The Cartoni/Screenplane SeeU is a specialised interview rig designed to facilitate a direct eyeline between the subject and the interviewer. By using a patented mirror system, the device allows an interviewee to look straight into the camera lens while maintaining natural eye contact with the person asking questions. This setup is particularly effective for emotional storytelling or filming unpredictable subjects like babies and animals, as it removes the intimidating presence of large equipment. The unit is designed to be highly portable, featuring a compact, foldable frame that can be mounted onto standard tripods. Developed through a partnership between Cartoni and inventor Sebastian Cramer, the tool ensures that the final footage feels more personal and engaging. This innovation solves the common technical challenge of subjects appearing distracted by looking away from the camera during one-on-one conversations.
The Cartoni/Screenplane SeeU enhances natural eye contact during interviews by establishing a direct eye line between the interviewer and the interviewee, allowing the subject to look simultaneously at the person they are speaking to and the camera lens.
According to the sources, the system achieves this through the following methods:
• Vertical Camera Placement: The rig is designed to mount the camera vertically and out of the subject’s line of sight. This removes the “strange sensation” of having a large camera lens directly in front of the interviewee, which can often be distracting or intimidating.
• Mirror and Prism System: Developed by a stereographer, the device uses a mirror and special glass to reposition the image. The camera captures the subject’s reflection from the mirror, which is positioned such that the interviewer can stand behind or near the optical axis, creating a straightforward and direct view for both parties.
• Reduced Stress for Subjects: Because the interviewee is engaging with a human face rather than a piece of equipment, the conversation feels more natural and “less stressy”. This is particularly beneficial for subjects who are not “super super trained” at speaking to a camera.
• Optimised for Sensitive Content: The setup is specifically highlighted as being effective for highly emotional interviews, or when filming babies and pets. In these cases, maintaining a direct connection between the character and the interviewer (or a parent) is vital for capturing authentic reactions.
The unit is compact, foldable, and compatible with almost any camera and lens combination.
