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Take a look around and if you think I'm right for your next project (or just want to grab a coffee) please get in touch!
Camera cranes have always fascinated me. The shots achieved from a skilled operator always impress and to this day they are used in endless productions across the globe.
First off, what is a camera crane. A camera crane used to be just that, a crane with a camera in and usually the camera operator too. With counterweights on the other end, they could move the crane, and therefore the camera, to wherever they want within the arc of the crane’s length. This allows smooth shots to be achieved while moving vertically and horizontally and panning 360 degrees.
Jibs can achieve a similar shots but are generally the camera cranes smaller relative. This allows more flexibility in where they can be positioned and the movement they can achieve. Rather than a camera operator being on the end they are now replaced with lightweight remote heads where the camera sits and the operator now stands at the pivot point or by the rear weights and instead operates everything from there.
In 2020 I upgraded from my Hague K-12 jib to a Polecam system. While technically not a jib the style and operation are similar. The Polecam is a unique carbon-fibre pole system which is rugged and lightweight. It allows me to create a modular system perfectly suited to the shooting space as it can be easily built from 1.2m to 6m in 1.2m increments. This is over 4x the K-12’s reach and 2x the height bringing new possibilities to jib shots. We are now talking as high as a two-storey house. It sits on a specialist tripod and can also be moved easily on level flooring due to its small footprint. The rear counterweight arm only protrudes 1m to the rear allowing it to fit into smaller spaces than larger conventional jibs could.
I’ve always been using jibs in my own work as they often add a higher level of production value to any video content or project. As many colleagues and clients have had a go under controlled and safe environments it seems the artform is either ‘you can either do it or you can’t’. It’s about hand-eye coordination and being able to move the remote head the opposing direction to the jib but at the correct speeds to perform an effective jib shot.
I’ve been operating them for so many years that it’s now muscle memory which allows me to concentrate on the shot and the safety when operating.
Jib’s have not changed much over the years other than the cameras you put on the end so it’s a great industry to be part of. There aren’t many of us around either. Most of all, you just can’t beat a jib shot. They look great, the real stand out shots of live events, adverts or branded content.
Why not use a Drone instead?
I’ve always been using jibs in my own work as they often add a higher level of production value to any video content or project. As many colleagues and clients have had a go under controlled and safe environments it seems the artform is either ‘you can either do it or you can’t’. It’s about hand-eye coordination and being able to move the remote head the opposing direction to the jib but at the correct speeds to perform an effective jib shot.
I’ve been operating them for so many years that it’s now muscle memory which allows me to concentrate on the shot and the safety when operating.
Jib’s have not changed much over the years other than the cameras you put on the end so it’s a great industry to be part of. There aren’t many of us around either. Most of all, you just can’t beat a jib shot. They look great, the real stand out shots of live events, adverts or branded content.
Is the Polecam safe?
Like any shoot, there are always safety aspects to take into consideration and they are of great importance to me. I issue a comprehensive risk assessment and method statement with every Poelcam job I do so that any concerns can be highlighted before the job takes place. I will not take on any job where I feel there is not adequate space for safe operation of the Polecam and will flag up any concerns I may have during early conversations.
The system itself has been developed with safety as key and a visual inspection is given on every job before operation. I also bring a case of spares on hand in case anything is not fit for purpose or goes down during filming.
How much space does the Polecam need?
This is always a key question. I often ask for 2.5m x 2.5m of space for safe operation. Sometimes it can be operated in less but under no circumstances can there be members of the public around the operating area, especially the rear weights.
Whilst its slim design is very flexible and discreet it will still have over 30kgs of weight on the end. On request I can provide safety barriers for the rear end for no additional cost.
What cameras can go on the end?
The Polecam is currently rigged to be operated with a Sony FX6 and is included in the price.
It can also fly my stripped down RED Gemini (up-to 5m length) with certain prime lenses or your own camera of choice however the whole rig needs to remain under 2kg (6m), 3kg (5m), 4kg (4m).
Is it really smooth and what remote head do you use?
Yes it really is. I use a specially adapted Ronin gimbal head that is controlled using a full-sized joystick at the operator end.
Take a look around and if you think I'm right for your next project (or just want to grab a coffee) please get in touch!