Direct from the CINE GEAR 2023 convention floor at Paramount Studios, I sat down with some of the “best of the best” folks at SISU CINEMA ROBOTICS – JEREMY ALLEN, VP, and BRYAN ALTHAM, MSc, DGA, as well as a bonus addition to our interview, award-winning cinematographer JEFF CRONENWETH, all talking about the latest robotic technology – wired and now wireless – that SISU has to offer filmmakers today.
SISU Lab from SISU Cinema Robotics on Vimeo.
Getting my first introduction to SISU robotics in April at the NAB convention, I was amazed at seeing even newer tech unveiled at Gine Gear; the coolest and most functional developments in robotic tech, particularly the new wireless wand which they developed and hold the patent on. Although they introduced it at Cine Gear, the wireless wand technology will officially debut in September. These robotics and the wireless tech are so easy to learn and they really add to the efficiency of a shoot be it for film, television, ad campaigns, or product showcases. Perfect for macro-shots and motion capture, among others, cinematographers, filmmakers, camera operators can program camera movement without needing to have the camera in hand.
We Use The Robot For That from SISU Cinema Robotics on Vimeo.
Sitting down with JEREMY ALLEN and BRYAN ALTHAM we dug into the proprietary technology of SISU and what sets it apart from other robotics in the marketplace today. Adding real depth and insight to the conversation is cinematographer JEFF CRONENWETH (Fight Club, Being the Ricardos, Hitchcock, Gone Girl) who has been using SISU robotics for some time now and was able to talk about the practical applications and benefits this technology gives him. During our interview, we witnessed (jaw-droppingly gobsmacked, I might add) the Sisu Robotics in action with some “cliffhanging” demonstrations showing the ease of product use and its spectacular efficiency and results. Some of the topics we discuss include, among others:
- evolution of the technology
- demystifying cinema robotics aka robotic motion control
- benefits of robotics and robotic arms
- benefits of the wireless technology
- using this technology in day-to-day filming
- the practicality of using these robotics from a time standpoint with number of set-ups that can be done in a day
- various uses and applications for cinema robotics such as macro and ECU work, product shoots, motion capture, and more
- safety and safety considerations when creating this tech; multiple layers of safety
- R&D pipeline at SISU; average time it takes to develop a robotic arm
- what sets SISU apart from its competitors
- how Brian and Jeremy got involved with SISU
- what led Jeff to SISU and this technology in his work as a cinematographer
- the importance of the ease of use and minimal learning curve in using this technology
- the future of filmmaking
- how robotics will affect the future of filmmaking
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 06/03/2023
“Sisu Lab” and “We Use the Robot for That” videos courtesy of SISU CINEMA ROBOTICS.
