Cassius King is a Creative Director, Content Producer, Specialty Motion Operator, and Founder of 'The Cinema Junkies', a Los Angeles-based production agency known best for their work with specialty motion. As a self-taught filmmaker with a background in construction, Cassius understands the importance of having the right tools for the job. His focus on providing artistic expertise combined with specialized and reliable equipment - such as motion control robots, camera cranes, and car rigs - has led him to produce and develop dynamic content for brands like Dior, BMW and Harley Davidson, as well as artists like Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Porter Robinson.
What are some of your favorite INOVATIV products that you currently own and why?
I really appreciate the Apollo Workstation Cart; its durability and customization options perfectly suit my on-set needs. We refer to this as "mobile command" because of the dual Pro Monitor Mount and the Insight Monitor System. We also have the Combo-Locking Drawers for tools and sensitive items and Two-Stage Corner Mast Risers for lighting or shade. Along with our Camera Mount System that holds our OConnor fluid head, we also rely on the workstation to carry at least 2 tripods as well as our camera bags, wireless monitors, and lenses. This workstation cart serves as our true main hub whenever we are on set, earning its rights to the name "Mobile Command".
Our AXIS workstation is another favorite for its mobility and sleek design, enhancing our efficiency during shoots. The bottom shelf serves as a power hub and additional storage for tool boxes or media drive arrays, depending on what we are hired for that day. A 13” 4K monitor typically lives on the Pro Monitor Mount for this setup and rolls around the studio as a workstation for our robot technicians. It also serves as a mobile desk for DITs and Producers.
We also have the ability to swap around all of our reference and client monitors because of our Pro Monitor Mount ecosystem. We have Pro Plates on all of our monitors with Pro Monitor Mounts on all of our carts, stations and monitor stands. When we are doing GLAMBOT or Social Content, these make it very easy to adjust and rotate these monitors for vertical viewing.
Our OG Cart, the Scout 37 2nd Gen, serves as our "Rover Command'' which transports our gimbal. It’s mounted on a dock that can be swiveled on the Mast Riser. This is great if more space is needed, but also serves as our gimbal’s resting place during transport or stow. This is a perfect small mobile workstation and fits perfectly in all our systems and workflows.
Can you share some specific examples of how INOVATIV gear has helped you overcome challenges or achieve exceptional results?
The Apollo has been a game-changer on rugged terrains, ensuring my equipment is secure and accessible. Additionally, its ergonomic setup significantly boosts my productivity, allowing for seamless workflows and managing of production operations on location.
The workstation carts have also helped us become more efficient with company moves while also allowing us to be nimble in a studio environment. Working in a studio environment has really helped us streamline operations and workflows across all departments.
We have a sprinter van that fits both carts (with extra room) and they simply roll off when we arrive on set with all of our necessary tools for the job.
We have even used the workstation as actual filmmaking tools from using it as a dolly to moving people and items around set.
How do you customize your INOVATIV setup to meet the unique demands of your work?
I customize my INOVATIV setup with specific mounts and docks for my cameras and lighting equipment. Adding adjustable shelves allows for flexible storage, ensuring I have everything within reach, tailored precisely for each project's needs. Each cart and workstation serves a specific role in our vast ecosystem of setups.
We are always on the search for new updates and upgrades from INOVATIV to ensure we have the best tools in place.
A lot of clients hire us specifically because we are not only professional, but efficient as well. With this being a selling point, it is a must that we stay ahead of the curve and provide our teams with the best quality of tools to help them perform and execute to meet these expectations.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals?
Stay curious and continuously learn. Network extensively, seek mentors, and embrace both successes and failures as growth opportunities. Remember, persistence and passion are key in turning professional aspirations into reality.
When you're not working on projects, how do you like to recharge and find inspiration for your next creative endeavor?
When I'm not working, which is a rare occasion, I cherish family time - especially with my fiancé, and two young sons. Building businesses, teaching them about film, exploring new places, or sharing stories with them fuels my creativity and motivates me to push the boundaries of my craft.
I like to give myself the weekends and not be too busy on weekends. This ensures I spend a lot of time with my kids. During the week it is a rush but that's what makes this so interesting. Being the business owner, I have the ability to make my schedule and choose when I have to go in to work or when to simply accept work or pass it off. This is the ultimate flexibility that works for my family and I would never have it any other way.
My family have always been supportive and have been the fuel behind my motivation to keep going.
Traveling and helping other entrepreneurs reach their goal will be our next mission in life and we are looking forward to that.
To learn more about The Cinema Junkies, be sure to visit their website and check out their Portal. You can also stay up to date with Cassius' latest projects by following him on Instagram at @justcassiusking and @thecinemajunkies.
