A compact and lightweight camera Jib is the perfect companion for adventures on the move. Director/DP Ivan D’Antonio shares his experience with Cartoni’s JIBO.
“I found out about Cartoni when I started working in the film industry” shares Ivan. “I still remember, when jotting down the equipment list for my first major job as a director/DP. Right away, I noticed the respect professionals had for this gear and the cinematic legacy it represents. Since the beginning of my career, Cartoni equipment has always been present on set. I feel a deep connection with the brand because so many of the scenes I’ve directed were brought to life using their camera supports.”
On Tittla, the camera itself became one of the central characters
Ivan recently had the chance to use the portable Cartoni’s JIBO, a cutting-edge, 3-section Jib known for its versatility, affordability, and lightweight design (15Kg – 33Lbs). “My latest short film, Tittla” he says “is a science-fiction story set in virtual reality, and I’m not exaggerating when by saying the camera is one of the central characters in the story. There are five sequences where the camera acts as an eye, with its movements carrying narrative weight rather than serving purely aesthetic purposes. JIBO was indispensable in helping me bring this character to life.”
Using the portable JIBO
Ivan shares that, to capture the footage, he used a Canon C70 paired with an RF 28-70 F2 lens, which he describes as “a very clean lens with no defects,” mounted on the JIBO. “The setup was perfect for creating a virtual and futuristic reality, but I wanted to add a retro touch to give a sense of warmth. In post-production, I introduced distortions and aberrations to evoke that feeling” he explains. The Jib’s lightweight design performed easy maneuverability, making it the ideal choice for the dynamic shots required.
Lightweight for enhanced maneuverability
He then describes the use of vertical movements during the shoot: “In my short film, the JIBO moves in all directions, while camera movements often interact with the dialogue, anticipating, suggesting, or emphasizing it. In a sense, I expressed myself through the camera movements. The JIBO went beyond opening or closing scenes, which is typical for this type of equipment. Instead, the camera flowed through space, rising, falling, and turning suddenly, much like a person moving freely without gravity. Additionally, JIBO was mounted on a dolly, mixing traditional movements and its low weight truly unlocks endless creative possibilities!”
Gear for performance & adaptability
“For this project, I used lightweight and high-performing support systems, a Classic Focus HD fluid head for the JIBO and a Focus 12” Ivan continues “It was ideal to avoid adding too much weight to the JIBO and use fewer weights on the rear. The Focus 12 was mounted on a SDS tripod for other scenes at a different location. I divided the equipment for better practicality, as we had two sets simultaneously.”
Performance & portability: the ideal combination
“I began using JIBO for music videos and advertising. When picturing a scene, often I move through the space in my mind as if I were a Jib in action, imagining angles that would be more difficult or slower to capture with the camera on a tripod”. “At first, says Ivan, I tried several different setups to find the ideal kit, but none of them worked. Then I discovered JIBO, with its outstanding performance and remarkable portability. It instantly won me over.”
“JIBO is more than just a Jib…this support allows you to interact with the camera in an entirely new way. Its compact design and exceptional build quality enable direct maneuvering from the fluid head, fostering a seamless connection with the camera. You can combine multiple movements simultaneously, creating a sense of choreography as you work. This dynamic interaction with the camera results in something truly unique and impactful, even when working solo or with a small crew.”
Precision and reliability in movements
Deepening his thoughts on the pan and tilt movements of the head, the filmmaker stated: “The Focus HD was the first Cartoni head I bought, so I feel a strong connection to it. Over the years, it has allowed me to do everything. It has withstood all kinds of stress and weather conditions. I’ve mounted nearly every type of camera available on the market on it, and I’ve never encountered any issues, even with 200mm optics. The movements are always extremely precise and reliable. As for the Focus 12, I love the camera centering system: it’s very comfortable and fast, and the pan and tilt movements are always perfect, just like on every Cartoni head I’ve worked with”.
Still using the Classic Focus HD?
“The now Classic Focus HD was the first Cartoni fluid head I purchased, so there’s a deep connection to it. Over the years, it helped me accomplish everything I’ve envisioned, surviving all kinds of stress and weather conditions. It supported almost every type of camera available on the market and it never let me down, even with 200mm optics. As for the new Focus 12, I’m particularly fond of the camera centering system, it’s incredibly fast. The pan & tilt movements are consistently precise, smooth and flawless… just like with every Cartoni head I’ve worked with.”
From JIBO to other Cartoni camera supports
Finally, discussing other Cartoni supports he used, Ivan highlighted the Smart Deployment System (SDS) tripod: “In recent years, heavily involved in music videos and advertising, a field that has always fascinated me, but my primary preference was on music videos. Artists would often record for two hours or more, and since the audio was always playback, any noise from the equipment wasn’t an issue. Advertising, however, is a different story as speed is critical. It’s vital to use products that are quick to set up, easy to pack away, and operate silently when direct audio is required.” He added, “I’m curious… I’d love to use JIBO with a Dolly or a light Lambda head . That combination could enable virtually unlimited camera movements, which is incredibly exciting!”.
A camera jib for dynamic filming: discovering JIBO through filmmaker Ivan D’Antonio’s experience.
About Cartoni
Cartoni is recognized worldwide as a leader in film and broadcast camera support. It is the only professional support company that designs, engineers, manufactures and assembles in Italy through its base in Rome. The company applies special attention to energy saving and environmental conservation and the only company that offers an unparalleled free, 5-year warranty on all fluid heads and pedestals. Since 1935, Cartoni has maintained its preeminent position by delivering superior technology and offering support products for a range of cameras from compact digital devices to large studio cameras. Its products include fluid heads, encoded heads, jibs & and nodal heads, tripods, and pedestals.
For more information, visit www.cartoni.com/.
