ikan News Blog

**UPDATE:

Coincidentally, this weekend on the Current Channel (you know, the one started by Al Gore, with a focus on documentaries) “The Fog of War” by Errol Morris came on. If you haven’t seen it, the doc reconstructs the Vietnam War through the eyes of Robert McNamara–the so-called “architect” of the war itself. In the interview, you’ll notice, Morris uses what we now know as the Interrotron method–and it really makes the interview with McNamara hit home. Thus Ikan’s idea to bring to you our own flavor–the P2P Teleprompter series. Not only good for basic style interviews and unique setups, it’s a powerful method for integrating interview-style journalism with Documentary footage.

Here’s an example of the p2p system in action in “The Fog of War.” If you’re interested in learning more, check out our p2p product website or watch out product video. DV.com also posted some data about our take on Morris’ Interrotron.

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Two weeks ago we got the chance to meet up with the guys from DEIDOX–Dave Mahanes, Producer & Brent Gudgel, Director. They’ve recently relocated from Pasadena, CA to Austin and wanted to swing by to discuss their next interview-style project, with plans to shoot on two Sony F3 cameras. We suggested they try our underrepresented P2P system, based off the PT4100 Teleprompter we manufacture. If you haven’t seen the output of that puppy, it’s definitely worth checking out.

So we packed them up in their SUV and sent them on their way to their shooting location in Dallas, about 5 years hours (gotta catch up on that sleep) from here in H-town. They were kind enough to give us their regards and some testimonial about the p2p41:

“Even based on our first day using the person to person setup, I’d have to say it was the coolest interview I’ve done in a long time. We took the rig with us on a location shoot in a chapel in the countryside. The first time setting it up (a “practice” run to make sure we could get it to work) was a bit involved, but the second setup (when it really mattered) went super smooth. 20 minute setup. 10 minute teardown.

As a director I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out how to get more authentic interviews from documentary subjects, and this was the first time I could try a person-to-person setup. The rig makes getting an authentic interview way easier than a more traditional setup. The interviewer can better connect to the interviewee in a fascinating type of hyper-reality interaction. Quite fun. In fact, our interview subject even told us afterwords that the person-to-person setup was now his favorite way to do an interview. All that to say, I love it and can’t wait to use it again.

The support team at Ikan are fantastic and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with their equipment. They have a true desire to help independent filmmakers produce the best films.  Unfortunately, this is a rarity in the industry.”  -Brent Gudgel, Director

One more thing. it is with misfortune that I am unable to insert the photos in this post–they will be added as soon as the final kinks in our wordpress are ironed out. Once that happens, I’ll have you some photos.

For updates on DEIDOX,  follow their twitter (@deidox), visit the website, or  check out their vimeo for new videos. You can also follow Brent Gudgel directly via @brentgudgel.

As we’re knocking walls down in the office, ushering growth and other positive hoopla here at ikan, I came to realize that our product news has been pretty jumbled in the last couple weeks (between new video releases, products, newsletters, etc.) so I’ve decided to re-cap and serve you an ikan snack of the day.

I’ve been doing some work on the blog, too. At the bottom right of the main page you’ll find our videos are updating from vimeo now, as well as a more functional twitter feed and a likebox to show you who of your friends likes the ikan brand. Sidenote: If you find a broken link, be sure to let me know and it’ll get fixed right away–I think I’ve covered most of those so far but we’ll see.

Shall we dance?

The T-Slate is ikan’s most recent product–designed for the people who use slates for their most used purpose–syncing audio. It’s a great companion to have on set when you run your slate data on an iPad or android slate but want the reliability of a physical clapperboard.

vimeo.com/32277568

It’s worth noting that regardless of future technologies, the form factors of tablets will stay similar, ensuring that whatever you upgrade to, the slate will always be a good companion. Also, there has been some discussion about the flaws of strictly relying on something like an iPad Slate on The Black and Blue blog with Evan Luzi. For example, “what if the battery dies?” Oh…right. Good point. There’s always the idea of having multiple ipads or some off-brand usb charger velcroed to the back of the ipad, but what are you trying to prove? The T-Slate provides a simple solution while having a quality slate to fall back on, with engraved letters and a slit to support nearly any style tablet cover.

ikan’s new Video Starter Kit is ideal for the entry DSLR enthusiast interested in shooting video on more serious terms. Young, old, interested in making the step toward being a professional or just upping the game on your personal work, the VSK offers a variety pack to really bring your camera work to lightspeed.

vimeo.com/32272629

Included in the kit is our new slim VL5 HDMI Monitor w/ battery support out of the box, our rugged and durable ikan Traveler backpack, a RECOIL camera rig, the compact & powerful iLED 120 camera light, and more. at $699 it’s a steal!

