Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
$25,000.00
Design and development of a special heavy lift remote aerial video drone
FY 2015-16
Summary
The use of UAVs (drones) is rising in many industrial sectors, and gaining rapid popularity in the world of cinematography. Thus, there is urgency to develop a reliable system for capturing very high quality images in resolutions exceeding high definition for theatrical film production. Four years ago, there was no company in Canada capable of providing reliable remote-controlled aerial video specifically for the film and television industry with cinema-grade cameras. Companies experimented with smaller cameras on UAVs, but the results were extremely shaky and not suitable for high-end narrative or film projects. Today, the market is becoming flooded with small lightweight systems targeted to the average consumer. Although these new systems helped the UAVs gain popularity, solutions for high-end cinematic work is still very much a niche market.
SkyMotion Video is a trademark of the corporation Cine Panache ltée. Created in 2011 to develop technologies allowing the film and television industry to obtain stable, high-quality cinematic footage from a remote controlled UAV, the company has since operated UAVs for large productions in 17 countries, in extreme conditions from frigid Arctic winds to scorching deserts, humid rainforests to open seas. However, they have successfully operated UAVs carrying cinema-grade cameras, but not cinema-grade accessories. Due to weight restrictions, productions remain limited to light-weight still photography lenses instead of ultra-high-quality cinema lenses which often weigh more than the cameras. The system should accommodate remote follow-focus systems, and even allow for 3D rigs requiring two camera bodies to be flown.
Through this proposal, SkyMotion Video and Sheridan College's Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies aim to develop a powerful, safe, reliable and agile drone platform able to accommodate an array of professional cinema-grade motion picture cameras and accessories, while providing completely shake- and vibration-free footage. This will give production crews unprecedented flexibility to choose the right cinematography tools for superior results.
Program
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
485336-2015
Name nom
Gillett, Cindy
Department département
Head Office
Organization id
22156
Institution établissement
Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2015
Competition year année de concours
2015
Award amount
25000
Program id
CARD1
Program name en
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée - niveau 1
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1561
Committee name en
Applied Research and Development Grants
Committee name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée
Area of application code
900
Area of application group en
Commercial services
Area of application group fr
Services commerciaux
Area of application en
Commercial services
Area of application fr
Services commerciaux
Research subject code
2600
Research subject group en
Robotics
Research subject group fr
Robotique
Research subject en
Robotics
Research subject fr
Robotique
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Design and development of a special heavy lift remote aerial video drone
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The use of UAVs (drones) is rising in many industrial sectors, and gaining rapid popularity in the world of cinematography. Thus, there is urgency to develop a reliable system for capturing very high quality images in resolutions exceeding high definition for theatrical film production. Four years ago, there was no company in Canada capable of providing reliable remote-controlled aerial video specifically for the film and television industry with cinema-grade cameras. Companies experimented with smaller cameras on UAVs, but the results were extremely shaky and not suitable for high-end narrative or film projects. Today, the market is becoming flooded with small lightweight systems targeted to the average consumer. Although these new systems helped the UAVs gain popularity, solutions for high-end cinematic work is still very much a niche market.
SkyMotion Video is a trademark of the corporation Cine Panache ltée. Created in 2011 to develop technologies allowing the film and television industry to obtain stable, high-quality cinematic footage from a remote controlled UAV, the company has since operated UAVs for large productions in 17 countries, in extreme conditions from frigid Arctic winds to scorching deserts, humid rainforests to open seas. However, they have successfully operated UAVs carrying cinema-grade cameras, but not cinema-grade accessories. Due to weight restrictions, productions remain limited to light-weight still photography lenses instead of ultra-high-quality cinema lenses which often weigh more than the cameras. The system should accommodate remote follow-focus systems, and even allow for 3D rigs requiring two camera bodies to be flown.
Through this proposal, SkyMotion Video and Sheridan College's Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies aim to develop a powerful, safe, reliable and agile drone platform able to accommodate an array of professional cinema-grade motion picture cameras and accessories, while providing completely shake- and vibration-free footage. This will give production crews unprecedented flexibility to choose the right cinematography tools for superior results.
