Kickstarter Interview: SteadyOrbit Camera Stabilizer

Kickstarter is full of projects for the film industry, and one of them is the SteadyOrbit. The SteadyOrbit is “a comprehensive solution for independent videographers and students. It combines the power of a desktop dolly, a track dolly, and Manfrotto Fig Rig-like stabilization. Built from solid brushed aluminum, interchangeable high quality parts, the SteadyOrbit may not be the beauty pageant type, but instead focuses on capability, durability, and usefulness.”

I had an email interview with one of the founders of the SteadyOrbit project, Tyler Simpson, and you can read that below. The SteadyOrbit campaign has just about two days left & they still need around $1,500. If you would like to donate to the project, you can do so here.

 

Ian: What is the SteadyOrbit and where did you get the idea from?
Tyler: The SteadyOrbit is a unique and versatile piece of camera equipment that emulates the function of a Fig Rig, desktop dolly, and full track dolly. With the function of the 3 aforementioned devices, all regularly costing thousands of dollars, we find the $150 price tag a bargin. We got the idea shortly after visiting DEMO Fall 2011, when we needed stabilization techniques for filming the event. After the event, we built a desktop dolly for our product reviews, and then eventually put the two together. 

 

Ian: Who would be your target demographic for this product once it hits the market?
Tyler: Our target demographic is definitely film students and independent film makers. These are both creative groups of people with a lower budget. We feel the SteadyOrbit could be incredibly beneficial to them.

 

Ian: Once the SteadyOrbit hits production, what would ChicGarage set the MSRP be?
Tyler: $180, $230, and $320 (for the progression of models respectively).

 

Ian: What sets the SteadyOrbit apart from other camera sliders/dollys?
Tyler: It combines the functions of several high-end tools in one low-cost device. It does this without comprise of functionality and price, unlike some devices available. It’s also very expandable and update-able for future SteadyOrbit pr. 

 

Ian: Where are all of the SteadyOrbits made? Does ChicGarage manufacture them at home in the US, or are they manufactured by third-party companies in Asia?
Tyler: We’re working with our local aluminum supplier to pre-brush and cut the metal, but the current prototype was manufactured in our garage workshop. Many parts are 3rd party, with the tripod head being made in either China or Italy, depending on the model, and the trucks from China. It is, and always will be, assembled in the United States.

 

Ian: If the SteadyOrbit Kickstarter campaign does not meet the required $3,000 threshold, will ChicGarage repost on Kickstarter, or seek private investment?
Tyler: We’ll reevaluate where we stand, and decide from there. If we feel our project is developed enough, we’ll probably go towards investors on an alternative site, like Gust.  Otherwise, we’ll restart our Kickstarter campaign with more experience, and a more developed project. No matter what, we won’t give up on this great idea.

 

Ian: How many people are currently on the team that work on the SteadyOrbit?
Tyler: Brandon Keller, Vincent Paddon, and I have worked on the dolly/sliders. Terry Simpson is our technical consultant and has been a huge asset with his 25 years of video experience. 

 

Once again, if you would like to donate to the SteadyOrbit Kickstarter campaign, you can do so here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chic/steadyorbit-an-all-in-one-steadicam-and-dolly?ref=live

What do you think of the SteadyOrbit? Let us know in the comments below, via email, or on Twitter!

Twitter: @InternetIan & @RealGeeksFeed

Email: ian@realgeekstech.com