Lithium battery technology has continued to advance, and the potential applications and use cases have spread to various industries. The incredibly safe, lightweight, and high-power density of LiFePO4 batteries have made them perfect for multiple uses. RVs, boats, and off-grid properties have already taken advantage of these game-changing batteries. Now, filmmakers in the entertainment industry have also recognized their capabilities. As camera equipment has grown more complex and technological, it also requires tremendous power. Cinematography businesses like Ascending Works and Wild Rabbit Aerial are using Battle Born Batteries to power massive camera arrays and the equipment on pursuit vehicles.  

A Century of Cinematic Innovation 

For centuries, continuous innovation has drastically changed the way we live and interact with the world around us. From the ever-changing field of modern medicine to the perpetual automation of household objects and everything in between, the world we know now is the product of centuries of trial and error, new inventions, and the widespread adoption of the latest technology. This is especially true in the entertainment industry.  

Since the late 19th century, cinematography has completely changed the landscape of entertainment. Following the widespread adoption of cameras to produce still, black-and-white images, cinematography quickly began to develop. The earliest films were less than a minute long, recorded without sound, and shot by a single steady camera. In just a decade, this exciting novelty blossomed into a mass entertainment industry as film captivated the world.  

The silver screen took off at the beginning of the 20th century as film production companies began producing world-renowned films. Over the next few decades, the silver screen grew more vibrant as monochromatic tinting gave way to technicolor. By the second half of the 20th century, the introduction of mainstream television and the continued success of the film industry led to further leaps in innovation.  

Huge advancements in digital cinematography, the introduction of the Internet, and widespread film distribution through VHS and DVD opened new doors for the industry. As more complex video cameras were developed and visual effects (VFX) became increasingly more advanced, 21st-century cinematography reached a new level. As high-tech drones, multi-camera arrays, and state-of-the-art stabilization have increased in popularity, the creative possibilities for filmmakers are endless.  

Ascending Works Pushes the Boundaries of Cinematography 

While major production companies have dominated the industry, smaller film crews are entering the industry with specialized, high-tech equipment. Keaton Bowlby is a Reno, Nevada, native pushing cinematographic boundaries with his company, Ascending Works.  

As a former wakeskating athlete, Keaton’s introduction to the film world came from filming his own projects. Throughout his 15-year career, he learned many film techniques as he attempted to capture himself and fellow athletes while competing. When aerial drones became capable of filming, Keaton was quick to become an early adapter. He saw their potential for creating incredible action sports content.  

After purchasing his drone and getting certified to operate it, Keaton fell in love with drone filming. He transitioned out of his career as an athlete and pivoted into the film industry. With drone experience under his belt, Keaton got his first gimbal. Shortly after, Keaton leveled up his filming capabilities with a gimbal mounted on an arm coming off a pursuit vehicle.  

Between aerial drones, a high-tech gimbal, and three different pursuit vehicles, Ascending Works has the capability to tell its clients’ stories without technical limitations. With a star-studded list of clients, it’s likely you’ve come across its work. From the heart of Aston Martin Racing to commercials for top automotive brands, including BMW and Mercedes, and even chart-topping musicians like Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Lane, Ascending Works is creating best-in-class cinematography.  

An Upgraded Cinematic Pursuit Vehicle Powered by Battle Born Batteries 

As their client list grew, Keaton and Ascending Works began looking to upgrade their equipment. While their Jeep Grand Cherokee pursuit vehicle had some off-road capabilities, there were many limitations to where it could film. Combined with weight restrictions and unreliable power, this vehicle couldn’t keep up with the demands of Ascending Works’ projects.     

Ready to expand his horizons, Keaton purchased a Ford Raptor and turned it into the ultimate pursuit vehicle. With upgraded suspension, extreme off-road capabilities, and all-weather functionality, the Raptor was the perfect addition to the Ascending Works fleet. A custom MotoCrane gimbal extended an extra two and a half feet and mounted to the roof. A high-tech camera monitoring system in the vehicle allowed Keaton and his crew to take on projects unlike before.  

