By Michael Svitak, Elite Team Cinematographer
MichaelSvitak.com
In the minds of many, there are basically two legitimate camera cart systems—Yager and Backstage.
Well, make room for the third… Inovativ.
Recently, I shot a promo for HBO’s enthralling television series “Game of Thrones” and had the opportunity to put the Inovativ Echo cart through its paces in a real set environment on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA.
Steadicam Operator Dennis Noyes (left) and DP Mike Svitak (right)
This might not be the most important feature of this cart, but I can’t tell you how many pairs of sunglasses that have been scratched or smashed sitting on top of a camera cart. The Inovativ cart has a handy drawer where you can stash your personal items safely out of the way of the equipment. Moreover, it locks, so when we are shooting on the crowded open-air mall, I know my items are secure.
Combination locking drawers on top and bottom
And that’s not the only thing that locks! The wheels lock as well. A reliable function here, one that is extremely unreliable in the two other carts mentioned earlier.
Locking wheels
Hydraulic disc brakes
The first thing my 1st AC Andrew Laboy did was raise the top shelf of the cart to accommodate large Steadicam cases, which also gave him a better vantage for pulling focus on a 17” monitor.
1st AC Andrew Laboy pulling focus
We needed a cart that was small and nimble for this job. I’m really looking forward to using some of the other Inovativ carts in the future.
Inovativ Echo on location, 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
