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Common Questions
Camera Operations

Is a 'controlled' public road (possibly locked off by production at each end) virtually the same as a private road?
No. Public roads come under the Road Traffic Act (and other legislation) whether it is locked off or not. Private land does not have the same legal restrictions. However, with permission from the police and local authority, arrangements can be made for special production activities to take place. This may include use of tracking vehicles or stunt etc. Police presence may be required as a condition of this.
 
The Metropolitan Police film unit web site says:
 
"Police do have powers to stop mechanically propelled vehicles on a road under Section 163 Road Traffic Act 1988. There is no legislation in place (at this time) to allow for roads to be closed for filming."
 
Remember: Control of a road will not necessarily account for pedestrians, children, the elderly or animals suddenly appearing from houses unless specific arrangements have been made.
 
 
How do we know a camera 'grip' is qualified for his job?
There are no formal qualifications for grip work, although many will have extra certificated skills (e.g basic rigging,  a use of powered access platforms ticket etc).  The usual route for checks is a combination of previous experience at a similar level of production, personal recommendation and reputation amongst their peers.
 
 
Given their convenience, why aren't jibs used for everything rather than cranes?
Jibs are increasingly used for crane work, but there is a limit to the accuracy and multi-tasking that can be asked of a lone operator, particularly if required to move near to people or objects.They were originally designed to be shorter than the 40ft ones now available. The extra weight and stability of a crane can often provide steady shots even in adverse weather.  Large cranes can travel several times the height a portable jib can achieve.
 
 
What is regarded as high speed when tracking?
Everything is relative. A sports car travelling at 50 mph around Brands Hatch with a tracking vehicle in front would not be regarded as high speed, but the same speed on a busy city road would be recklessly fast. All factors should be taken into account by a person competent and qualified to do so. A thorough risk assessment will identify requirements.
 
 
How small can mini-cams be?
Special covert filming cameras are probably the smallest, have a lens the size of a pinhead and be concealed in a button or eye of a toy. Wires will then connect this to a tiny transmitter or small portable recorder similar in size to a cigarette packet. Technical quality will be compromised, but the larger ones (cigar tube size) can provide remarkably good quality and are improving all the time!
 
 
Do camera operators travelling on the side of a lowloader have to be harnessed even if a safety rail is present
Yes. All reasonable measures to protect your camera operator should be met.  Consider what could happen if the operator slips or the lowloader brakes suddenly or swerves.  A harness of the correct type (perhaps with twin tethers) fitted by a person competent to do so could prevent serious injury.  The presence of lead and trailing vehicles is strongly recommended to provide a 'buffer' against this eventuality.