Filmmaker Jonathan Palfrey has published a cool educating video that demonstrates how to build ‘The Creator’ Sony FX3 gimbal rig, which is very similar rig to what director Gareth Edwards used. Simple and efficient, and can be built by anyone quite easily. Watch it below.

‘The Creator’: Revolutionizing filmmaking

Now it’s well known how ‘The Creator’ has revolutionized filmmaking. Utilizing an affordable and ultra-compact consumer cinema camera, to shoot a big-budget Hollywood film. We wrote numerous articles about the lean methodology ‘The Creator’’s Director Gareth Edwards used. By shooting the entire movie on the Sony FX3, with minimal accessories, and with a guerrilla-filmmaking approach in mind,  Edwards has succeeded in delivering stunning imagery that holds even on the huge canvas (IMAX screen). As we said before, we watched the movie on IMAX, and it looked well. Many will claim that the image is not at the same level as ALEXA 65. And they might be right about that. Nevertheless, shooting with the Sony FX3 gave the team many advantages and flexibility that allowed the privilege of shooting fast in many real locations. That’s a real privilege derived from implementing the ‘Lean Startup’ methodology in filmmaking. 

Minimalism is the key

The team insisted on shooting on the Sony FX3. No, that’s not a marketing stunt by Sony. In fact, ‘The Creator’ DP Oren Soffer confirmed that Sony had nothing to do with the movie. Sony didn’t ask them to use the FX3, as they could use any other camera, inducing the VENICE, which is a more ‘cinema-appropriate’ camera for that kind of project. Soffer even stated that other Cinema Line cameras were less suitable for ‘The Creator’. For instance, Soffer explained that even the FX9 was not compact enough for their requirements, Hence, they’ve decided to use the FX3 because of its size, and low-light capabilities. The gimbal rig was minimal as well, and allowed Edwards to shoot handheld and ENG-style while stabilizing the camera, even when moving fast.

‘The Creator’Sony FX3 gimbal rig

Filmmaker Jonathan Palfrey has decided to try and build a rig that is very similar to what Edwards used. Here’re the camera, gimbal, and accessories Palfrey utilized to build it: Sony FX3, DJI RS3, 15mm Rods, Camera Base Plate, Shoulder Mount, 15mm Rail Blocks, Cheese Plate, Screws, Handles, Nato Rail, 90 Degree 15mm Rod Clamp, and 360 Nato adapter. In the original rig, there was also an Atomos recorder (for outputting ProRes RAW), and follow-focus accessories. Also, the lens was heavier (Kowa 75mm anamorphic as the main lens). However, the concept is very much similar, and everybody can build this rig at home. The structure and design seem very efficient since they give the option to shoot from many angles and styles. Furthermore, it looks solid and convenient. Watch it below:

Product List

Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• DJI RS 2 Gimbal Stabilizer Pro Combo
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Atomos Ninja V 5″ 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA