CreativeExplorer-MichaelMandaville.com

I work in Film. I live in Martial Arts. I thrive in Imagination.

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So who am I?

I am a Producer-Writer-Director-Novelist-Martial Artist. How's that for a hyphenate! have always worked in film, notably as a Line Producer on all the "Taken" films. I directed two Indie films guerilla style and a web series. I've written novels and over fifty scripts with a third "Hired to Write" or optioned. I've done martial arts most of my life and this path is my steady course for self-improvement always needed in film's highly competitive environment which is my ongoing (meaning I'm buildinng it!) ScholarWarriorWay.com course.

Did you know that if you improve 1/2% each day, then you will be 267% better over one year? Who can compete with that?

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WHY I LIKE THIS VIDEO: Kurosawa was a master filmmaker, relying on image to convey his emotions. How he captures emotions with this imagery is conceptually brilliant. I could watch this video a hundred times and always learn more.

AI and Film Crew

Filmmaking with Robots

August 26, 20252 min read

FILMMAKING WITH ROBOTICS

On X.com/Minchoi, you can see how AI is changing the game of Media. Here's one where the crew member - in this case the cameraman - is a robot. The robot holds a rig to capture a scene on a commercial stage.

Seems workable on a stage so I did some research. I was quite surprised and found articles with links below.

Robots in the Camera Crew

MEDIA: ROBOTS AS CAMERAMAN With AI creating new options in visual media every day, the shift in the media world is quite jarring. Here's where a robot becomes a Cameraman with a rig. Food - Electricity & parts? Breaks - none; recharging maybe? Timecards - rental of the robot. I figured that robots would be useful in 'manufacturing' for tedious work but then remembered that Hollywood's Golden Age was also called the "Dream Factory".

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1912646987255607296/vid/avc1/1920x1080/TSAm6vREt8_-TFws.mp4?tag=16

ARTICLE: Humanoid Robot Becomes a Cameraman — The Future of Filmmaking

https://engineerine.com/atlas-humanoid-robot-cameraman/

Why Atlas Works for Film

The biggest advantage Atlas offers on set is its ability to hold difficult positions for extended periods without compromising shot quality. Unlike human camera operators, Atlas doesn’t need breaks, doesn’t suffer from fatigue, and can perform identical movements with machine-level accuracy.

  • Load Capacity: Atlas can carry up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of camera gear

  • Stability: With its advanced gyroscopic balance system, Atlas delivers ultra-smooth footage even on rugged terrain

  • Programmability: Its movements can be scripted frame-by-frame, allowing perfect coordination with actors and VFX requirements

Dangerous Locations? No Problem

Filming in hazardous locations—near volcanoes, unstable cliffs, deep forest environments, or chemical sites—has always posed a risk to crew members. Atlas eliminates this danger by being able to operate in extreme conditions where human presence would be unsafe or even life-threatening.

The robot was tested in simulated high-risk environments, such as arid desert landscapes and fog-drenched rocky slopes, capturing immersive footage while remaining completely unaffected by the elements. For directors and DPs, this means expanded creative freedom with fewer safety concerns.

AIRoboticsMediaFilmmaking
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Michael Mandaville

Michael is a writer, filmmaker and dedicated World War II historian who studies martial arts, action films and is learning more about VFX every single darn day. Oh and a Scholar Warrior

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