Motion Impossible, the modular remote dolly systems and camera stabilizer manufacturer, has announced the opening of its US division, by partnering with AbelCine which is an industry-leading film and broadcast equipment integrator. The goal is to provide sales, training, and technical support across North America, especially in the era of remote cinematography due to COVID.
Methodologies for remote cinematography
In the era of COVID, there is a vast need for remote cinematography methods and implementations. Make sure to read our article regarding the VENICE Remote Operation Guide published by Sony that explains and demonstrates the tools that simplify this kind of shooting. The majority of the guide deals with tools and technology that allow us to control the camera from distance. For instance, using the VENICE camera control over WiFi, utilizing RF solutions, cloud-based workflow, and even how to remotely control the camera movement by using the AGITO Modular Dolly System from Motion Impossible. The guys at Motion Impossible jumped on the opportunity and made a business move to expand their products and services into the US.
AGITO and M-Series: An advanced (and sexy) devices
Motion Impossible currently produces two systems: The M-Series and the AGITO, offering production teams and camera operators solutions for moving and stabilizing cameras in Live Sports, TV, Film, and VR. The AGITO features multiple configurations, allowing smooth motion from slow, precise dolly movement to high-speed tracked operation, all within one highly portable solution. With a very simple and fast change of its drive ends, the AGITO can be configured for free-roaming operation in Sports mode, or precision movement on rails in Trax mode.
Allowing more options for remote filming
The AGITO works as comfortably on a film set as it does capture the action in live sports. Most recently, Motion Impossible’s solutions have helped capture numerous sporting events that have been carried out with the implementation of social distancing measures, including the 24 hours of Le Mans race and the tennis US Open in September, as well as a wide range of feature films, dramas, and commercials. This month, the company’s solutions have made their post-season debut in the World Series and will help capture SpaceX’s next astronaut launch for NASA on October 23rd.
Partnering with AbelCine
In order to penetrate the US market, the company has decided to partner with AbelCine which is an equipment and service provider to cinematic content creators across the broadcast, production, and media industries. Rob Drewett, CEO, and Co-Founder of Motion Impossible says, “We are extremely pleased to team up with AbelCine in the opening of Motion Impossible US. AbelCine is a trusted partner for many of the leading industry brands for good reason, and we are confident that they will provide outstanding customer service to our US clients.” “Motion Impossible’s products combine modularity, flexibility, and portability in a simple and reliable remote solution. At AbelCine, we’re focused on providing our clients with innovative solutions to the challenges they encounter in the field. Right now, that challenge is to create high production value content, safely and remotely. Motion Impossible provides tools that allow creatives to achieve this, while also expanding their creative options,” said Pete Abel, CEO, AbelCine. “We look forward to working with Motion Impossible in the US market.”
Initial thoughts
Motion Impossible’s products are amazing and super cool. Personally, I don’t buy all the COVID restrictions about remote cinematography, since even when operating remotely, there’s a need for an operator to touch and operate the equipment. Thus, even when using the AGITO, there are operators who need to calibrate it, putting on the camera and lenses and etc. If so, where’s the COVID restrictions factors come into implementation? COVID aside, Motion Impossible products were designed to meet specific demands for filmmakers who wish to get extremely distinctive shots. Thus. I do think that making those devices more accessible to the US market is a smart move by AbelCine and Motion Impossible and hope we’ll see more neat projects done with this unique equipment.
