Words by Xxxx Xxxxx FIRST OF ITS KIND D eveloped by disabled Chris Lynch reveals how the Caerus system will revolutionise disabled video production – marking a huge leap forward when it hits the market filmmaker Chris Lynch and colleagues at his production company Diverse Made Media, the Caerus system is the first of its kind: a Segway-based Steadicam alternative placing
chair and has a smaller footprint as well,” able to move at a top speed of 15mph. Combining powerful image stabilisation with cine cameras and lenses, provided in part by CVP, Caerus allows its user ‘to control the gimbal and the focus at the same time.’ The operator can either do this manually or – in cases of particular disabilities, such as a person who doesn’t have arms – automatically via tracking technology. “We’ve thought about all the different applications and controller interfaces to make it as familiar as possible for ACs and operators on-set,” explains Lynch. Though designed for disabled filmmakers and videographers, the Caerus system can appeal to anyone. “People without disabilities will take this on,” predicts Lynch. “Obviously, to go back to the drawing board and try something else. Just before our launch event at Cannes Lions in June, they also kindly hosted an industry event at their fabulous showroom in Soho, where we were able to bring down a number of stakeholders to try our prototype and get valuable feedback on what we have built. They have been a fantastic asset to our product development and I’m hugely appreciative of all of their support.”
wheelchair users and other disabled creatives in the driver’s seat. Born from Lynch’s personal experiences and observations, Caerus addresses issues often faced by disabled camera operators – namely speed, flexibility and manoeuvrability. GAME-CHANGING CHAIR Five years in the making, Caerus has been a ‘work in progress,’ according to Lynch. “It’s more agile than an electric “Working with CVP has made this all possible. From our early conversations about what we were trying to achieve, their expertise helped match us with a range of options that took everything to another level. Throughout this, my perception of CVP changed from just a technology supplier to a solutions provider. They set aside time and resources to help us at every stage of the journey – from lending us equipment for testing, through to their patience from the many times we have had
the more unit sales, the cheaper the cost will be for the end user.” The Caerus set-up is competitively priced but promises good value for money, available for less than an Arri Trinity, for instance, and includes a Red Komodo-X. “It’s a full starter kit to get someone going,” says Lynch. After debuting at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Caerus is finally ready. “It has taken time to refine,” shares Lynch. “We’ve addressed all the production requirements, and with broadcasters and brands now setting quotas for disabled crew, this will help integrate
A HELPING HAND FROM CVP
SMOOTH MOVES Combining
great image stabilisation
with many cine cameras, Caerus offers smooth, cinematic shots
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