Camera Tech Indulgence & The Rush Design VCT Plate for the Sony Venice
Alright, let’s kick off this blog with a deep dive into camera rigging—especially for those of you who own a Sony Venice, are Venice-curious, or work as ACs with the Mk1 or Mk2. The Venice has become more accessible lately, opening up new possibilities. I’m hoping to share a few tips that might help you with rigging, operating, and navigating the quirks that make this camera so unique.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with my Venice rig, focusing on shedding some weight. It’s a big change from the Sony FX cameras I’ve been working with for the past four years. Of course, essentials still matter: solid 15mm rod support? Check. Reliable mounting points? Absolutely. Quick-release VCT plate? A must for seamless transitions between shoulder and sticks.
15mm Rod Clamps - Rear
15mm Rods Clamps and VCT - Front
That’s where the RUSH VCT baseplate comes in. This isn’t your typical baseplate—it’s custom-fabricated in NYC by Zach Zamboni and the team at Zero Point Zero Productions. Zach, as many will know, was Anthony Bourdain’s trusted cameraman and DP (Parts Unknown, The Mind of a Chef).
What’s impressive about the RUSH VCT is its durability paired with surprising lightness. It’s about two-thirds lighter than my previous Arri VCTs and Venice-specific baseplates, which makes a difference if you’re carrying your rig around all day. It’s compact, but it’s built to withstand rough handling and offers incredible stability for those heavier setups.
For customization, you can choose standard thumbscrews or Kipp levers for extra-secure adjustments, especially handy if you’re swapping rods often. I went the extra step and added a universal mounting plate bracket—every bit of stability counts with the extended Venice body. There’s also a low-profile, Velcro-backed shoulder pad that’s both comfortable and secure.
Side Profile
Shoulder Pad
The baseplate, forged from anodized aluminum, weighs just 302g (0.66 lbs) out of the box with the universal mounting plate—400g with both front levers installed. I also swapped out the standard steel rods for 8" Bright Tangerine Drumstix. Made in the UK, these titanium rods are extremely light and incredibly strong—reminiscent of Turkish grips for cameras. Additionally, I replaced the Arri 15mm rod bridge with a Vocas option, keeping the handles close to the camera’s center of gravity.
Yes, the RUSH VCT Baseplate is a premium option (around £600), but it brings flexibility and performance to a Venice setup, making it a worthy investment. And while I’m still working on a few tweaks—exploring dual plate battery adapters for balance—I’d encourage anyone looking to lighten up their Venice setup without compromising on quality to give it a look.
The Plate - Full Lengh
If you’re a Venice owner, curious about this camera, or an AC working with the Mk1 or Mk2, I hope this blog can help us all understand more about rigging, operating, and getting the best out of this incredible camera.
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Order a Rush Design VCT at rushdesign.net
More info and the option to order Bright Tangerine Drumstixs at brighttangerine.com