Radiant Images will showcase its line of customized virtual reality (VR) rigs, gimbal POV rigs and other one-of-a-kind filmmaking tools at the annual J.L. Fisher Open House and BBQ on May 16 in Burbank.
Visitors to the Radiant Images tent will get a close-up look at many of the company’s new custom VR 360 rigs, including the Headcase Cinema Quality VR 360, which handles 17 tiny Codex Action Cams, as well as stereo VR rigs, cylindrical rigs, spherical GoPro rigs and other custom camera arrays.
In addition, a selection of Radiant’s gyro stabilized POV rigs will be on hand, including a POV helmet rig with Codex Action Cam and backpack recorder and another using the Novo 2K with a Cinedeck recorder backpack.
“The compact form factor and small size make the Codex Action Cam the perfect choice for what we’re trying to accomplish with these types of 360 rigs,” said VP Michael Mansouri. “We’ve been working closely with the Codex since this new camera came out last year and couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Technicians at Radiant also are in the process of converting two new micro gimbals to super lightweight POV rigs that can be attached to the chin area while maintaining GoPro and Sony a7s camera stability.
Much of VR filmmaking remains in an experimental stage, preparing for the day when VR headsets hit the mass market. The key in shooting for VR is to utilize a rig and mount it correctly to capture an image from every possible angle.
The company has outfitted a pair of commercial shoots with a spherical video rig for 10 GoPro cameras, and mounted it atop a stabilizer for shooting at a football game. Radiant also built modified VR rigs that utilize the SnorriCam and other pole mounts.
“J.L. Fisher provides us with a great opportunity to meet with filmmakers and camera operators in a relaxed setting,” said Mansouri. “We’ve recently been totally immersed in virtual reality technology, working closely with cinematographers, special effects houses, DITs and ACs to find creative solutions and new breakthroughs, while always focused on simplicity and cost. We can’t wait to share our creations with a wider audience.”
The 9th annual J.L. Fisher, SOC, ICB and ASC Annual Mixer is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 16, at J.L. Fisher, (1000 Isabel St.) in Burbank.