The film and television industry is full of clever camera tricks and techniques that create mind-blowing scenes for viewers to enjoy at home. Although CGI is employed in many big blockbuster films, a lot of shots are still captured using the same camera techniques which have been around for years.
Crane shots are very prevalent in film and video production, and allow filmmakers to capture incredible shots using a camera mounted on a moving crane or jib. For more information about crane shots, how they work and some famous examples of crane shots in film, see our brief guide below.
What are they?
A crane shot is made by using a camera mounted on a platform which is connected to a mechanical crane arm; this allows the camera to move in any direction – up, down, left, right, backwards or forwards. Some larger cranes can accommodate both the camera and operator, but others are moved via remote control.
Crane shots are often used to capture emotional or suspenseful scenes, or as a way to zoom out from the set or characters to signify the end of a film. Crane shots allow for a single, fluid movement, and the height they can achieve creates an omnipresent perspective that can be used to build suspense or show the audience aspects the characters can’t see yet.
The first recorded use of a crane shot is from the 1916 film Intolerance, and they have become increasingly more sophisticated over the years. They played a strong role in the musical films of Busby Berkeley in the 1930s, where crane shots allowed the director to showcase the elaborate sets and dance sequences from all different angles.
Famous crane shots have been used in classic films such as Citizen Kane and Gone With the Wind, and they continue to be used today in modern day films and as a way to effectively shoot concert footage.
Types of crane
Camera cranes come in several different sizes, depending on the load capacity required and the length of the loading arm. The type of crane can also vary, and there are several different models available including track and dolly jib cranes, wall mounted cranes using brackets, mast cranes with 360 degree rotation, and free standing jib cranes which can be moved easily around the set.
As mentioned, some types of camera crane use separate camera and crane operators, whereas smaller versions can be controlled by one operator using a remote control.
If you’re in need of crane hire for your next film project, get in touch with Armquest Industrial Services Ltd. We supply a wide range of cranes to serve all types of industries and projects, from film to construction, scaffolding, events and more. To find out more about our range of cranes and for advice on which would be best for you, give us a call today or visit the website.