WHAT DOES 3i MEAN ?

The ' i ' stands for Irwin and the ' 3 ' represents the three guys named Irwin : Mark, Matt and Ray.

Ray Irwin is the metallurgist of the Irwin family with over 20 years in manufacturing, CNC ( Computer Numerical Control ) design and sales. He takes all of our 3-ideas and turns them into working metal and machinery.

Matt Irwin is a second generation Director of Photography with over 22 years in the business as a grip, gaffer, AC, operator and DP in Hollywood. He has worked on every kind of production from webisodes to high end features ( with 2 trips to South America thrown in). He is the digital member of the family and his perspective on the needs and complaints of camera crews keeps us up to date on listening, learning and responding.

Mark Irwin CSC/ASC started in the business in 1973 and for over 40 years he has shot more than 120 films in Asia, Europe and North America. These films have grossed over $ 1.5 billion worldwide to date and his work has won numerous awards. He is a member of both the American and Canadian Society of Cinematographers. He has bridged the gap between film and digital, has used almost every camera in both mediums and designs and custom builds lights, grip and camera rigs.

WHAT IS A 3iSPREADER ?

The 3iSpreader is a specific design for a specific product. It fits the world's most popular tubular metal tripod and solidly attaches to those legs in the most reliableconnection ever. The 3iSpreader is secure, dependable and foolproof and it succeeds by creating an entirely new spreader system.

The 3iSpreader is an adjustable, three legged connection device that holds the three feet of a tripod together so that the legs will fold up or down while remaining securely attached.

WHY WOULD I NEED A NEW KIND OF SPREADER ?

The 3iSpreader system addresses three common, annoying and dangerous tripod/spreader problems and finally solves them :

Problem # 1 : SPIKES

They scratch. They are a non-standard size. They are an unwieldy shape. They wobble in crutch tips. They had to go, so we got rid of them and just unscrewed them while replacing them with a custom made, 1" diameter, ridged aluminum tubular plug that we call the 3iSpud.

It locks onto the spike with 3 recessed set screws. Now each leg of the tripod has a standard size foot that fits another standard size - a rugged 1" rubber chair tip that can be found at any hardware store ( and online). NOT a spongy crutch tip. This slides onto the 3iSpud snugly and is stable, skid-proof and scratch-proof.

Problem # 2 : BUNGEE CORDS

Until now, tripod spikes would balance in a tiny swiveling metal block at each end of three flat metal plates and were held in place with miniature fabric and rubber bungee cords. Not a mechanical connection. Very sloppy and unreliable. Prone to stretching and unexpectedly detaching. They had to go … so we got rid of them.

Now, with no spikes and no bungees, how would we connect the tripod to the 3iSpreader ?

Simple :

Use the 1/2" hole in the 'ear' or flange above the 3iSpud and slide in one spring loaded quick release T-pin per leg. Now the legs and spreader are solid. No more flex. No more floppy cords. No more dangerous disconnects and hazardous balancing act.

Problem # 3 : FLOOR CONTACT

Three adjustable metal plates that slide on the floor just to hold three spikes require blankets, layout boards, camera carpets, location mats and a lot of caution to prevent scratching so … we got rid of them.No more floor contact. Just 3 rubber tips and a spreader that is off of the floor and above ground. No spikes … no bungees … no problems.

WHAT IS THE 3iSPREADER MADE OF ?

The 3i legs, the center pivot bracket ( puck ) and the 3iSpuds are made of aircraft grade 6061 aluminum. All of the bolts, handles and fittings are stainless steel, zinc plate, neoprene rubber or high impact plastic.

WHY IS IT BLACK AND PEBBLED ? IS IT COVERED IN TAR ?

The 3iSpreader is coated with an elastomer thermoplastic polyurethane by LINE-X. It is a spray that goes on hot, bonds with the grain of the aluminum and solidifies to an almost indestructible surface. It is black for a reason - no reflection - and is very easy to grip, wet or dry. No bare metal. Scratch resistant. No rust. No corrosion.

IS THE 3iSPREADER HEAVY?

The 3iSpreader weighs 5 lbs. ( 2.27 kg. ) Another popular foreign made spreader for the same type of tripod weighs 4 lbs. 7 oz. ( 2 kg. ). .

WILL IT STILL WORK ON CONCRETE OR DIRT WITHOUT SPIKES ?

BMX, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, quad runners , SUVs, the family sedan - they all have rubber tires ... not spiked wheels. And they are in motion on concrete, dirt, mud, snow, sand.

We have used the 3iSpreaders in the same conditions ( and much worse- swamps and pounding surf ) since 2011. Three solid rubber points. Sitting on the ground. No problems.

DOES IT FOLD UP EASILY ?

The 3iSpreader is engineered around a center pivot bracket ( puck ) that has a recessed T- handle in the middle. To fold the legs and spreader together, you can either lift up on that handle to collapse the 3iSpreader into the tripod as it straightens or kick up at the bottom of the puck and shoulder the sticks as they fold up. Either way, the 3iSpreader stays attached to the tripod and travels inside the sticks in a shipping tube or hanging on a cart.

