By Michael Svitak, Elite Team Cinematographer
MichaelSvitak.com
In the minds of many, there are basically two legitimate camera cart systems—Yager and Backstage.
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Well, make room for the third… Inovativ.
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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.
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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.
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Combination locking drawers on top and bottom
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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.
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Locking wheels
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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.
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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.
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Inovativ Echo on location, 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
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