Panavision and Louma Introduce new Camera Movement System

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Sun, 06/28/2009 - 20:00 -- Nick Dager

Panavision Remote Systems and Loumasystems have introduced the Louma 2 a new-generation camera movement system built on an open-architecture platform to the U.S. The new system expands Louma's telescopic crane technology with the introduction of an open-architecture programmable software platform ShotAssist that enables cinematographers to plan intricate multi-axis shots and execute them with less rehearsal and fewer takes than any other camera system.  Master/slave coordination between any axis of the crane and remote head is now possible.  Today's technologically and visually sophisticated audiences are pushing directors and cinematographers to be ever more creative in developing eye-arresting shots says Jean-Marie Lavalou Academy Award-winning co-founder of Loumasystems.  We designed the Louma2 to meet those demands by creating an open-architecture system so flexible that virtually any shot imaginable is possible and any technology innovation can be incorporated. While some new capabilities have been announced other innovations have yet to be discovered.  The crews themselves will develop new tricks and applications says Richard Amadril vice president and general manager of Panavision Remote Systems. Among its new features the system has a newly developed arm allowing over 24 feet of telescopic travel.  Two- or three-axis remote head and leveling gear can be switched easily from overslung to underslung and back.  The ShotAssist software will handle pan compensation (e.g. backpan) and can easily allow for compensation for tilt or telescope.  Pan tilt and roll limits are available at the touch of a button with adjustable ramps to aid framing. The unit comes with custom trollies and an operator's cart.  It can be ready to shoot in less than 60 minutes.