Gizmo Jib

Overview

The Gizmo Jib is a modular camera jib arm from the German grip manufacturer MovieTech. It belongs to the grip and camera support equipment and is used to raise, lower, and move a camera above and below eye level on set. Its special feature is its modular design: individual segments can be connected or removed without tools, allowing the arm to be assembled in various lengths. Additional extension segments are available separately.

Modular Length Versions

The Gizmo Jib is offered in five basic versions, which can be combined using interchangeable front segments and a telescopic front element. According to the manufacturer, the system covers a reach range of approximately 0.65 m to approx. 3.6 m.

Technical Features

• Front Segment (Telescopic): Extendable by 40 cm, in 9 defined positions with 5 cm spacing each.
• Counterweight Arm (Rear): Extendable by up to 33 cm via hand crank to adjust balance to the specific shooting situation.
• Assembly: Tool-free; segments are plugged together and locked via a backlash-free connection.
• Head Mount: Optionally standard jib head or mount for a remote head, convertible as required.
• Brakes: Brakes in the motion axes (pan/tilt).
• Surface/Material: Hard-coat surfaces; lightweight construction.

The maximum payload depends on the set length: in shorter configurations, the Gizmo carries significantly higher loads than in the long versions. For the XL version, MovieTech specifies around 45 kg (retracted) or 40 kg (extended), and for the XXL version, around 35 kg (retracted) or 30 kg (extended).

Use on Set

Thanks to its modular design, the Gizmo Jib can be quickly adjusted to the required length for different shooting situations without the need for tools to change the length. The adjustable counterweight arm allows precise balancing of the crane for any setup, while the telescopic front segment enables fine adjustment of the camera angle. The interchangeable head mount allows the jib to be operated either classically with a standard head (operator directly controls the camera) or in combination with a remote-controlled head.