Today we received sad news from France: Jean-Marie Lavalou, co-developer of the Louma-crane, and a film- and broadcast technology pioneer has passed away. Not only did Jean-Marie represent spidercam in France for many years, he was also one of the first visitors from “the industry” to come to Austria back in 2004, following an invitiation from a small start-up to take a look at a “cable camera system” they were developing. His visit was a godsend at this stage of the company: His presence reassured us, that we were on the right track and his feedback pushed us to continue the development of our system. He was amongst the first to employ our system for professional broadcasts, and for many years to come he would be the face of spidercam in France, bringing spidercam into the Ligue 1, Fête de la musique or to Louis Vuitton Fashion Shows. We wouldn’t be who we are today without his input, his dedication and his vision.

We haven’t just lost a partner of spidercam. We have lost a friend, and a part of us.

Merci, Jean-Marie, thank you for everything, and farewell!