Just about anyone using the latest wireless mic system with a MiniDV camcorder faces the same problem: Stick the transmitter on the camcorder’s side, and the rig becomes awkward when shooting documentaries, news, and other run-and-gun projects. Emmy award-winning DP James O’Donnell solves that by his JimmyBox; the holder keeps a wireless audio receiver securely out of the way, with no chance of getting bumped or falling off as can happen with improvised rigs. (Put that gaffer tape away!) The JimmyBox’s support arm also keeps the camera stable when shooting handheld, according to the inventor, and it even functions as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod.

Shoot Tools

It is compatible with products from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC and other similar size professional DV-format cameras, and used to keep the size and weight of the camera rig and audio accessories down.

JimmyBox’s support arm keeps the camera stable during handheld shooting, and when focusing, the manufacturer describes. It can function as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod. The support arm is adjustable for individual preference and comfort. The handle mounts either above or below the support arm, and can be changed without tools.

The inside of the JimmyBox is lined with Velcro; the unit works with wireless audio receivers by major manufacturers including Sony, Sennheiser, AKG and Lectrosonics.

The product was devloped by James O’Donnell, a 20-year veteran of the film and television industry.

WEVA International Industry News

By Elina Shatkin

Director of Photography James O’Donnell, a 20-year veteran of the film and television industry, has unveiled JimmyBox a wireless audio receiver holder designed to work with today’s smaller professional DV cameras. It is compatible with Sony PD150 and PD170, Panasonic DVX100 and DVX100A, Canon, JVC and other similar size professional DV-format cameras used by shooters of reality TV programming, high-end documentaries and newsmagazines. JimmyBox is ideal for any run-’n-gun situations where shooters want to keep the size and weight of their camera rig down.

It wasn’t so long ago that using a wireless audio receiver was considered taking a chance, but as wireless audio technology matured more shooters began taking advantage of it. Initially, wireless audio receiver holders were easily mounted to larger Betacam camera rigs but as professional mini DV-format cameras became a more popular choice for broadcast, other solutions were required.

He has been honored with six Best Show Emmy Awards and one technical Emmy for his camera work on “Sesame Street” and was nominated for an Emmy for Best Single-Camera Photography for field segments of “Reading Rainbow.” O’Donnell’s documentary work has taken him to remote locations around the world where his lighting, aerial camera and special-rigging experience have been challenged time and again.

O’Donnell field tested his cost-effective JimmyBox for approximately 18 months when he shot six episodes of the Showtime original documentary series, “What’s Going On?” Co-produced by RCN Entertainment and the United Nations. Some of the hosts on location included Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Lawrence Fishurn, Tim Robbins, Danny Glover, Meg Ryan and Sonia Braga. The series dealt with children in crisis situations worldwide and took O’Donnell to Brazil, India, Trinidad, Northern Ireland, New York City and West Virginia.

JimmyBox’s support arm keeps the camera stable when shooting handheld especially when focusing and also functions as a second tripod handle when mounted on a tripod. The support arm is adjustable to five different positions to allow for different hand sizes and individual set ups. The handle is designed to mount either above or below the support arm for shooter preference and can be quickly changed without tools in just a few seconds.

In addition, the interior of JimmyBox is lined with soft Velcro to help protect the wireless audio receiver and hold it comfortably in place. The unit works with wireless audio receivers by all major manufacturers including Sony, Sennheiser, AKG and Lectrosonics.

In addition to accommodating all popular professional mini DV cameras, JimmyBox is the ideal size to work with JVC’s small HD video camera. Now shipping, JimmyBox and its support arm are available for purchase online at a list price of $150.