Hostess tray for about $10

TravisT

TravisT

Member
I recently wrapped on a DVX short called 'Junior' as key grip. The gaffer and I fashioned a hostess tray made from scrap wood, shelf brackets, duvetine, rachet strap, rope, bungees and gaff tape. I know it sounds like a good way to say goodbye to your DVX but I was astonished at how well it worked. I've included a link to a photo of the rig (note: the camera was not yet completely fastened):

http://www.walkinthepark.net/gallery/juniorprod/DSCN0919

We pushed this up to about 60mph without a shake or woble. I was pleased with our work on the rig but what really impressed me was that the footage was rock-solid over road bumps, curbs and speed bumps. I'm not saying that we went crazy with this by any means, we weren't shooting chase scenes, but what we (very cautiously) attemped turned out flawless. It took us about an hour-and-a-half to devise and rig but we got to the point that we could move it from window to window in just over fifteen minutes.

Now I'm almost cerain a setup like this would void your innsurance but with the propper precautions taken it could be well worth it. I think the going rate to rent a hostess tray is about $40 a day. We built this completely with stuff that was already on set.

I hope this is helpful for anyone trying to shoot on a budget and get all the shots they are going for. If you choose to shoot something like this definetly use some sort of safety cable. In the case that the rig should fail you don't want your camera slamming into the road and causing an accident. Good luck.
 
I'm glad it worked, and that the camera is safe. It deffinately would make me worry. Congrats.

BTW- what happend to that guy who got hit in the face?
 
Here's another way to build one too.

We used a bike rack as a basis for our "hostess" try that we mounted a hi-hat and an Eclair NPR 16mm. The whole rig was front mounted to a 60's VW bus to shoot a road flick that travelled cross country from Austin, TX to LA. CA. I was the DP but I definitely didn't sign off on the rig that the producers created. But it ended up being rock steady.

Here's a pic from one of the actor's website ... there's also some productions pix for those interested in some low budget behind the scenes film stuff when I shot film in the 90's.

http://www.paulconrad.com/SomePlaceNew/spn-wyattreadiesstrapon.htm

we called it the "strap-on" -- I

My first feature film -- and it's a road film in the middle of summer, driving through the SW --- what can I say ?? I was in my 20's at the time and didn't know better. But it definitely was the time of my life. It was a beautiful picture.

I would have to say though that this rig could definitely hold a dvx sized cam for sure though.
 
what do you suggest?
we are trying to build a rig to mount on the hood (to get the front shot of driver an copilot)
and on the side as wheel side low shot (we have a protective hood /filter for the lens
but we need an steady safe mount ( we have little budget)
what do u suggest? thank you
 
vicente velasco said:
what do you suggest?
we are trying to build a rig to mount on the hood (to get the front shot of driver an copilot)
and on the side as wheel side low shot (we have a protective hood /filter for the lens
but we need an steady safe mount ( we have little budget)
what do u suggest? thank you
Click to expand...

It all depends on what you have available, there's dozens of ways to do it. I would imagine it would be more challenging to do what you're talking about than what we did. Remember that fashioning your own rig probably voids any insurance you have and always build with the camera and other peoples protection as top priority.
 
We made a really shitty version of a tray, it was a specialized guitar stand that gripped the bottom of the guitar with hooks, it hung perfectly on the drivers side door of the jeep grand cherokee. We drilled a few holes and used some rubber pieces to boost the tilt to make it (somewhat) level, and fastened the camera on through a fastened screw in the center of the wood plank. We also used straps that connected from the guitar holder, all the way around the car door, and to the wood plank.......it was kinda crappy, but it worked for the 25mph we needed to go.

I still don't know what asshole took it.....I built majority of the damn thing, still preety pissed about that....if I ever build another one ill post it

-Matt-
 
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