Keith Brook

Jimmy Jib TV Crane - Uses

The Jimmy Jib is an extremely versatile piece of camera equipment and it's usually seen in music shoots swinging over audience heads. It can also be used, for example, in a quite different way by providing a whole bunch of different static camera positions. This method gives the production a feeling of having more cameras than is actually the case and also reduces the temptation to overuse the sweeping movements.

It's very effective on interviews, for example, to simply vary the height of the wide shot from submissive floor level up to a dominating high angle.

It's been used very successfully for high angle close ups. Frequently, the tight shot of the frying pan/flower pot/sewing needle is achieved with a remote head clamped to a lighting bar. Unfortunately, if the camera is mounted in the wrong position during rigging, it can't be moved easily and too many shots are wasted. The Jimmy Jib's ability to move to exactly the right position can save time and hours of frustration.

I can help you in situations that would be difficult conventionally. Tracking down the centre of a long, populated table is possible by using tracks at the side. This also means that high, side and over-shoulder shots can be very quickly set up. Attaching the sound boom to the end of the arm also gives the correct stereo image.

The crane can be used where it would be dangerous for a camera operator. Car crashes, gun shots, motor racing, cliffs are a few examples where the camera can go but not the operator. With health and safety paramount in today's modern environment, it can help you visualise shots that would be impossible otherwise.

If it's really dangerous, though, it's your insurance!!