Funnel Web Spider Dolly Time lapse reel 2012 from Laww Media on Vimeo.
In the latest potential triumph for original, DIY hardware funded via the Web, the Funnel Web Spider Dolly shows off jaw-dropping timelapse footage, in which capture is married to motion. Our friends at Wollongong, Australia-based Laww Media designed this project themselves, and are now using this gorgeous video to promote the hardware. With enough preorders, they can put it into production.
The trick: motors that allow this sort of flexible capture. And you’ll see the dolly itself is quite compact. More:
Here is a time-lapse video showing the Funnel web Spider Dolly TM in action.
The dolly is capable of speeds up to 60km/hr for super fast tracking shots and with a simple 2rpm motor it can be used as a time-lapse rig.
If you want to buy one I need 100 pre-sales to start production.
Once I get 100 interested on the list I will put them on Ebay and you can pay via Paypal then I will purchase all the wheels, Aluminium and motors and start manufacturing. Or I will try Kickstarter or indiegogo.com any other good ones?
Delivery est: December 2012.
The goal is to reach 100 buyers for the Funnel Web Dolly so we can start production.
So we need your help to promote this new and exciting film making tool because the sooner we find buyers the sooner we can start making them and send them out to you.
The first 100 will be $600each.
First in first serve basis. So get your name on the list by contacting Rory@lawwmedia.com
Full Loop: youtube.com/watch?v=oBEv6z8Lgg8
facebook.com/Funnelwebspiderdolly.
Kickstarter seems one way to go. It actually raises an issue: these systems work reasonably well as preorders, but a preorder-focused system would be even better. (Kickstarter and clones thereof lack any mechanism for making sure the final thing actually ships.)
As a hardware maker myself, I can attest to the need. Guaranteeing preorders is a way to ensure that you have enough demand to do a run, and can thus even reduce costs for everyone.
So, readers – thoughts on this dolly and its capabilities – or how Laww should treat those preorders?
(And anyone else filled with dolly lust?)
Updated:
Laww Media just posted an additional video showing real-time operation. In the Vimeo description, they offer some details on the rig and answer some frequently-asked questions.
Funnel Web Spider Dolly Prototype Real time motor tests 2012 from Laww Media on Vimeo.
Here is a real time video showing the Funnel web Spider Dolly TM in action.
Time-lapse video found here vimeo.com/47425490
The dolly is capable of speeds up to 60km/hr for super fast tracking shots and with a simple 2rpm motor it can be used as a time-lapse rig.
If you want to buy one I need 100 pre-sales to start production.
Music by: Russell W ‘Cloud Rip’
Once I get 100 interested on the list I will put them on Ebay and you can pay via Paypal then I will purchase all the wheels, Aluminium and motors and start manufacturing. Or I will try Kickstarter or indiegogo.com any other good ones?
Delivery est: December 2012.
Q.Why would I want a FWD?
A. If your a film maker and want to add some extra production value to your shoot the Funnel web dolly is a essential tool that has been a staple piece of equipment in the film industry ever since it’s inception. No advances in technology has been able to replace the simple mechanics of the rolling wheel and the human touch of a dolly move to add emotion, substance and meaning to an otherwise static shot.
Q. What makes the FWD different to other dollies on the market?
A. The FWD can go up to 60km/hr with a fully wireless interference free 2.4ghz remote controller. You can use it for extremely slow time-lapse tracking shots with the addition of a time lapse motor. It works perfectly smooth, silent and accurate for a real time camera. And it can hold all the weight you need so it can handle your DSLRs right up to RED cameras, broadcast cameras and full 35mm film cameras. No other dolly offers all these features. This is not a toy it’s a professional piece of equipment that will last a lifetime.
Q. What can you use for track?
A. We recommend you use 50mm aluminium tube because it is very strong and can mount directly into our custom made tube clamp bar system that will hold the tube 250mm apart for the dolly to slide up and down on. You need to buy the track from your local Aluminium supplier to save on postage.
Circular Hollow Section 50mm x 3mm costs around $100 for 6.5 meters.
Compare that with other dolly track and you will pay around $500 per 8 feet (2.4m)! So it would cost well over $1400
So with our system you can have a solid 6.5 meter track for $200.
Or you could use PVC pipe which is about $12 for 4 meters of track.
So we need your help to promote this new and exciting film making tool because the sooner we find buyers the sooner we can start making them and send them out to you.