AJA Kumo 3232-12G, key solution for DIT Eli Berg (‘Jojo Rabbit’)

O AJA Kumo 3232-12G SDI router is the technical solution that underpins the workflow of digital imaging technician (DIT) Eli Berg, who has worked on films such as ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and series such as ‘Minx’.

Ali Berg’s workflow typically includes a camera attached to a color box, so the DOP can monitor the live image on his integrated camera monitor. That image is also sent to his cart, usually in 4K, or more recently 6K, and directly to Kumo. From there, it sends the signal directly to the monitors, as it is graded live through the color box installed in the camera. It then goes back to the Kumo, to the monitors, to the VTR and to the computer via an input card, and from the computer back to the Kumo again, so you can share the image from the live grading tool of your choice. Finally, another monitor on your cart also passes through the Kumo and arrives at your waveform monitor.

Given the workflow, it’s no wonder Berg calls the AJA Kumo 323-12G the backbone of his workflow: “It’s rock solid and made set up a breeze with the salvos. I’ve worked on big, slow-moving features and rapid-fire commercial projects on which I’m downloading and transcoding on my own. Kumo is so useful, because it has so much functionality built in, whether I’m doing it all on my own for a project, or I need to route signals to multiple destinations.”

Before integrating the Kumo 3232-12G, Berg was using a 12×12 router and had to link equipment with splitters because he lacked sufficient inputs. Now, Kumo 3232-12G is the first stage of any routing workflow and this device has replaced his previous multi-equipment setup.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure the DP and camera crew are completely focused on the creative aspects of production, so I’ve customized my cart to be ready for any situation. When a piece of gear isn’t working properly, I’m limited to what I can contribute creatively, because I’m stuck troubleshooting, so I prioritize gear that I know will work every time, like Kumo 3232-12G. It’s fantastic and I never worry about it failing on me,” stresses Eli Berg.