Next on the list, ikan has stepped up to the plate to bring you all the gels you need to tint your LED or flourescent lights.
With our Essentials and Creative packs, you can achieve any color temperature as well as some so-cool-its-sheisty lighting effects you don’t have to perform in post.

Also, we’ve created packs to fit our iLED 312or iLED 144 to boot–offering complete and nearly unlimited lighting options. For a complete listing of our new gel kits, new lesson about gels and lighting diffusion. If you haven’t seen their Video School videos yet, they’re pretty simple yet savvy and spice it up with some occasional wit. Definitely worth checking out.

Other videos have come out on vimeo page lately, including the ID500 3 point kit, the Multi-K XL, ID1000 3 point kit, and the New PT2500–which has an upgrade kit for you previous PT2100 and PT1000 users.

November is a funny time for many, as it marks the end of fall with the cooler weather rolling in with many of the first real snows. The impending winter means spending time indoors, seeking refuge from the cold and experiencing that slow-down and stillness to life, where leaving the bed is akin to blasphemy. For us in Houston, though, it’s really the first full month where we won’t see temperatures in the 90’s (finally). For ikan, it means we start looking forward to the spring releases for NAB. It’s a time for industry–scheduling production of new products and putting the final pieces together.

Today, there were several last-minute meetings with the software division where we finalized the features of new products. Last year @NABShow, we demoed a product suite concept designed to aid the production community’s workflow. Since all these apps work together (they talk), it has been a challenge to develop them concurrently; fortunately, we are finally nearing the release of the first of the suite! One key thing changed since then–based on customer feedback, we switched the priority of release from android apps to iOS apps. Over the next few months, you’ll notice several new apps rolling out. Since last week’s concept meeting, they’ve put the finishing touches on them–all i can say is WOW! They have really put some innovative usage and tools in the software –stuff I haven’t seen in any other apps like them in the market. I can’t wait for the other application to mature. We really think you’re going to like the way the pieces fit together (literally and figuratively)!

Ikan works hard about innovating new products and sometimes its easy for us to forget around here some of the things we have innovated in the last few years. We were the first to come out with a high quality 5.6 LCD with HDMI. at NAB 2009 (before the 5D MkII and D90 were released) we introduced the V5600 because we anticipated that HDMI would become an attractive alternative to SDI, that cameras were shrinking, and a HDMI LCD field monitor smaller than 7’  would be a great addition in the market place. Now every LCD company has a 5″ in their lineup. It’s hard to believe this monitor is 4 years old now and still is a favorite for many shooters.

Our ID500 light was the first high powered LED light to have a wireless remote control.  For the Event and ENG users the remote feature and battery power have given them truly mobile solutions. Event videographers can turn a light on an off from their camera position on one side of a ball room as needed. ENG crews can sit and wait for their air time and turn the light on and off without leaving their cameras. A solo shooter who acts as talent and camera operators can now adjust the light intensity while looking into their monitors.

Our EV2 Stealth was the first 15mm rod configuration developed for ENG shooters. We worked with Canon to help their customers as they migrate from traditional shoulder mount cameras ENG to more economical midsized cameras.

The Stealth was designed as a ENG rig–not a stripped down cinema shoulder rig–to better match the needs of news shooters. Its adaptability allows the user to see the eye piece in bright sun light. The adjustable shoulder pads allows for different users to tweak it for their comfort. Its Heavy duty shoulder mount is beefed up to withstand use 24/7. Replaceable pads give it a longer lifespan, while plenty of mounting points (for battery systems and accessories) allow it to conform to any work flow or requirements. We even designed mounting points for a traditional ENG VL14 style quick release to simplify run and gun demands of the ENG environment

One of our first products introduced in our first year of business PT-1000 pioneered the low-cost above the lens Teleprompters.

