Just before Christmas, AGITO once again graced the runway – this time at Chanel’s Metiers D’art Show on the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou, China.  

Renowned for celebrating the craftsmanship of Chanel’s ateliers, the annual event paid homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s love for Chinese Coromandel screens. But as anyone familiar with Chanel knows, perfection is never just about the garments. Every element of the production – including the camera work – had to be held to the brand’s famously exacting standards.  

Precision and discretion were non-negotiable, with the director insisting on filming equipment that would remain nearly invisible to the audience, maintaining the sightlines and the aesthetic integrity of the stills photography. Just as important was silence; the cameras needed to move seamlessly so that they wouldn’t disturb the serene and refined atmosphere Chanel’s runways are known for.  

While many productions in China use domestic RC cars with gimbals like the Ronin 2 as a cost-effective solution, these were quickly ruled out for an event of this calibre. They simply couldn’t meet the precision and professionalism Chanel demanded.  

The most glaring issue was the noise: high-speed motors designed to hit 80-100km/h generate a distracting amount of mechanical sound. Then there’s the lack of smooth, controlled movement – non-linear steering and acceleration make it impossible to capture the runway’s elegance. And finally, their structural weaknesses, like flimsy suspension springs, can’t handle the weight of professional camera rigs, often leading to instability and even oil leaks after extended use.  

Recognising the need for a more advanced system, AGITO was chosen to meet the production’s stringent requirements. Two AGITO systems were configured: one for low-angle shots, featuring a Sports base and a third-party pneumatic column (such as GFM/Movietech) with an underslung SRH-360, and another for elevated shots, equipped with a Sports base and MI Column.  

However, as is often the case in high-stakes production, plans evolved. On-site, the director refined the vision, imposing even stricter height limits to keep the audience’s view and photographer’s angles unobstructed. AGITO’s modular design allowed the team to adapt quickly, reconfiguring one system with a V-Con Pro to align more closely with these new constraints.  

The result was a flawless performance: smooth, near silent and precise camera movements that once again proved why AGITO is trusted by the world’s leading brands.  

Chanel’s secret weapon: the camera system you didn’t see.

 

About Motion Impossible

Motion Impossible enhances camera movement and stabilization technology for the film, television and broadcast industries. Founded in 2014 by cinematographer Rob Drewett and product design engineer Andy Nancollis, the Bristol-based company is known worldwide for its AGITO dolly system. This modular, remote-controlled solution allows for smooth and precise camera movement, making difficult or previously impossible shots achievable. With a focus on practical and high-performance solutions, Motion Impossible’s products are designed by camera operators for camera operators, ensuring they address the real-world needs of filmmakers.