A Step-by-step Guide in Using Crane Cams
The use of crane cams in productions gives you tremendous advantages. There are different kinds of booms and cranes utilized in big productions of Hollywood films. In these cases, the camera operator is able to ride on the bottom of the arm. This type of crane is very costly but you must know that there are other smaller types of crane.
Crane cams like DV cameras can be operated by independent filmmakers, regular videographers or even those who use it as a hobby. This kind of camera jib is normally comprised of an 8 – 12’ long arm. This can also be mounted to an average tripod. The DV camera is place on top of a bracket at the bottom of the arm. It is tilted using the flat bar system or the pulley based system.
Tilting is done through simply moving the tripod head or twisting a hand crack. If an LCD monitor is used to display the image, operating the tripod head for this purpose could potentially cause problems. If the video camera happens to be distant from the LCD monitor, then the set up can be very effective.
The time it takes to familiarize one self with the dynamics of any camera crane does not even take that long. The motions needed to be executed are quite simple. But first off, you must familiarize yourself with several of the basic shots.
When the camera is positioned up from a near ground location, the shot being executed is called a tilting shot. Afterwards, as the body of the camera crane is elevated, the camera follows suit by tilting downward. While doing this, it is still able to keep the same point of center.
The same shot can also be achieved by beginning high and ending low. The next shot to be expounded is one which is termed as the wide panning shot.
In this shot, the camera maintains level whilst the body of the camera crane lunges from one side and dives to another. Using a steady arm, the said shots can also be merged to create amazing results. What’s better, you can also create shots when filmed in union with a fine dolly. In total, there are four types of movement. Just continue practicing with the motions and in no time, you will soon get the hang of it.
To capture the most alluring crane shots, do not just settle for any background or setting. There are dynamic locations where objects and people in motion make up for highly interesting shots. You can also try using parallel lines to your benefit. One captivating shot in mind is one which involves shooting tiled floors indoors.
Arrange it in a way that lines run from the peak to the screen’s bottom. Begin with the camera low to the floor so that tiles seem to converge distantly. Then raise the camera unhurriedly and you will notice the dramatic change in perspective. You can also try positioning various actors and objects at different depths and experiment with different crane motions.
