NZ Based Company Launches Genie

NZ Based Company Launches Genie

New Zealand based company Syrp Ltd, has officially launched the Genie, a new film equipment accessory set to revolutionise motion controlled time-lapse.

Following on from a hugely successful product launch on Kickstarter.com early last year the Genie is now on its way to thousands of customers worldwide.

The idea for the Genie came to life in early 2010 after Syrp founders Chris Thomson and Ben Ryan had become frustrated with other motion controlled time-lapse gear on the market finding products to be extremely costly, very complicated, and uncomfortably bulky.

As a result designer Chris, and filmmaker Ben have designed a product that is affordable and straightforward to use for combining motion control with time-lapse photography. The Genie is capable of either panning or linear movement commonly used in time-lapse photography and also for real-time video shots.

“Our concept consists of a box that moves a camera under its own power and adapts to attach to any existing film equipment, allowing users to rise above standard filmmaking, by acquiring standout and vibrant footage,” Chris said.

The duo chose to raise funds for production of the Genie via Kickstarter.com, as opposed to seeking out investors or sponsorship, and in April 2012 set about launching the device on the popular crowd-funding platform.

“After launching the Genie on Kickstarter it soon became apparent that the demand for the device was really strong. After two months of raising funds we finished the project with $800,000 NZD to kick start the business and get manufacturing underway.”

Since the conclusion of Kickstarter the pair have been working tirelessly through the manufacturing process.

“It has been a very challenging six months since finishing Kickstarter and we have spent a lot of time working with our factories at every step of the production process to ensure the end result is top quality,” Chris said.

Kickstarter backers, many of which had supported the project by pre-ordering the Genie, were kept in the loop throughout the manufacturing process and informed of the challenges every step of the way via a private Kickstarter blog.

Ben said this was one of the big differences between Kickstarter and other funding options.

“Our backers know about every speed bump we came up against and they really are a part of the whole process.

It’s been a huge learning curve and we’ve faced all sorts of challenges along the way, but you learn from all your mistakes and we are looking forward to taking it all on board for the future.”

After more than two years of development the Genie is available for purchase online and is currently shipping through the recently revamped website - - www.syrp.co.nz.

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ENDS

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