Italian Freelance Documentary Filmmaker, Outdoor Photographer Alex D’Emilia shares his insights on using a Cartoni Focus 12 Stabilo 3-stage Carbon System, a portable fluid head tripod renowned for its comfort, portability, and reliability in demanding shooting conditions, while working on Fragments of Extinction, highlighting its performance in challenging settings.
Why did you choose the Focus 12 Stabilo Carbon System?
“My work often takes me to diverse environments, snowy landscapes, high altitudes, forests, and cities,” Alex explains. “This portable lightweight carbon tripod was a game-changer. Every gram saved makes my work easier and reduces the burden on my back. I specifically chose the Stabilo because it excels on ice, slopes, rocky trails, and even when shooting close to the ground and easily adapts to varying camera setups, proving indispensable in both natural and urban settings”.
The “Fragments of Extinction” project: Shooting and recording natural polyphonies that evolution produced over millions of years…
Using this type of camera support system was a game-changer for the mission in Borneo as part of the “Fragments of Extinction” project – on the sound of ecosystems – a research expedition run in partnership with a cultural association of the same name. This unique project blends science, art, and heritage to preserve the sounds of some of the planet’s oldest and most diverse ecosystems and equatorial primary forests. Alex tells us that his job was to bring the project to life visually, filming its importance and helping people connect with the fieldwork, scientific studies, and outreach efforts that famed Italian eco-acoustics researcher, composer and interdisciplinary artist David Monacchi has been leading for more than 25 years.
How was it to shoot in Borneo jungle?
This project focused on capturing the unique soundscapes of endangered ecosystems using advanced microphones and 3D audio gear. “I was in charge of documenting the visuals with ultra-high-resolution 360-degree panoramic shots…recording over 24 hours straight in such isolated and harsh conditions,” Alex explained, “meant we had to adapt our methods to handle extreme challenges like 90% humidity, sudden downpours, and no electricity. With all the heavy equipment, the Stabilo carbon tripod was my top pick for this job.”
What features did you prefer on the Stabilo?
“The Stabilo carbon tripod allowed me to explore the forest independently, managing two cameras and heavy lenses with ease… the carbon legs” Alex noted, “makes it much easier to carry during long treks. But once it’s set up, the stability is unmatched. It strikes the perfect balance between agility – adapting seamlessly to challenging terrains like steep slopes, slippery surfaces, or muddy trails – and steadfast stability, even when loaded with heavy equipment… its shock-resistant design, he adds, prevented any unwanted movement, even during demanding shoots. I often had it holding 14-16 kg, and it never wavered.”
“During the Borneo expedition, the tripod system proved indispensable for capturing recordings, often requiring constant repositioning to find the ideal spots…the Stabilo quick-action mechanism was a game-changer. Transitioning from walking or shoulder mount to tripod setup was effortless. The release system is fast, and the camera plate locks with outstanding security; while, on projects like 24-hour timelapses, its stability was crucial, especially when battling heavy rain and strong winds. Once placed on the ground, it stayed rock solid without a hint of movement.”
When did this extraordinary project begin?
“Thanks to its combination of sound research, visual storytelling, and daring exploration, “Fragments of Extinction” achieved greater visibility and engagement”. Alex shared, “For me, documenting the environments and conditions of this project through my film, while contributing to the mission of highlighting the sound biodiversity of the planet’s primary forests, was a profound ethical commitment.” Reflecting on the project’s progress, he added, “In 2016-2017, we produced our first documentary, centered on a mission to the Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Now, we’re working on a new documentary that captures the evolution of the project from 2016 to today and beyond.”
What is the Sonosfera® project?
“It’s an ambitious project” Alex explains… “Our goal is to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly the loss of the planet’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, natural treasures that remain largely unexplored by science. The recordings are part of a broader educational and scientific initiative called Sonosfera®, a one-of-a-kind eco-acoustic theatre housed in the Civic Museums of Pesaro on Italy’s Adriatic coast”. Inside Sonosfera®, visitors are immersed in 360-degree soundscapes through 45 equidistant speakers, delivering a breathtaking audio experience. Recently, they integrated sequences of 16K-resolution images captured in Borneo using the rig360°, made possible by Sonosfera®’s advanced system of six interconnected 4K projectors, blending sound and visuals into a truly immersive journey.
Portability and functionality
The portable Focus 12 Stabilo Carbon System fluid head tripod is praised for its ease of use and portability. “It’s practical and compact, making it perfect for a backpack” Alex explained “I often separate the fluid head from the legs, which allows me to easily check it in with a standard trolley, without needing special handling or pay overweight on flights. Other tripods are often quite large and lack this level of compactness.”
So, using the Focus 12 Stabilo system was a good experience?
Reflecting on his positive experience in Borneo, Alex said, “I’d recommend the Stabilo support system to anyone – whether professionals or enthusiasts – who love moving independently across various terrains, just like me. I’ve had the opportunity to mount two types of heads on the 75mm size: the lighter Focus 8 and the Focus 12, which Cartoni customized to suit my needs. It was a major upgrade. Also, it happens often we use the Stabilo with long lenses, like the 70-200mm and 100-400mm.”
What other support did you use?
“Well, the Cartoni support I find appealing for my projects is the Smart Deployment System tripod (SDS) carbon 100mm tripod, which has a super-fast one-lever-two stage adjustment system” and he concludes “with just a simple movement, you can easily raise or lower the camera position. It’s a classic tripod for sets, but its adjustment is much faster and more convenient than other camera support systems. Paired with the Focus 12 Stabilo, with its stability, lightweight design, and compactness, it creates the perfect combination for any scenario, whether indoors or outdoors, enabling you to capture every moment and framing change without missing any detail of the scene.”
About Cartoni
Cartoni is recognized worldwide as a leader in film and broadcast camera support. It is the only professional support company that designs, engineers, manufactures and assembles in Italy through its base in Rome. The company applies special attention to energy saving and environmental conservation and the only company that offers an unparalleled free, 5-year warranty on all fluid heads and pedestals. Since 1935, Cartoni has maintained its preeminent position by delivering superior technology and offering support products for a range of cameras from compact digital devices to large studio cameras. Its products include fluid heads, encoded heads, jibs & and nodal heads, tripods, and pedestals.
For more information, visit www.cartoni.com/.
