Crane Shot

Introduction

In filmmaking and video production, a crane shot is a shot taken by a camera on a moving crane. Most cranes accommodate both the camera and an operator, but some can be moved by remote control. Camera cranes go back to the dawn of movie-making, and were frequently used in silent films to enhance the epic nature of large sets and massive crowds. Another use is to move up and away from the actors, a common way of ending a movie. Crane shots are often found in what are supposed to be emotional or suspenseful scenes. One example of this technique is the shots taken by remote cranes in the car-chase sequence of the 1985 film To Live and Die in L.A.. Some filmmakers place the camera on a boom arm simply to make it easier to move around between ordinary set-ups.

Crane Shots in Film: Raising the Bar

When most people think of cranes, they think of construction sites and heavy lifting. In the world of film and television, cranes are still responsible for heavy lifting. But they do so in a thematic sense, often during emotional or suspenseful scenes. Instead of lifting telecommunication tower components or transit infrastructure into place, cranes make cinematic camera movements possible in film.

From the silent film era until rather recently, crane shots were only possible in high budget film productions. The cost of renting a crane prevented smaller productions from incorporating these types of camera movements in their works. But technological advances have made crane rental rates in Chicago more affordable. As a result, crane shots have become more common in today’s film industry.

Why Is a Crane Shot Used in Film?

Like any camera technique, crane shots are used in film for a variety of reasons. Pragmatically, crane shots provide a bird’s eye view of a scene. But film directors have found a multitude of ways to tie these technical shots into the thematic elements of films.

Establishing shots are one of the most common ways to make use of a crane on a film set. They’re used to show the audience where the upcoming scene will take place. Using a crane for these shots allows filmmakers to capture large sets, massive crowds, and dramatic landscapes.

Crane shots can also be used as a way of increasing the drama in pivotal scenes. These shots often start tightly framed on the characters. Once the key moment unfolds, the crane pulls out and lifts the audience high above the action. Doing so can demonstrate a character’s isolation, surrounded by wilderness in every direction or show the aftermath of battle or explosion.

Pulling back from the characters in the final scene is another common reason to use crane shots in film. This technique transitions viewers out of the film world and it allows the characters to “live happily ever after” or “ride into the sunset.”

Guidelines for Using Camera Cranes

. Each camera crane should be accompanied by an assembly usage manual supplied by the manufacturer vendor. The manual should clearly show assembly instructions, maximum payload and maximum gross weight in all configurations, safety precautions and maintenance procedures. Where different, manufacturer’s or vendor’s instructions shall supersede this Safety Bulletin.

. Only trained camera crane persons in the safe use of camera cranes should assemble and operate these devices.

. When used, camera cranes should be inspected daily by qualified camera crane personnel (e.g., key grip, camera crane/dolly grip, vendor’s representative or other qualified personnel as determined by the Producer), following an inspection protocol supplied by the manufacturer or vendor. If components are missing, damaged or improperly fitted, the equipment should be removed from service. Missing or damaged components are to be replaced or repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures prior to the equipment being returned to service.

. The camera crane base should be on a flat and level surface, platform or track system capable of supporting the intended load. The weight of all personnel, equipment and the camera crane should be taken into consideration.

. The payload on the boom arm should not exceed that which can be balanced by the counterweight system supplied with the equipment. Additional counterbalance weight that is above and beyond that specified by the vendor should not be used. The manufacturer should be consulted regarding all extension configurations that are not explicitly specified in the operating manual.