This past June, the Universal Studios backlot in Universal City, Calif. was transformed into a technology and equipment showcase for the 12th Annual Cine Gear Expo. Industry booths lined the cobblestone streets showcasing a multitude of impressive equipment, while defining innovation and enhancing the digital era.

From film, video, and HD products to various cranes towering above, the little village backdrop put a creative twist on this year’s exhibits. Yet, the “hot” topic of this year was the HEAT! But the scorching triple-digit weather served as an icebreaker for conversations among vendors and attendees alike. Luckily, some of the vendors were thinking ahead and drew crowds to their booths by serving complimentary water, iced-coffee drinks, snow cones, and even air conditioning (provided by the wonderful folks at Studio Air) to cool off with while they took advantage of hands-on opportunities with the newest and most popular production gear.

Matthews Studio Equipment introduced the RED Dolly, which offers a new outlook on camera movement possibilities. It can crab, do roundy-rounds and pivot on its axis. Currently, 10 units of the RED Dolly are being built and will be available at local rental houses in the near future.

VFGadgets announced a lineup of Gekko LED beauty ringlights. Lenslite, Kisslite & George all provide high-quality output designed for the new generation of HD & HDV cameras. The ringlights are lightweight and versatile, which make it easier to maneuver when attached to a camera.

With products being used on shows such HBO’s Entourage, America’s Next Top Model, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Video, SUNBOUNCE showcased an entire line of products. The award-winning SUNBOUNCE Flash Bracket (which had a Zylight mounted to it), half stop Bobbinet screen for the SUN-SWATTER, black/ Ultrabounce Screen for the SUN-SWATTER, and finally the new No Moire overlay for the Bobbinet.

As if the RED One camera hasn’t stirred up the industry enough, Toys4red.com is an online website for RED One accessories. A crew was at Cine Gear to promote the IOP4R-1 break out panel and BOB4R-1 break out box. The IOP4R-1 attaches to the input/output (I/O) side of the RED ONE, and turns all mini audio/video connectors to full size XLR & BNC connectors.Toys4red.com will soon be releasing its “T-Bag” Splash bag, which enables the camera to be submersed in water for up to two meters deep.