The 3iSpreaders usually go on during prep and ( with the exception of maintenance ) stay on until wrap.

IS THE CENTER PUCK STRONG ?

The center puck assembly is CNC milled out of a solid billet of 6061 aluminum and will take the weight of most 24 volt block batteries ( up to 35-40 lbs or 15.9 - 18 kg. ) The recessed handle provides a level surface for any battery ( which then acts as a free sandbag ) and keeps it above ground as well ( above ice, snow, mud or water )

HOW DO I ADJUST THE LENGTH- THE SPREAD - OF THE 3iSPREADER ?

The 3iSpreader can expand from closed at 15 " ( 38 cm ) to fully extended at 28 " ( 71 cm ) by increments of 2 1/2 " (6.5 cm ). There are 5 holes in the inside leg ( it is the smaller, silver sleeve inside the black outer leg ) and to spread the legs, simply pull up on the black plastic button spring pin, slide the inner leg to the desired length ( or number of holes visible ) and let the pin plunger spring into that hole.

It locks in place at a calibrated distance and will not release itself. No more loose wing nuts and mismatched extensions.

CAN I SET THE LEGS TO DIFFERENT LENGTHS ?

The 3iSpreader allows for a mismatched extension for all three legs if needed ( like shooting in a tight corner or around immovable obstructions like fences or concrete walls ). The balance of the tripod must be reset by extending the tripod legs to the appropriate lengths. The 3iSpreader will stay locked at any offset configuration and will remain steady even if extended over an unsupported span ( like between steps or balcony levels ).

CAN I FOLD UP THE LEGS WITH THE SPREADER EXTENDED ?

If the legs of the 3iSpreader are extended to an equal length ( i.e . all three legs set to hole # 4 ) then you can fold up the tripod tight and the 3iSpreader will align itself inside the tripod. You can hang it on a cart or slide it into a shipping tube.

The Standards will fold up with the 3iSpreader fully extended ( 5 holes - max ) The Baby legs can only fold and travel with the 3iSpreader in the fully closed position.

WILL IT WORK UNDERWATER ?

The 3iSpreader has worked extensively in fresh water and in the ocean. It is always positively connected to the tripod and will not come loose. The rubber tips stay in place and help grip on slippery rocks. The strength of the legs - even extended - takes the weight of heavy sandbags very well so no more fumbling in the surf to locate and bag each tripod foot.

IT IS DIFFICULT TO CLEAN AND LUBE ON SET OR ON THE TRUCK ?

The 3iSpreader has 3 sleeved legs ( 6 in total ), 3 pivoting pins in the center puck, one T-handle, 3 T-pins and 3 button spring pins. Everything is 6061 aluminum, brass, stainless steel, rubber, zinc plate or plastic. So … you will need a bucket of soapy water and a hose. Just spray out all of the sand and salt, lather, rinse, repeat and then dry the fully extended legs. The square tube design has generous clearance for sand and debris to filter out quickly.,

Once dry, spray the legs, tight fittings, T-pins and especially the button spring pin with Tri-Flow or Boeshield T-9 and go back to work.

This is the quickest method without disassembly. My crew would follow this routine every night in Puerto Rico, 4 spreaders in 20 minutes. Like doing the dishes.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SERVICE THE SPREADER THOROUGHLY ?

The interval for servicing really depends on the conditions and length of time spent in those conditions. Shooting in a city will be much easier on the 3iSpreader than shooting in the desert or swamp. Either way, the time to break it down completely clean, lubricate and reassemble is only about half an hour.

The 3iSpreader comes apart in about 5 minutes. The six legs ( three inner, three outer ), the center puck and T-handle plus 3 button spring pins all unbolt and you can service each one separately. The bare aluminum can be smoothed with 60 grit sandpaper. The stainless steel button spring pins - the only precision moving parts - can be sprayed heavily or soaked in lube for 5 minutes. Spray lube on all of the bolts as well as the T-bolts . All of the parts can be washed with soap and water and, once totally dry, reassembled.

CAN I REPAIR ANY DAMAGE TO THE LINE-X COATING ?

The 3iSpreader was designed to spend all of it's time working in the dirt. If it were anodized or powder coated , repairing the outer coating would involve sandblasting, an acid bath, masking and an expensive spray paint job. ( that is why tripods usually look so wrecked )

The 3iSpreader is sealed with LINE-X truck bed liner and that same spray - in an aerosol can - is available at any hardware or auto parts store.

Just sand lightly where needed, clean with soap and water ( no lube this time ), dry completely and spray wherever it is needed. You can keep it assembled and just mask the appropriate parts or spray the legs individually when you disassemble the 3iSpreader for service.

Either way, you can maintain the look and durability of the 3iSpreader for pennies and not hundreds of dollars.

HOW DO I FIT A 3iSPREADER ONTO A TRIPOD ?

