Taking Risks to Push Boundaries: Why We Bought an Arm Car

by Craig Brooks

At Kontent Partners, we believe that staying fresh means staying uncomfortable. Complacency is the enemy of creativity, and we actively seek ways to challenge ourselves—whether that’s in how we tell stories or the tools we use to tell them. By embracing risk, trusting our instincts, and staying open to learning, we’ve built a reputation for solving problems in ways others might overlook.

Eight years ago, that mindset led us to a decision that changed how we approached production forever: we bought an arm car.

In early 2017, we took a calculated risk and invested in one of the first arm-mounted camera car systems available. At the time, it was an unproven tool, with a hefty overall investment into the six-figure range with no guarantees. It was a gamble—one that came with plenty of late nights, rethinking logistics, and collaborating directly with the system’s creators to iron out its flaws. But it was also an opportunity to force ourselves to think differently about production. That gamble paid off.

Financially, the arm car has delivered more than a 4X return on our investment. But its true value goes far beyond numbers.

It has reshaped the way we work, opened doors to new clients and collaborations, and became a beacon for bold, innovative storytelling. Also, seeing an arm car in action is a marketing tool in itself—it sparks curiosity, invites conversation, and makes people wonder, “Who’s behind that shot?” The arm car forced us to evolve, not just as technicians but as creative problem-solvers.

Think this is only for cars? We’ve used the arm to film skateboarders, runners (Brooks Running commercials), and as a mobile jib arm for a wide variety of still photo shoots.

Today, we have multiple arm systems and vehicles in our arsenal, and every one of them represents a commitment to thinking differently, trying new things, and pushing boundaries. By taking this leap, we’ve collaborated with incredible people and companies we might never have encountered, joined projects we never imagined, and learned from some of the most experienced minds in the industry. This journey has enriched our production world and opened up a niche part of the industry that continues to excite and evolve us. None of this would’ve happened if we’d played it safe.

Here’s the takeaway: when you feel like everything is becoming routine, do something that forces you to break out of the cycle. Take the leap. It might feel uncomfortable, but discomfort drives growth.