Getting ready to film Kerry McLean and his patented Monocycle. Cinematographer Ian Bloom and 1st AC Camilla Fosci work in the background.
I love a compact rig. About two weeks ago I had to mount the camera to a cart for a Japanese Samsung ad. The clients wanted to get various shots of Kerry McLean's patented Monocycle on the road.
Because of the nature of the shoot and lack of a camera car I wanted to rig the camera to a 4x4 Kawasaki Mule. We couldn’t get one in time so I used a Deere HPX 4x4 instead which works just fine but is a bit slower. These carts have great rigging points on the chassis and the top frame accommodates speed-rail fittings nicely. Working from the top down the cart was rigged so we could shoot out the front, side and back. This allowed for quick camera changes so we could film as much as possible.
It’s a cute, efficient rig that works nicely but of course has it’s limitations. For cars moving at high speeds I would go with an Ultimate Arm or crane on a process trailer. And don’t forget that with car rigs, cute or not, safety and precise organization are key.
