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Camera Operations
Use of A-Frame Loads and Lowloaders

The A-Frame
An A-Frame is so called because of the shape of the rig bars connecting the vehicle being filmed to a tow vehicle (usually with a rear fitted camera platform).
 
This operation should only be carried out by experienced, trained personnel (normally from a dedicated action vehicle company). Together with the production Grip, they will ensure those travelling on the towing vehicle are safely harnessed where necessary and equipment is secured.
 
A production vehicle should lead the towing vehicle, and if possible another following the towed 'action' vehicle. This will help buffer the unit against other road users and reduce the effects of heavy braking or having to swerve.
 
Those in charge of the A-Frame operation must supply a specific risk assessment for the activity.
 
The police should be informed of its intended use and may insist on their presence in certain public areas (paid for by production).
 
Advantages:
  • Automatic steering and control of the towed vehicle. No input from occupants required.
  • Specially made motorbike or even horse riding rig is available from some companies.
  • Double A frame available for two towed cars to be interacting together.  Fully controlled road use only. (See pic)
 
 
Double Loader
  • Ability to light the occupants (so long as this does not provide glare to other road users).
  • A variety of shots from the rear of the towing vehicle not possible from a lead tracking vehicle.
  • Use of a bonnet mounted camera on towed vehicle as driver vision not required.
  • Ability to light the occupants, but only from within action vehicle (so long as this does not provide glare to other road users).
  • A standard overall vehicle width.
 
Disadvantages:
  • Poor turning circle and long. Route will need careful pre-planning.
  • Must avoid severe speed humps.
  • Cannot use camera door mounts on a public road as protrusions are dangerous to other road users and pedestrians.
  • Operator cannot be anywhere but on the rear of tow vehicle or within towed vehicle.
 
 
    
 
The Low Loader
A Lowloader is a large, and extremely low flatbed trailer which is towed by a dedicated tow vehicle with rear camera platforms. It is low to create the illusion that the action vehicle it's carrying is actually travelling on the road.
 
This operation should only be carried out by experienced, trained personnel (normally from a dedicated action vehicle company) who together with the production Grip will ensure those travelling on the towing vehicle (and/or on the lowloader itself) are safely harnessed where necessary, and equipment is secured.
 
A production vehicle should lead the Lowloader and if possible another behind it. This will effectively buffer the unit against other road users to reduce effects of heavy braking or having to swerve.
 
Those in charge of the Lowloader operation must supply a specific risk assessment for the activity.
 
The police must be informed of its intended use and may insist on their presence in certain public areas (paid for by production).
 
Advantages:
  • Multiple choice of safe camera position. Correctly harnessed* camera operator can even stand alongside action vehicle on the lowloader platform. 
  • No control input needed from occupants of action vehicle.
  • Ability to light the occupants from outside or within action vehicle (so long as no glare to other road users)
  • Ability to safely 'tent' above action vehicle windscreen to reduce reflections.

*Double short tether recommended.

 
Disadvantages:
  • Very poor turning circle. Routes (ideally with suitable roundabouts each end) must be pre-planned to avoid unsafe maneuvering.
  • Must avoid speed humps. It will easily ground out and get stuck.
  • Increased width.  If the lowloader with extension platform exceeds 2.55m on a public road, then a police escort is advisable - if not mandatory in some areas.