As of the 18th March 2020, we were told that the college would no longer be open and that working from home was the way we were going to finish out the year due to the global pandemic. Given the circumstances and not having the correct equipment on hand, I have improvised and decided to create my own camera stabilizer made from PVC Piping.
Having watched a 3 part video online, I then went out and bought the required equipment for the project. This product is not only going to help evidence my uni work, but is something which I can use for myself when doing my own camera work at home for potential upcoming work. (Youtube, 2013)
After watching all three parts to the video it was time to create my own. I began with a drawing of what it will look like which made it easier when putting together, as I had the example laid out in front of me. Once the drawing was complete it was then time to begin creating my own step by step video how the camera stabilizer is put together. Both are displayed below.
Once the rig was complete, I then sent over some images to Grip Freelancer, Jon Head (IMDB, N,D) for his feedback on my work and for any potential ideas he suggests I could use to shoot some test footage with. The feedback I received was very useful as he gave me a more procise name for what my rig was.
Since the start of the project, I had been calling the stabilizer a PVC MOVI (Freefly, 2020), a Gimbal very similar to the shape and size of my example. One of Jon’s first list of feedback was the actual name of the product in that it being called a FIG RIG, not a Movi. He explains why this is, talking about the rig not having a gimbal mount, which straight away is the main reason why this is not a representation of a Movi product. This was his response,
Manfrotto Fig Rig
A Manfrotto Fig Rig is a camera stabilizing device which is used for smaller video cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix G80 which I have been using, created by Mike Figgis(IMDB, N.D.) an English film director.
According to Hague Camera Support.com, Mike Figgis used the Fig Rig on many of his shoots and decided to offer it to Manfrotto for purchase, which is where the name a Manfrotto Fig Rig all came about. in a section on their site, they describe the Fig Rig, by saying;
“An idea that is non-traditional in design, but purely simple and effective. The only modular system in the world to smoothly support the DV camera and act as a frame to mount all the optional accessories – including zoom controllers, mics, lights etc.” (HagueCameraSupport, 2013)
Having created my own Fig Rig, I can say that this statement is true in that you can attach almost any camera accessory placing it onto the body of the rig. It is firm and stands well which allows an accessory to be safely attached onto it.
My Results
With the help of my dogs, Desmond and Chico as well as the mother and her car, I was able to test out my Fig Rig in two very different ways. This is what I captured.
Industry Practice- Lewis Kyneston 