studio/monthly. How did Levelcam get started?
A job came up where I was hired to shoot a video resume for an up-and-coming snowboard star. Instead of shooting it with my Betacam, I used my second unit DV thrill cam. When I went into editing, the shots had annoying twitches in it. Looking through the log sheets, I realized I could hold my clipboard steadier than my camcorder. I dumped the sheets, clipped the board to the DV camera and Levecam was born. I decided to go further in the development of Levelcam by having it balance a palm-held camcorder. The first Levelpod was just two pieces of wood and a counterweight. It worked so well that I used it on a documentary the next day.
sm. Which audience do you think would get the most benefit from your Levelpod and
Levelcam?
Anyone that has a handycam or palm-style video camera will get steadier and more dynamic shots with Levelcam and Levelpod. Pros and amateurs alike. I feel the most benefit would go to reality show videographers. My back hurts when I watch these shows because I know what it's like to be hand-held for 10 hours. Levelpod would make their lives so much easier because it would become an enjoyable 10 hours.
sm. Was it challenging to perfect the design?
The original design worked fine but it just didn't look great. Getting the right form to function ratio and then testing with a variety of video cameras took awhile. The most challenging part was juggling my life as a dad and my day job as videographer and editor with this new designer, manufacturer, wholesaler, international exporter and on-line retailer gig.
sm. Will Levelcam be at NAB?
Everytime I see a new and better palm-held camcorder, I see a new best friend for Levelcam and Levelpod. They all work so great when they play together. The new Levelpod has been upgraded to handle the extra weight of these compact designs, like the Panasonic 200, Canon XH models and several Handycams from Sony. I'll be at NAB with some usable swag to give out to unsuspecting videographers and maybe more. Stay tuned.
sm. What's the one thing you wish people could learn from using your products?
It would be great if everyone could just hold Levelcam and Levelpod for a few seconds
because that would sell them. Looking at a steady shot without strapping on anything and
being comfortable is the best way to convince anyone that this is the solution. Glancing at the price tag also makes buying Levelcam and Levelpod an easy decision. The 30 day return policy doesn't hurt either.
sm. How does Levelcam fill a need in the industry as you see it?
Palm-held camcorders are usually second or third unit cameras because they are
ergonomically yuck. They are shunned by event videographers. Levelcam and Levelpod will make these the primary cameras on a majority of shoots because a perfectly balanced video camera provides for the ultimate shooting experience.
sm. Do you have any tips for shooting with your products?
Having the freedom to shoot steady hand-held images opens many possibilities. Start with a static shot and end with a static shot. Shoot at different heights because the audience is bored with normal eye level. Levelpod opens a universe of more possibilities because it can be configured in so many ways. Steady static shots can be held for a long time even with high angles or with telescoping the monopod. It works with interviews, walk alongs, and even location tabletop work.
sm. Can you give us a preview of what we might see from you in the future?
I'm working on finalizing the patent and streamlining the manufacturing process. I have one major option in the works for amateurs, and for the pros, think "Quick Release Levelcam".
Watch Tim's demo of the Levelpod/Levelcam combo here. Also, visit Levelcam's official Web site for product galleries, specs, and more: www.levelcam.com.
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