The best way to attach a 3iSpreader is as follows :

(1) Turn the tripod upside down - spikes pointing up.
(2) Attach the spike to spud adapters to each spike and thread each set screw tighter in sequence until the spud is balanced and locked.
(3) Slide on the rubber tips. They will fit tightly over the ridges so slowly rotate the rubber to seat it snugly. NOTE - If the spud ever feels loose, remove the rubber tip first and directly tighten the spud with a screwdriver. Then replace the tip.
(4) Attach the 3iSpreader with the T-pins into the holes in each flange or 'ear'. Remember to turn the spreader upside down to match the inverted legs. NOTE- The 1/2" hole is in a very rough casting that is often not a precise dimension. If the T-pin ( or 1/2" bolt ) has trouble sliding through that hole, you can open up the gap with a rat tail file or burr it open with a 1/2" drill bit on a screw gun.
(5) Fold the 3iSpreader inside the legs or open them up and start shooting.

DO THE RUBBER TIPS WEAR OUT ?

If you work on concrete and asphalt and slide or drag the legs into position a lot, the rubber tips will get worn. You can rotate the flat spots away from contact with the ground or just replace them as needed. They are a very cost effective expendable - $2.49 for a set of 4 at Lowes or $12.99 for a pack of 40 on Amazon.

When shooting back and forth from exterior to interior, my crew carries two sets of rubber tips - black for outside and white for inside. They cost the same and changing is a matter of pulling 3 tips off, a quick blast of air and 3 clean tips go on. No hassles with locations. No waiting for layout boards or mats. And no scratches indoors.

WHERE IS THE 3iSPREADER MADE ?

The 3iSpreader is manufactured in North Hollywood, California by Matthews Studios Equipment.

HOW MUCH DOES A 3iSPREADER COST ?

The 3iSpreader is available for $1099USD from Matthews Grip. Click here to buy now

WHAT SHOWS HAVE USED THE 3iSPREADER ?

As of 2014, the 3iSpreader is owned and rented by Panavision ( Woodland Hills ) Sim Digital ( USA & Canada ) and PJGaffers ( San Juan Puerto Rico ). They have supported a wide variety of productions such as :

CROSSBONES - NBC Shot in Puerto Rico by Christopher Baffa, it put cameras in the sand and salt for months.

FARGO - FX Network Shot in Alberta, Canada, by Dana Gonzales and Matthew J. Lloyd, it put cameras in the snow and mud for months.

HELL ON WHEELS - AMC Also shot in Alberta, Canada by Marvin V. Rush, Thomas Burstyn and Elliot Davis, it has had cameras in the worst terrain imaginable. Four seasons of rain, wind, dust, dirt and clay-mud.

FALLING SKIES - Dreamworks & TNT Shot in Vancouver and Toronto by Nathaniel Goodman, Christopher Faloona and Glen Winter. Five seasons following survivors of an alien attack through a barren wasteland. Lots of nights … lots of rain … lots of fun.

TEEN BEACH MOVIE and MAKING WAVES Disney Channel Shot in Puerto Rico by Mark Irwin. A teenage surf musical - the original and sequel. These films have been test runs for shooting in extreme sand and surf conditions. Many prototype 3iSpreaders versions. Many lessons learned. Refinements made. Mission accomplished.

KLONDIKE - Discovery Channel Shot in the Rockies by Mike Eley. More snow and freezing locations, this time in the mountains and gold mines.

THE BRIDGE - FX NETWORK Set in Tex-Mex country and shot in Los Angeles by Attila Szalay and David Franco. Inner city, canyons, deserts and the Rio Grande river. Lots of cramped bars and cantinas too.

JURASSIC WORLD - Universal Shot in Kaua'i, Hawaii by John Schwartzman. Months and months in drenching rain forests, muddy fields and rocky cliffs.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - Hallmark Shot in Lebanon, Ohio by Mark Irwin. A classic holiday story set in historic locations with delicate floors. We shot 100 pages in 15 days - no overtime, no location damage.

WELCOME TO SUDDEN DEATH - 2019 An action thriller shot in an arena in Winnipeg. Lots of martial arts and coverage on multiple levels in bleachers and catwalks. .

RESIDENT EVIL WELCOME TO RACOON CITY - 2021 - Shot in Sudbury and Hamilton Ontario in freezing rain, mud and snow.

PREY - 2022 - A prequel to PREDATOR, shot in Alberta on cliffs and mountains as well as in snow fields and rivers.

PUP ACADEMY, SUPER PUPS, SCAREDY CATS, PHANTOM PUPS, MONKEY UP - These are all AirBud shows for Disney and Netflix. Every possible location from riverbeds and mud to beaches and rock cliffs, we shot kids, dogs and VFX everywhere and never had a tripod/spreader problem.

Tim Horton’s, Budweiser, McDonald’s, Home Hardware, Jaguar, TD Bank, Royal Bank of Canada - Dozens of commercials shot in British Columbia with the 3iSpreader.

All of these shows show the utility of the 3iSpreader, whether on a cliff in Alberta, a jungle in Hawaii, the surf in San Juan or a heritage church in Ohio.

Big budget or small - time is money and saving time is cost effective. Working safer and more efficiently is at the core of the 3iSpreader design philosophy.