Driving the Manfrotto Fig-Rig…
Filmmaker MIKE FIGGIS is a DV pioneer for numerous reasons. Not just for his groundbreaking digital movies like Timecode or Hotel - but because of his innovative use of new technologies and techniques. Perhaps one of his greatest yet lesser known contributions to indie filmmaking is the Manfrotto Fig-Rig…
Tripod manufacturer Manfrotto worked alongside Figgis to develop a camera stabilizer that minimized ‘camera shake’ and at the same time allowed the same freedom of motion as working hand-held. Named after Figgis, this FIG RIG was also developed as a modular system - allowing the end user to attach accessories, including zoom controllers, mics, mixers, lights, monitors and arms to the same base unit.
As you can see, the design emulates the look and feel of a steering wheel, but as well as turning left and right, you have a range of motion that is gyroscopic in nature. Any which way you want to shoot, the Fig Rig will follow. And attaching accesories like a mic and a zoom control give the thing added balance and flexibility.
Some of you reading this might think - oh, the Fig Rig - it’s old news dating back to the days of the PD150 etc. And you’d be absolutely right. However, I tested the Fig Rig with a SONY Z1 and the results were anything but old news. My hands aren’t particular steady, but with this thing I was rock solid and all those swishy pans and tilting zooms were possible. Granted the Z1 had been fitted with a VZ Zoom controller (which was strapped to the rig) - but still, using this contraption was simplicity itself. I can only imagine that with regular use anybody’s Fig Rig skills would improve - much the same as say a golf swing with practice. Okay - well maybe not a golf swing - but you get the picture.
At under $350 the Fig Rig is certainly an option worth considering for your next production. I am still curious if it could be used with the beloved Canon XH-A1 - I’m guessing yes. But I’m not certain how the Fig Rig would fare if your camera was equipped with a Red Rock and a bigger lens… I think I might try that next week, if the stars aline and my friends with equipment let me.
Meanwhile here are some Fig Rig resources…
The FIG RIG at a good price from Digital Foto
Various Zoom Controllers from Varizoom
Felicity Huffman chatting about the Fig Rig
September 28th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
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