How to Setup a 3-Axis Move Using the Shuttlepod & Revolution Head
The Kessler Shuttle Pod™ is a unique camera dolly system that can utilize your existing standard Kessler Crane (11.5" width) as the rail / track system for the dolly. You can also use our proprietary expandable rail system (available soon) if you do not have a Kessler Crane. The Shuttle Pod™ has multiple optional camera mounting options available, using the Cheese Plate and 100mm Bowl Mount inserts.
The Shuttle Pod™ is completely smooth and silent and can even be removed and used as a table top dolly, by rolling on a smooth surface.
The Shuttle Pod Start Rail Kit (4 ft) is the base to your Shuttle Pod Rail System. By adding on the 4 foot Extension Rail Kit (or multiple), you can expand your Shuttle Pod Rail System to 8 ft, 12 ft, or more (with proper supports). As for the Keeper / Grabber Wheel Kit, it is used to hold your Shuttle Pod to the rails, when using in an inclined or inverted configuration. If you are looking to support the Shuttle Pod, one option is the Shuttle Pod Outrigger Foot Kit.
This kit is an adjustable foot support system that can be attached to the Shuttle Pod rail for our Kessler Crane when using as the rail system for your Shuttle Pod. Another option is the end clamps for the Shuttle Pod Rails in place of the Shuttle Pod Outrigger Foot Kit. These clamps are a cheese plate style for mounting monitors and other accessories. Mount these to tripods, light stands, ball mounts, etc. using the provided 3/8"-16 Helicoil or 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 threaded holes.
Writer's Block
About the Film
Along with the 3-Axis Tutorial, I also shot a short film. In this short, I wanted to integrate a 3-axis move into a story using both the Shuttlepod and Revolution Head. For this story, James sets out in search of inspiration. As the short progresses, he is drawn towards a dark cave -- which holds the key to his creativity.
Creativity comes in many forms and is not always easy to find. With this short, I wanted to show that if you look hard enough, ideas will inevitably come to you. The hard part is finding a way to express these ideas. For James, this is shown figuratively through the typing. This project was shot with the Canon 5D Mark II.
Looking back on this short, there are a few elements I wish I would have done differently. First off, the story is missing a true inciting incident. As it stands, the inciting incident is the light in the tunnel -- and the characters decision to check it out.
In hindsight, I wish I would have established earlier on the characters inability to write. I could have done this in two ways. The first by simply showing him scribble notes on a pad of paper and scribbling them off or the use of a narration. The second thing was the filament in the light. When shooting with the Mark II and shining a light into the camera at 1250 ISO or higher, the hottest spot of the light is misread by the camera. I now know I need to either supplement the light or turn down the ISO.