Hollyland delivers a cable-free monitoring workflow that keeps delicate, detail-driven filmmaking precise, efficient, and creatively focused.

Meet Julian Curi

Julian Curi is an independent animator and filmmaker based in the United States, specializing in paper-cut puppetry animation. As the sole writer, director, photographer, editor, and animator of his short films, Julian oversees every stage of production himself. He is best known for his short film Gruff, which has gained wide recognition on YouTube for its meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive visual style. Working at the intersection of animation and filmmaking, Julian’s process demands absolute control over framing, timing, and visual detail.

Small Scale, High Precision

Julian’s recent projects included both indie filmmaking and a small commercial shoot, all produced within the tight confines of a home studio. While the scale was modest, the demands were anything but. Paper-cut animation operates at a miniature level, where the smallest adjustment in framing, lighting, or puppet position can dramatically alter the final result. With two people working in close proximity and often performing actions simultaneously, the workflow needed to be efficient, flexible, and interruption-free.

In such a setting, traditional wired monitoring quickly becomes a bottleneck. Cables restrict movement, clutter the workspace, and force creators to repeatedly walk back and forth between the set and a fixed monitor. For a process built on patience and precision, these interruptions break focus and slow creative momentum.

Challenge & Solution

Reducing Physical Barriers on Set
Working in a very small home studio meant every inch of space mattered. Excess cables not only crowded the set but also made it difficult to reposition monitors or adjust framing quickly. By switching to Hollyland’s Pyro 5 and Pyro 7 wireless transmission system, Julian eliminated unnecessary cabling entirely. The monitor could move freely with the action, allowing framing and composition decisions to be made directly on set, in real time, without stopping the workflow.

Maintaining Accuracy During Delicate Performances
On the first day, Julian and his partner used the 4K transmitter with the Pyro 5 to review framing and composition for a self-made commercial advertisement. On the second day, both creators were actively performing actions on a small-scale puppet film while transmitting footage from the Pyro 5 to the larger Pyro 7. This setup allowed continuous visual oversight without either person stepping away from their task. In a medium where timing and hand placement are critical, the ability to monitor accurately while working proved invaluable.
“Precise, accurate, intuitive technology ready for filmmakers of all levels!” Julian noted.

A Wireless Workflow That Supports Creativity
Rather than treating monitoring as a separate technical step, the Pyro system became part of the creative flow. Adjustments could be made instantly, decisions confirmed visually, and progress evaluated without disrupting the rhythm of animation. “I didn’t know how badly I needed Hollyland products till I started using them. They’ve totally leveled up my game!” Julian added. Kristin Curi, who assisted on camera, echoed this experience, highlighting the visual clarity of the system: “Bright, sharp, clean colors that shine on monitors of all sizes.”

A Compact Ecosystem, Fully Connected

With just two people on set, the combination of Pyro 5 and Pyro 7 formed a compact but complete wireless ecosystem. Monitoring, framing, and collaboration stayed fluid, even in a tight indoor environment. Without cables dictating where people or equipment could stand, the team maintained focus on performance and storytelling rather than logistics.
“Excellent brand that’s sure to upgrade any kit it’s a part of,” Kristin summarized.

Takeaways

For Julian Curi’s paper-cut animation and commercial work, Hollyland’s Pyro 5 and Pyro 7 transformed a small home studio into a highly efficient, cable-free production environment. Wireless monitoring removed physical constraints, preserved creative momentum, and supported the extreme precision required by miniature filmmaking. By keeping technology intuitive and unobtrusive, Hollyland allowed the story to remain front and center, one carefully crafted frame at a time.