Direct overhead shot???

Rick Meyer

Rick Meyer

Veteran
I would like to get a shot DIRECTLY overhead of a ballet dancer, however, I do not have a crane. Does anyone have any ideas for a set-up for this? Is there some sort of C Stand type rig that will allow me to suspend the camera directly over the head of the dancer?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Rick
 
If its just this one shot, and its kinda ghetto but maybe you could just use (A LOT) gaff tape to attach the camera to the gobo arm? *Have some kind of safety chain on there to so the camera doesn't knock her out.*Not the best, but I don't see the sense of buying something that you'll only use once. Also, is there a catwalk above the stage you're using? That might work too.
-Ryan
 
Its easy enough to mount the camera to a baby plate (could even add a dove tail to it) and it isn't expensive at all. When compared to a broken camera or litigation from smacking a ballet dancer on the head it could be a real bargin. You might even find another use for it in the future?

http://store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/6banaonpl5di.html

PS The safety chain is a good idea for this or anything that is above your talent (lights, etc). Better safe than sorry.
 
make sure you have a production monitor hooked up... obvious I know.
I taped my DVX to a big stick, and it took forever to get the shot without using a monitor
 
Thanks guys. You are giving me some really good suggestions. I am going to look into the baby plate idea, as well as the ladder/wood suggestion. Chances are, this shot is going to have to wait (I was going to try to bang it out next Friday) until I work out all of the kinks.
 
I've done this shot many times using wall spreaders and attaching the camera to a 2x4, of course runnng plenty of video cable and using a wide angle, and it helps to have high ceilings.

I've also attached it to ceiling beams when they were available.

The cheapest was is to tape or strap the camera to a long 2x4 that you cantelever out over a step ladder with sand bags drapped over the short end for counterweight.

of course, you use your remote to operate the DVX

If you can afford to rent a pan and tilt head like the Vista, it will make some really cool shots.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top