Freefly Systems
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Camera motion equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, cinematography technology |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Tabb Firchau, David Bloomfield, Hugh Bell, Megan Fogel |
| Headquarters | Woodinville, Washington , United States |
| Products | Camera stabilizers (Mōvi series), unmanned aerial vehicles (CineStar, Alta), filming accessories (Mōvi Controller, Mimic, Pilot), unmanned ground vehicle (TERO) |
Freefly Systems is a U.S.-based enterprise specializing in the design, production, and distribution of camera motion equipment and stabilization devices tailored for cinematography. Their product range includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), gimbals, and remote-controlled platforms. Headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, Freefly is recognized for pioneering advancements in digital video technology.
The company achieved significant acclaim with the introduction of the Mōvi M10 camera stabilizer, which provided a lighter and more compact alternative to conventional Steadicam systems. Unlike traditional stabilizers that require operators to wear a harness equipped with an iso-elastic arm and counterweights, the Mōvi M10 enabled steadier shots without such cumbersome gear.
History
Established in 2011 by founders Tabb Firchau, David Bloomfield, Hugh Bell, and Megan Fogel, Freefly's inaugural product was the CineStar multirotor camera platform. This device quickly gained traction among industry professionals due to its ease of use and versatility.
In 2013, at the NAB Show, Freefly unveiled the Mōvi® M10 stabilized gimbal, which garnered both the InGear Technical Products Award and Digital Video Magazine's Black Diamond Award. The next year saw the release of the more budget-friendly Mōvi M5 stabilizer, which Videomaker Magazine honored as the "BEST Stabilizer" of 2014.
At the 2015 NAB Show, Freefly introduced the ALTA™, a ready-to-fly multirotor UAV engineered specifically for aerial cinematography. The ALTA’s distinctive feature is its ability to mount cameras either atop or beneath the drone, offering filmmakers enhanced creative flexibility. Concurrently, Freefly launched the MIMIC controller, a device that allows operators to manipulate camera movement on the Mōvi through intuitive tilting, rolling, and panning gestures remotely.
Camera Stabilizers
Freefly initially developed gimbals to stabilize footage captured by its CineStar sUAV series. These included 2-axis and 3-axis servo-driven gimbals integrated with their proprietary RADIAN stabilization technology. The company expanded its portfolio in 2013 with the launch of the Mōvi line of brushless gimbals, beginning with the handheld 3-axis M10 stabilizer. The Mōvi series features quick-release mechanisms and optional mounting adapters suitable for handheld operation as well as aerial platforms, tripods, dollies, jibs, or cable rigs.
- CineStar 2-Axis Gimbal: Debuted in November 2011 for aerial filming applications; constructed from carbon fiber; accommodates cameras up to 6.2 inches wide and 5.11 inches tall.
- CineStar 3-Axis Gimbal: Released February 2012 targeting professional dual-operator aerial cinematography with unrestricted full 360-degree panning capabilities.
- Radian: Introduced September 2012 as the first add-on stabilization module compatible with CineStar and other gimbals; replaced manual stabilization techniques.
- Mōvi M10: Revealed at NAB in April 2013 as the first handheld electronic stabilizer utilizing direct drive brushless motors combined with a proprietary 3-axis gimbal system to deliver smooth footage. Supports single-operator patented Majestic mode or dual-operator remote control. Camera cage dimensions measure 5.51 by 7.87 inches; maximum payload capacity is 12 pounds.
- Mōvi M5: Launched April 2014 maintaining core features of the M10 but designed for lighter payloads up to 5 pounds; optimized for DSLR cameras with cage dimensions of 5.11 by 7.08 by 4.78 inches.
- Mōvi M15: Released September 2014 to accommodate heavier digital cinema cameras with a payload limit of 15 pounds; cage size is 7.99 by 7.99 by 8.75 inches.
- Mōvi Pro: Announced November 2016 featuring integrated hot-swappable smart batteries, built-in stand functionality, and improvements in usability and performance.
- Mōvi XL: Introduced at NAB in April 2017 as a premium stabilizer capable of supporting payloads up to 50 pounds; designed for large-scale cameras and cinema lenses; disrupted an industry typically reliant on expensive rental equipment.
- Mōvi Carbon: Also launched at NAB April 2017 as the world’s first handheld stabilizer offering five-axis camera stabilization.
- Movi Cinema Robot: Released December 2017 marking Freefly’s entry into cinema robots tailored for smartphone filmmaking.
Filming Accessories
- Mōvi Controller: A wireless joystick system that consolidates all camera and stabilizer controls into a single unit.
- Mimic: Introduced on April 7, 2015, Mimic represents the first wireless control system for camera stabilizers based on intuitive hand gestures.
- Pilot: A versatile and customizable control platform offering accurate wireless operation of Focus, Iris, Zoom, Mōvi orientation, and various settings.
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Freefly designs UAVs and drone components tailored for professional film and photography applications. The CineStar series marked the company's initial venture into aerial cinematography.
- CineStar 6: A modular hexacopter built with carbon fiber, featuring a 47.4-inch diameter and weighing 5.8 lbs (2,650 g), capable of heavy-lift performance.
- CineStar 8: An octocopter constructed with carbon fiber arms and frame, equipped with eight rotors for superior stability. It spans 53 inches in diameter and weighs 6.7 lbs (3,050 g). This model is engineered to carry large DSLR cameras, supporting payloads between 12.3 and 12.7 lbs including the camera, mounting hardware, and batteries.
- Alta 6: A fully assembled hexacopter designed to carry payloads up to 15 lbs including a gimbal and professional camera gear. It integrates all essential components—flight controller, motors, drives, propellers—into a cohesive filming platform. The Alta 6 offers the flexibility to attach the camera/gimbal either above or below the drone. Key features include the Synapse flight controller, foldable arms reducing packed size to 21.6 inches in diameter, a custom Pelican™ transport case, an unfolded diameter of 44.3 inches, and a total weight of 10 lbs.
Unmanned ground vehicle
In August 2014, Freefly Systems introduced the TERO remote-operated vehicle, designed to provide filmmakers with an adaptable solution for low-angle tracking shots without the need for traditional track setups. The TERO is also well-suited for automotive tracking and action sports filming.
- TERO: Released in August 2014, this remote-controlled car supports mounting of gimbals and cameras on an aluminum platform equipped with specialized wire rope isolators to ensure smooth footage capture. It features run-flat tires and brushless motors capable of reaching high speeds. The TERO measures approximately in length, in width, in height, and has a weight of .