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SmallRig x Mikevisuals | Track the Dynamics
SmallRig 2024-12-26 19:08:00
Mikevisuals, whose real name is Michael Gray, is a professional filmmaker, instructor, and YouTuber known for his zest for life and passion for travel. He imparts knowledge to fellow creators on finding inspiration for filmmaking and capturing it effectively.
Mikevisuals' journey with SmallRig stands out from others. Initially envisioned as a simple collaboration, the partnership took an unexpected turn when Mike expressed the need for a highly specific product that was absent in the market. This piqued the interest of SmallRig's team.
"I wanted a rig that could not only support a camera but also accommodate a drone or any other equipment I could imagine seamlessly," shared Mikevisuals.
The realization of this necessity struck Mike during one of his filming projects. Despite attempting makeshift solutions, he found them to be unstable, and prone to loosening during active shooting, posing inconvenience to him and risk to his gear.
BTS of the DIY POV Rig
Recognizing the niche nature of the product, we were excited to explore it further. When faced with unique requirements, we strive to devise solutions. So, we redirected his ideas to our DreamRig team.
DreamRig, a co-design program pioneered by SmallRig in 2017, is aimed to provide users with resources, support, and solutions for their specific equipment needs or customizations. The program was launched to empower users to reach their full potential and bring their practical ideas to life.
Over the following two weeks, Mike collaborated with the DreamRig team, discussing the challenges of designing a tracking shot rig and providing design sketches outlining his vision for the product.
Mike sought a versatile tool capable of mounting both a camera and a drone, or any other tools, on a single rig. He wanted a rig that was flexible, easy to assemble, and stable enough to support both devices. Following several rounds of testing various configurations, optimizations, and CNC manufacturing, we developed a design that was both stable and highly versatile.
"The team was always very responsive and open to feedback. It wasn t just about creating a product they wanted to create something that would genuinely enhance my work and the work of other creators," - Mikevisuals
3D Model of First Prototype
3D Model of Second Prototype
After two weeks of production, Mike received the prototype and filmed a video. The kit, featuring multi-angle adjustments and stability for precise content control, introduced innovative shooting angles, resulting in visually striking camera movements that brought a shocking visual impact and generated viewer interest.
BTS of the First Prototype
"It s definitely been a game-changer. The most significant impact is that I can now do things I couldn't before. For example, I can mount a drone on one side and a camera on the other, enabling me to explore more creative possibilities, especially when it comes to combining aerial and traditional filming techniques in one seamless shot," shared Mike.
Observing the curiosity among users regarding achieving these dynamic shots, we recognized that SmallRig and Mikevisuals had collaboratively developed the easiest, quickest method for capturing POV shots. Following extensive feedback collection, we decided to enhance the prototype and commence mass production, empowering creators with more engaging tracking shots.
The designers persisted in refining the rig, fine-tuning the hinge design and control functions. After further testing, a new, innovative structural design emerged. With Mike's endorsement confirming that the product not only met but exceeded his expectations the product was officially launched to the public, less than eight months after our initial engagement with Mike.
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