Adding a full suite of computers and camera gear to the Raptor required more power and increased reliability to ensure it could outlast a full day of shooting. Keaton added a dual redundant 12V 100Ah Heated Battle Born Batteries power system to give him the confidence to film all day, no matter what weather they encounter. Now, Keaton never has to worry about running out of power. He can focus on bringing his client’s visions to life, trusting that his batteries will do their thing. “It’s nice knowing Battle Born’s got my back.” 

Wild Rabbit Aerial Creates Cinematic Masterpieces 

For the last 8 years, Wild Rabbit Aerial has been leading the charge for innovative filmmaking. As a cinema technology company, drones have been a core piece of their filmmaking while developing custom in-house camera systems. Owner Drew Roberts has immersed himself in the latest film technology to provide the best quality work for his clients.  

Wild Rabbit’s work has been featured in films created by some of the business’s most well-known film production companies. Their clients include Warren Bros, Paramount, Universal, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Netflix, Hulu and many more. Occasionally, these big-name clients have visions that go above and beyond Wild Rabbits’ capabilities, but Drew is always willing to rise to the challenge.  

While working on the set of Marvel’s Black Panther 2, Drew was asked to create a 7-camera array for a drone used to shoot a specific plate sequence. They were given three weeks to design the array, build it, test it, and fly it to Atlanta for filming. After completing their Spheris 7 camera array and shooting with it on Black Panther 2, Wild Rabbit has continued using this incredible unit in future projects.  

Recently, Wild Rabbit has been filming on the set of major motion pictures. Their work is featured in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, Black Panther Wakanda Forever, Blade, The Pale Blue Eye, A Man Called Otto, and more box office hits. Additionally, during Super Bowl LVIII, seven commercials featured shots captured by Wild Rabbit’s top-of-line technology. Working with major brands, including Toyota, Budweiser, NFL Sunday Ticket, Doritos, and more, Wild Rabbit’s skills and equipment continue to awe even the best in the industry.  

Massive 9-Camera Array Powered by Battle Born Batteries 

Following the success of the Spheris 7 camera array, Drew Roberts began dreaming about creating a bigger, more capable system. To further increase their filming capabilities and skills, Drew created a 9-camera Spheris array system. This array was mounted on a car to capture moving environments to be turned into plates through VFX. Over the last two years, Drew and the Wild Rabbit team have been working hard designing this incredible system.  

Mounted in the center of a convertible 2011 Mazda Miata, this array is composed of 9-Red Komodos and a stabilizing head. As one of the lowest cars considered street-legal, the Miata was the perfect base for the array, allowing it to capture unprecedented angles. Once the “Ray Car” was completed, Drew knew he would need massive power that wouldn’t weigh the car down. After speaking with a Battle Born Batteries technical specialist, he knew he had found the perfect fit.  

With 3 – 12V 100Ah Battle Born Batteries and a 24V converter, Drew powers each of the 12V cameras in the array and the head stabilizer. Having plenty of power without worrying has given Drew the confidence he needs while working on major movie sets. “When you’re working on a Marvel movie or any big action film, and it’s time to go, your turn is up, and you don’t want to be worrying about your battery system or if you have a charge. You want to be able just to turn the system on and go. Not having to worry about the power system is just unbelievable. We can finally focus on the art and not the technology.” 

Powering Next-Level Innovation in Cinematography   

Although deep-cycle lithium batteries have been a top choice for RV, marine, and off-grid power over the last decade, their use in various other applications is rapidly increasing. Due to their high power density and low weight, they make the perfect power source for any electronics in vehicles or other places where weight restrictions may apply. Getting more power in the same space gives users increased peace of mind, knowing that their equipment will run all day long without interruption. 

Battle Born Batteries have given Ascending Works and Wild Rabbit increased capabilities to take on a broader range of projects. Keeping their state-of-the-art camera equipment running smoothly, no matter where their assignment takes them, gives Drew and Keaton the freedom to focus on creating beautiful art. When tall orders come in from film studios, music artists, or major brands, they have the confidence to create cinematic masterpieces with the power of Battle Born Batteries.  

Keep up with Ascending Works’ latest projects on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and their website. And don’t miss a behind-the-scenes look at Wild Rabbit’s latest movie or commercial shoot by checking out their Instagram and website.