Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1277960
Summer 2020 – LOCAL695.ORG 35 After extensive on-set trials by myself and many other boom operators, I have concluded that exoskeletons are without a doubt, useful when holding a fishpole boom at shoulder level or higher. During testing, I auditioned equipment from three manufacturers: the EksoVest by Ekso Bionics, the ShoulderX by SuitX, and the Airframe by Levitate Technologies. While each unit has unique qualities, the Airframe by Levitate Technologies stands out due to its ease of use, lightweight, and freedom of movement. Levitate Technologies has also been very responsive to my suggestions and continues to show great interest in entering our market. Based on my feedback, Levitate has been making prototype components exclusively for our industry and continually improving performance of the Airframe. The Airframe in the last year has been on the set of Schooled with Chris Walmer and Rachel Schroeder, The Goldbergs with Howard Eriksson, American Housewife with Dave Hadder, American Horror Story with Raam Brousard, as well as several other sets. The reviews have all been very positive. My belief is that within five years, Airframes and/or other exoskeletons are going to be on almost all sets, similar to an Easyrig for the Camera Department. The question is how do we get from where we are now to the Easyrig scenario? Through the articles I have written for Production Sound & Video, along with my posts on social media, I am getting texts, emails, and phone calls from sound people all over the world asking how they can get their hands on one. So far, I have been unable to help anyone outside of the Los Angeles area. My goal is to reach a point where exoskeletons are available whenever and wherever boom operators feel they will be beneficial. However, the cost of around five thousand dollars per unit makes buying one a difficult decision, especially for someone who hasn't experienced the benefits firsthand. If users were able to rent one or even better, get production to rent one, the financial burden would be removed. Unfortunately, rental units have been unavailable. None of the manufacturers are in the business of renting out their equipment. On top of that, these devices are so new to our industry that none of the local rental houses are carrying them yet. Therefore, I have purchased an Airframe, available for rent, to help bridge this gap and get an exoskeleton into the hands of boom operators. The next step is convincing line producers to lease a piece of equipment they have never leased before. I'm sure a few years ago, people scoffed at being able to get a production Howard Eriksson on The Goldbergs