allows the operator to move around very smoothly and quickly, the resulting shots being quite arresting. You can see more of James’ work here, and his showreel which includes some Segway shots is here.

All this evolution is VERY exciting for film makers. When I reflct, I am amazed at how fast it has all appeared. Just two years ago, only a handful of people were really talking about shooting on DSLR.

In case you missed it, below is a free podcast I recorded earlier this year with DSLR guru Philip Bloom – this was recorded for the new Guerilla Film Makers Pocketbook, which you can buy here (signed by all three authors).

Download the MP3 file here for your iPod.

Onwards and upwards!

Chris Jones, Film Maker and Author

www.livingspirit.com
mail@livingspirit.com