flowtech Tripod Receives Prestigious IABM BaM Award

Sachtler® and Vinten's new flowtech™ camera tripod technology has received a prestigious IAMB Broadcast and Media (BaM™) award.

The award was presented at the 2018 NAB Show, where the all-new IAMB programme celebrates and recognises achievements and new solutions in 10 categories within broadcast and media.

The Sachtler and Vinten® flowtech won its award in the "Create" category.

flowtech is based on an all-new carbon fibre technology that includes the world's fastest-deploying legs, unique quick-release brakes, and easily adjustable levers for quick and easy setup in any type of remote production environment.

In making their selection, IABM BaM judges commented: "It is unusual to see such a radical rethink of the humble tripod... A reinvention of one of the most basic pieces of kit used in location production... It is the new gold standard for camera tripods."

flowtech features a set of two-stage legs with an easy-to-remove midlevel spreader, rubber feet, and a payload capacity of 20 kilograms (44 pounds). The quick-release brakes enable legs to be deployed simultaneously and adjust automatically to the ground's surface, saving operators from bending over and manually adjusting multiple brakes on each leg. A unique hinge-lock mechanism allows users to capture extremely low, ground-level shots, removing the need for extra "baby legs". The torsional stiffness of flowtech ensures that the tripod will not twist during camera-panning movements, an extremely important consideration in all motion picture productions.

At the 2018 NAB Show, Sachtler and Vinten showcased flowtech technology with the flowtech 75 tripod, compatible with all major 75-millimetre fluid heads. flowtech 75 is an ideal companion for digital cinema cameras such as the Sony PXW-FS7, Blackmagic URSA Mini, and the Canon Mark II. Lightweight and easy to transport, flowtech 75 can be carried comfortably on the camera operator's shoulder, with magnetic locks keeping the legs stable during transport. Plus, flowtech now features two optional accessories — a detachable carry handle and a compact and lightweight dolly.

"We are tremendously honoured to be an inaugural winner of an IABM BaM award. With flowtech, we set out to redefine the professional tripod and create a device that truly transforms the way camera operators work — and if the industry accolades we've already received are any indication, we've succeeded," said Karen Walker, vice president of product management, Vitec Production Solutions. "With flowtech, we've thought of every detail of the camera operator's workflow, and we've created a tripod solution that is far easier to use and more versatile than ever before, accelerating camera operators' workflows on any type of broadcast, film, or video project."

Replacing IABM's previous Game Changer and Design & Innovation awards programmes, the BaM awards were selected by a panel of more than 40 unaffiliated judges, each with specialised expertise in one or more of the award categories.

John Ive, IABM director of strategic insight and BaM judging panel chair, said: "Changing and updating the awards categories this year has received a tremendous response, not only in quantity but also in the quality and breadth of entries. Traditional products and services still feature strongly but are joined by many applications representing new technologies and business models. The BaM awards represent a real window on the future of the broadcast and media industry."

www.flowtech-tripod.com