Lancashire firm involved in Harry Potter films develops new video industry tool

A Lancashire company that provided equipment used in creating several Harry Potter films is preparing to launch a new tool for the video and film industry.

Slideshot, a division of Londridge-based bearings supplier Franke Bearings Ltd, has developed a new camera slider called The Slideshot with support from the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Innovation Clinic.

The firm’s founder, Graham Moffatt, decided to create the slider after a prospective customer requested the product in 2014. Using the feedback he received on the bespoke slider, Graham set out to develop his creation into an off-the-shelf product with cross-sector appeal.

The Innovation Clinic at UCLan helped Graham develop The Slideshot by offering support with market research and branding, in addition to helping him redesign the tool’s adjustable legs in light of user feedback.

Graham commented: “I had the design, but it needed further development, which UCLan helped me to do.

“They saw the potential in the slider and recognised it could be positioned as a premium product and they’ve helped me to do that.”

He added: “The team has been a great help to us in a number of areas and they believe in the product. They have been very encouraging and supportive and they continue to support us.”

Once the product is on the market, Graham plans to create local jobs, including assembly and sales roles.

Since Slideshot’s inception, its systems have been used on a number of big screen productions, including sci-fi flick The Martian, World War II action film Fury and several installments in the Harry Potter franchise.

Speaking further, Graham said: “We are a small company but early sales are encouraging and everyone has said it is a brilliant product.

“The system is flexible and it has a number of USPs, including a higher load capacity than anything else on the market and there is no shake, judder or wobble, which means users can get their shots quicker, with fewer takes.”

UCLan Innovation Clinic project manager Iain Martin said: “We were able to support him in the further development of the product and guide him on the branding and positioning of the slider, to meet the needs of professional photographers and videographers.

“There has already been a lot of positive interest about the camera slider, which we’re confident will continue to grow and we’re pleased to have played a part in this project.”

The UCLan Innovation Clinic is part of Boost Business Lancashire, the Lancashire Business Growth Hub led by the Lancashire LEP.

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