Shot Ideas and Feedback

The spectrum ST4 is a 4 axis repeatable motion control unit.  With the Dana Dolly motion kit, you can pan, tilt, slide, and focus.  The goal at eMotimo was to offer a toolkit that:

• Enables moves not possible without motion control:
  • Moving Timelapse
  • Repeatable VFX
  • Benefit - Increased production value.  Reduced cost of rental equipment for must have shots.
• Allow for automation on a set - 
  • Interview ping-pong modes that aren't limited by geometry
  • Repeat the same motion, take after take
  • Benefit - Automation can help to reduce crews size.  Lower skilled camera operators can get better looking shots.
• Enable complex shots to be easier
  • Get product shots faster with programmed moves that control pan,tilt,slide, and focus in ways that are tough or impossible for single operators.
  • Hit marks easier.
  • Put the rig where operators don't fit (interior of a car)
  • Benefit - Reduce the number of takes, or give more options for the edit

Here are some ideas and topics to consider.

• What are 5 ways to shoot macro in new interesting ways?
• For timelapse, when should you shoot video and speed up, or SMS - what looks better and why?  What are rules of thumb?
• Using repeatable VFX without ruining your life with post processing pain.
  • Cloning with motion (Orphan Black)
  • Speed Changes between takes
• When and where motion control is a must and when to leave it on the shelf
• When to shoot simple A,B moves and when to add more keyframes?
• Interesting interview settings- getting past basic,  AB shots and into:
  • pushes / pulls 
  • Off-axis shooting where distance changes between subject / camera
  • Low shots

Here's spectrum tech and terms that I want to highlight:

• Live Moves and Motor Presets- we change how the spectrum moves based on your motor profile. I want to tune these up and give options on how these "feel".  If the head "feels" good and responds in ways that are predictable, you can drive around live for many types of shots.  Play with the various profiles.  
• GoTo Frames - these are great for quick setups where you set a preset position for all your axis and assign it to a button on the PS4 remote.  Think of these like live keyframes.  You could set up programmed shots for video too, but this is something that is very quick and gives good results for a lot of establishment shots or moves that need to be timed with actors.
• Programmed Shots - For setting up key frames and parameters for a shot and having the rig run it.  Keep in mind that any programmed shot can be:
  • timelapse or video
  • have 2-9 keyframes (
  • can be reversed or repeated after completion.  
  • Any programmed video shot can be Run Once or Ping Pong (interview mode).

If you haven't seen them, check out our instructional vids  - https://vimeopro.com/emotimo/spectrum-instructional-videos