The Cinebulle is a hot air balloon specially adapted for filming.[1] It uses a propeller on the back like a microlight.
Since 1994, carried by men, horses, donkeys, Zodiac, 4X4, Quad, skidoo or helicopter, it has been all over the world to create brand new aerial images, to enable scientists and archaeologists to make observations, and presenters to host their programs.
The Cinebulle is a new filming concept. Light, easily dismantled, transported and set up, this small motored hot air balloon allows for incredible travellings in places where no travelling would otherwise be possible.
It is possible to make a horizontal travelling from a few dozen centimetres above a lake, a corn field or a forest without creating the least surface movement, followed up with a vertical travelling with a progressive crane movement without height limitation.
The Cinebulle balances on air and therefore enjoys great stability. Movement fluidity is similar to that of Steadicam.
The gondola is a two-seater bench for the pilot and cameraman. The camera is held by a Ronford mini 7 head, fitted on a pivoting device enabling the camera to be set either between the pilot and cameraman or underneath the seat, from where panoramic and near vertical filming is possible.
When the camera is under the seat, a battery-operated black and white video viewfinder allows for framing and focusing without being bothered by sun light.
Weather permitting, the Cinebulle is steered with a propulsion engine located at the back of the gondola.
The Cinebulle is a hot air balloon, which implies a number of prerequisites: it cannot fly if the wind is too strong and flights require air stability and no thermics, i.e. in mornings or evenings, which has the advantage of being the times when light is most suitable for filming.
Cinebulle was invented by Dany Cleyet-Marrel and is now constructed in France as DynaBulle by the "Balloon Chaize"