Company
Shape WLB Inc. is a creative and innovative company that have been working in the movie business for over 15 years.
They manufacture supports and custom-built equipment for video/photo cameras. Their company fills the demand for specialized camera complementary equipment. Their products are designed for both the amateur and the professional cameramen. Their products greatly reduce the weariness and constraints of operating a camera during long hours.
They find challenges in the most complex situations. The best example would be the shooting of the "À Hauteur d’Homme" documentary by filmmaker Jean-Claude Labrecque. The Productions Virage Inc. company entrusted us with the task of developing an essential tool for the production of the documentary. The shooting took place during the 2003 provincial electoral campaign in Québec. The film crew was constantly moving (buses, limousines, planes, walking, etc.) and the shooting location was constantly changing, sometimes various times within the same hour. Most of the time, using a tripod was not only impractical but simply impossible. A small, light and multifunctional support was needed for the video cameras. That’s when Shape WLB Inc.'s first camera support, the prototype of the Cameleon camera support, was born.
The Company's Mission
"Our expertise lies in grip equipment. Our strength is in the creation of quality custom-built pieces of equipment adapted to our clients’ needs and specifications; this ensures a high level of satisfaction amongst our audio-visual craftsmen clientele."
Why a Camera Support?
Most professional cameras used to be large enough to act as their own "support". You would simply put the rear of the camera on your shoulder while holding the front of the camera with one hand. The weight of the camera itself was also an advantage. Without support, it's easier to shoot stable images with a heavier camera than with a lighter camera.
Consumer and professional digital cameras are constantly getting smaller. The result is lighter cameras but shorter cameras. If you put the rear of your digital camera on your shoulder, the viewfinder and the LCD monitor are positioned too close to your face (to be accessible in a practical manner).
The challenge is to hold your camera in front of you while doing your best to achieve stable images. You could use a tripod or a monopod but they greatly reduce your mobility. Our camera supports provide the best of both worlds: stability and mobility. Your camera is positioned exactly where you need it to be without any compromise.
Stability and Mobility
Shape WLB camera supports are easy to use. Simply attach your camera and you are ready to go. Putting on and removing our camera supports only take seconds. When you are done shooting, simply set down the camera support on a flat surface (on a table for example). No complication, you simply leave your camera attached to the camera support.
The camera supports are light and compact. You can easily make your way through crowded spaces while using them. Our camera supports allow great mobility to the cameraman. They reduce the weariness and the constraints of operating a camera during long hours. They provide the necessary stability for shake-free images.
They are also are sturdy. Made out of industrial grade lightweight aluminum professionally covered with industrial grade powder coat paint. The work horses, the Cameleon and the Cameleon 2 camera supports, have a maximum load capacity of 30 lbs (13.6 kg)!
The camera supports are polyvalent and can be used with small and large cameras, from entry level to professional cameras.
The camera supports are modular. Various components can be added: the Shape Box, a counter weight, a telescopic support arm and various types of handles. See the description of each camera support for a list of the compatible components.
The camera supports are designed by real experienced cameramen who know what they are talking about.
Perfect for shooting movies, documentaries, short films, news, social events, sport events and travels. They are ideal for the professional or amateur cameraman, journalist, student, tourist, sport amateur and more.