If you are in the event industry and you don’t know what a Glambot is, you may have been living under a rock. Glambots have taken the event and entertainment industry by storm, becoming a must-have for high-profile events and social media campaigns. But how did glambots become popular? The journey of the Glambot from a niche technology to a mainstream attraction is a fascinating story of innovation, celebrity influence, and technological advancement.
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What Is a Glambot?
A Glambot is a robot arm designed to move a camera smoothly and quickly between pre-programmed position. Glambots are often used with high-speed cameras to create stunning slow-motion footage of event guests. While the concept of quickly moving a camera between two points is simple enough, doing so while capturing smooth and in-focus footage with the camera is an engineering marvel.
How Does a Glambot Work?
Glambots create show-stoping video content of event guests by smoothly moving a slow-motion camera through a predefined movement using a robotic arm. To create stunning footage with a Glambot, it is recommended to use a slow-motion camera with at least a 240 frame per second frame rate, but cinematic cameras with higher frame rates can create even more drastic results.
The Birth of the Glambot
The concept of the Glambot as we know it today was brought to life by Cole Walliser, a Canadian videographer known for his work with top-tier celebrities and music videos. Walliser’s background in directing music and skateboard videos gave him a unique perspective on capturing dynamic, eye-catching footage. His expertise and connections in the entertainment industry led him to recognize a gap in red carpet coverage—one that could be filled with a robotic camera capable of capturing cinematic slow-motion videos.
The Early Rise of Glambots and Celebrity Endorsement
Walliser’s first high-profile use of the Glambot was at red carpet events, most notably for E! Entertainment. These events, including major awards shows like the Oscars and the Golden Globes, provided a perfect platform to showcase the capabilities of the Glambot. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and many others posed for the Glambot, generating stunning slow-motion videos that quickly went viral on social media.
The endorsement from celebrities played a crucial role in the Glambot’s rise to fame. These high-quality videos, shared widely on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, captivated audiences and demonstrated the potential of the technology. The allure of seeing celebrities in slow motion, combined with the novelty of the robotic camera arm, created a buzz that propelled the Glambot into the spotlight.
Social Media and the Viral Factor
Social media has been a driving force behind the popularity of Glambots. The visually striking slow-motion videos are perfect for platforms that prioritize engaging, shareable content. Videos captured by Glambots often feature dramatic movements and detailed close-ups, making them highly captivating to viewers.
The viral nature of these videos cannot be overstated. When celebrities share their Glambot videos, they reach millions of followers, exponentially increasing the exposure of the technology. Additionally, event guests often share their own Glambot videos, further spreading awareness and generating interest in the technology. The combination of high production value and the potential for social media virality has solidified the Glambot’s status as a must-have for modern events.
How Did Glambots Become Popular?
Initially, the high cost of Glambot technology limited its use to elite events and productions. The sophisticated robotic arms and high-frame-rate cameras required significant investment, making them accessible only to major studios and event organizers. However, as technology advanced, the cost of producing and operating Glambots began to decrease.
Companies like OrcaVue have been instrumental in making Glambots more accessible. By designing more affordable models that use lightweight action cameras like GoPros, they have opened up the market to smaller event organizers and photo booth companies. These more accessible Glambots retain the high-quality video capabilities of their expensive counterparts but at a fraction of the cost, enabling a broader range of events to feature this technology. With companies like OrcaVue bringing Glambot-style videos to the masses, searches surrounding the term “Glambot” were four times higher in the first quarter of 2024 than their previous 5-year high.
Expansion Beyond Red Carpet Events
While red carpet events were the initial proving ground for Glambots, their use has expanded into various other event types. Corporate events, private parties, weddings, and brand activations have all adopted Glambots to enhance guest experiences and create memorable content.
Corporate events benefit from the Glambot’s ability to create engaging promotional videos, while private parties and weddings use them to send guests away with an elevated piece of content. Brand activations, in particular, have found great value in Glambots, using them to create buzz and enhance their marketing efforts. By incorporating Glambot videos into their campaigns, brands can offer a visually stunning experience that resonates with consumers.
Photo Booth Glambots of The Future
Photo booth Glambots capture footage that closely resembles the footage captured by cinematic Glambots at major Hollywood red carpet events at a significantly more affordable cost. However, there are some differences between photo booth Glambots and cinematic Glambots to be aware of when selecting the right glambot for your event. Cinematic glambots use heavier cinematic cameras, like RED cameras to produce content. They are operated by a team of people at an event and are very technical to set up and operate. Photo booth cameras create content with action cameras like a GoPro or an iPhone. The OrcaVue Glambot can be set up and operated by a single person and can use common photo booth software to share content with event guests.
As more industries recognize the value of high-quality, engaging video content, the demand for photo booth Glambots is expected to grow. From fashion shows to sports events and beyond, the potential applications for Glambots are vast. The continued integration of Glambots into various event types will further solidify their position as a staple in the event and entertainment industries.
How Did Glambots Become Popular – Conclusion
The popularity of Glambots is a testament to the power of innovation and the influence of social media. From their inception by Cole Walliser to their widespread use at events around the world, Glambots have captivated audiences and redefined event videography. With continued advancements and increasing accessibility, Glambots are set to remain a key player in creating unforgettable event experiences.