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Going steady First-generation immigrant Rizwan Wadan falls on the technical side of film, combining stabilisation tools and visual storytelling to create real social impact W ell into his career at a family-run auto electrical service business, Rizwan Wadan found himself wanting something he claims – but rather the pure intention to make a positive impact. Wadan got his hands on everything
Pushing the envelope Wadan’s career aims have been to push technological boundaries, make a meaningful impact and achieve these two goals via sustainable means. To meet the first, he collaborates with cinematographers, manufacturers and rental companies such as ARRI Rental, Panavision and RED, to test and refine camera stabilisation technologies. With 15 years in the industry, Wadan has been at the forefront of the R&D of the Helix gimbals, exoskeleton solutions and heavy-lift drone systems, which have been successfully implemented on a range of high-profile productions. The development of Helix gimbals has been in direct partnership with Letus in the US. “Our role has been similar to that of motorsport powerhouse Cosworth, who work with racing drivers and manufacturers to achieve precision and control on the racetrack,” says Wadan. “Similarly, we work closely with DOPs and technology solution providers to find innovative solutions to achieve their vision with precision and control on HETV drama and film productions.”
he could, selling belongings to purchase kit – “including cameras, lighting, sound mixers, mics, tripods, sliders, video editing software and various accessories,” he details – and practise his craft. Eventually, he landed a technical role in high-end television, where he “saw first-hand how technology could transform the visual language of film... and quickly realised the impact innovative equipment could have on storytelling.”
more: to ‘tell stories that make social commentary’ and build better relations between the Muslim and non-Muslim world. As a first-generation immigrant living in the UK, Wadan has “witnessed the breakdown in communication. Storytelling has played a huge part in driving people apart.” Largely self-taught via LinkedIn Learning, he wasn’t motivated by money,
SMOOTH MOVES Testing the prototype of an exoskeleton, supporting a 23kg 35mm film camera system
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