The Client:
Focus Canning (Previously known as Focus 24) is a UK-based company specializing in camera and optical services. They offer a wide range of equipment and services, including camera and lens rentals, sales, repairs, and maintenance.
Project Overview:
AEC was commissioned by Focus Canning to design and manufacture a protective enclosure for a camera and lenses, to safeguard these delicate and expensive pieces of equipment from damage.
The goals of the project were to create a housing that could accommodate various camera and lens manufacturers, along with their enclosed accessories. The housing was designed to resist impacts and withstand ballistic forces during filming in environments where the specialized equipment was at risk.
The Process
AEC invested considerable time researching the various combinations of lenses and sensors to ensure the design provided a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. We also needed to understand the standard fittings and fixings used in the film industry to ensure compatibility.
As with most of our bespoke projects, we kept the customer informed at regular intervals throughout the process. Meetings were held using detailed drawings and photorealistic renders. During these sessions, additional suggestions were made, and we were able to incorporate them in real time to visualize how they would impact the product.
At each stage of the design process, we ensured the design conformed to the original specifications. Before moving into production, we conducted a comprehensive review with the customer, including updated renders.
Achievements:
The first version of the box was used during the filming of Peaky Blinders, specifically for scenes involving explosions and other intense action sequences. It has also been used on various other productions, including one where a motorbike stunt being filmed hit the crash box, and no equipment was damaged during the scene.