Once again several other teleprompter companies have a similar solution in their line up. This year we added a single handed adjustment riser to our PT3100 and PT4100 to make it easier to adjust for the different heights of cameras.

Simply turn the knob and adjust the height no tools or disassembly necessary. The next generation of teleprompters and software is under development and will also include several new and innovative features.

This year, ikan acquired the Cinemage monitor line to provide top tier LCD monitors adding additional choices for our customers. This acquisition also put new technologies and contacts in our reach. Soon you should see innovative new features and products as a result.

So this winter, keep your eye on ikan to see what new products are going to come from us here in Houston. I know some of the things we are planning will be new and innovative.  Just wait and see. To make it easier, check back here or follow us on Facebook or twitter to keep up with the latest news.

So what do you do when you create a great new base plate system at the same time you want update one of your most popular teleprompters…why you combine them into one great new product. This is exactly what we did with our new PT2500! We took out EV2 Large baseplate system and added a new prompting front end with a redesigned frame to better handle 16×9 cameras and their wider angled lenses.

The EV2 baseplate is designed for medium to small camcorders and can be used with or without the teleprompter attached for more versatility. Additionally, the prompting front can be mounted  to almost any 15mm rod system. Both pieces together with our new PrompterPro 3.0 software is included. The new PT2500 kit is available now for a low list price of just $899.

We’ve released a decent number of products in the last month, it’s true.

Yet more than ever, I’ve noted,  people are discussing our ID500 3 light kit on forum boards. Some things need to be set straight. Though our light looks tremendously like the onens on ebay:

you’ll be sorely mistaken when you open up the insides of this LED Light. Why? Ikan’s ID500 has completely different innards and electronic components driving the system, making it more robust and durable. Also, these reasons. Don’t be so easily fooled. There are a  number of review videos of ikan’s ID500 (Gratis 7, System5 of Japan, Monogram Travel, CineDigital.TV, they Creative) for good reason! I’ve used the light in various shoots, as well, and they don’t disappoint.  One more perk: that extra few bucks also ensures that you get excellent customer care and service. If any part of the light malfunctions or you have concerns and need to speak with a person, call or email us and we’ll be there to help.

Aside, have you had a chance to check out the iLED 312? Did you see me in it? Jared Abrams did a QuickTake of it HERE. The light has done pretty well in our tests so far and we look forward to it having a successful run. Last week’s post included the iLED 120 — also a wonderful on-camera light to work and play with. We will have both product reviews and our own promo video uploaded to Vimeo soon–so stay current!

While you’re at it, get in on our Social Media Sale. Every Wednesday, about midday, we release a new sale on b-stock or overstocked items in our facility  on facebook and twitter. The current product (ending tomorrow) is the LANC controlled ikan Director.

For $249.99, it’s a pretty sweet price. So you’re informed, these units are considered b-stock, checked & tested, and in excellent condition. ikan’s Director can pull focus, has variable speed zoom and recording abilities. It will work on Sony and Canon cameras.

There are also rumors that the RECOIL XT might go on the Social Media Sale in April…we’ll see. If you want a different perspective on the product, check out our “Tip of the Week” segment (those will be returning soon, as well). Look familiar?

Now, if you were able to read that much, here’s your treat, for I will only mention this here:

These are the awesome sales you’ll find during NAB:

• FG Follow Focus Cine Kit (ELE-FGK) for $399 (a steal considering the build quality, if you don’t believe me check it out yourself:  Link 1, link 2, link 3)
• V5600 Monitor for $499 (the cheapest yet!)
• 15% off our Superfly / 18″ Gunstock Combo (ideal for new filmmakers looking for run-n-gun feel while staying modular and compact).

As always, live updates and news are always available through our twitter and Facebook.

Cheers

Check out our latest video featuring the entire line of ikan teleprompters. The ikan line of teleprompters are practical, portable and affordable. See all the ikan teleprompters at:

ikancorp.com.

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