Camera Vehicle Modding
From Mod Mania
Camera vehicle rigging / DIY modding
As a common mod in society’s community of entertainment and reoccurring themes in television, films, media and social context, I based my research on modifications of motor vehicles that have the need to adapt for media culture and entertainment purposes. Specifically in vehicle alterations and mods with added and fixed electrical camera equipment to achieve many of the most impossible and unseen views in media, or in this so called “million dollar shots”.
As a starting point, my search began delving into some early references of vehicle camera mods from past television ads, movies and documentaries. This technique is actually quite a new and innovative method in camera efforts for the 21st century. It has only been introduced in the last couple of decades through improvements in technology, automobile custom modifications and larger budget projects.
With higher paid projects ever growing nowadays, these mods are heavily becoming quite modern due to the needs for more big box office films and promotional TV ads. And because of this, different versions and types of vehicles are now being adapted to suit the different environmental landscapes of various shooting sequences. While other smaller companies build and construct their own rigging and equipment to be sold for public use. As a pinnacle manufacturer and division of these such professions, Pursuit Systems Inc. and Shelly Ward Enterprises Inc. are two companies responsible for the equipment, rigging and camera fastening on specialised vehicles modified specifically for the purpose of stunt and/or action sequence filming. Located in North Hollywood, California, the R1 Carbon Arm, as an example, is designed and manufactured here, one of the most common crane arm camera attachments seen on chase cars today.
Easily one of the most widespread used models of camera-car for films is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML 55 that is fitted with the pursuit crane or Ultimate arm. This crane is capable of rotating 360° on a central axis mounted to the vehicle’s roof. Since been tested to exceed 100mph, 130°F and has even proved to accomplish rainy conditions. There is usually a driver, (possibly a director) and two camera operators in the back seats, one for the camera and the other who controls the crane.
Of course the ML 55 was one of the earliest adapted vehicles, mostly used on just roads and streets. In the last decade numerous adaptations of other common vehicles are now being put to the test. Latest adjusted cars now include off road camera vehicles such as the M1 Buggy, which delivers 500 horse power to go speeds of 100mph up the toughest inclines. Capable of seating four people, equipment can be fixed either to the front, back or top of the cart.
For the personal film-maker, almost any car would be adequate for the job of camera rigging mods, because they have no need for the vehicle to be put into extremely dangerous filming situations.
When certain shooting locations prove to be quite narrow and constricted, some smaller and faster motor vehicles would most likely be utilised. These include a supercharged 2007 Mini Cooper S, a 500 horse powered 2007 Mitsubishi Evo, the specially modified 450 horse powered Porsche Turbo Cayenne, a Bi camera bike and a series of small Ekarts and GKarts. For the home user, camera-fitted motorcycles or camera rigging equipment can prove very handy in tight squeezes such as through laneways and alleys. Such films as The Dark Knight, Transformers and Ghost Rider have successfully brought this method into play, trying to achieve a shot where the audience feels they’re riding the bikes too. DIY film-makers would mostly attach their camcorders to the front or rear of their motorcycles for head-on views.
To really get the audience feel as if they are crashing into possibly other cars and taking direct hits while watching TV or a film, the popular demolition car is quite often used. In most cases, this is a modified pickup truck fitted with a large roll cage around the entire vehicle that is designed to crash into objects. Anywhere from two to four cameras will be secured to the front of the cage whilst the driver must be a highly experienced and protected individual.
For high speed racing sequences needed to be shot using unique camera angles and perspectives the Evo is a perfect item for the job. Based on the four-time World Rally Championship car, it distributes 400 horse power with an all-wheel drive for race-style scenes. When the need for speed arrives, the Evo will deliver with its nimble and manoeuvrable ability. Popularly used in The Fast & the Furious films for their fast and dangerous stunt work and Death Race.
Whilst Pursuit Systems Inc. focuses more on the big budget productions, several smaller companies break themselves down into manufacturers for communities and groups that fabricate personal and DIY camera mounts and rigging. One of San Diego’s leading and award-winning video production companies, Softweigh Multimedia specialises in corporate video production services from amateur movie-making equipment to rigging and camera mounting utensils. Softweigh’s online presence allows for forums on DIY productions, equipment, tutorials and editing.
Sticky Pod Camera Mounts is another community company located online that use their trademark method of attachment called sticky pods to fasten cameras to anything from cars and bikes to boats and aircraft. Sticky Pod develop and retail the vehicle riggings for inexpensive prices. They supply the attachment for your vehicle and you supply the camera.
Naturally, safety is the highest priority on any shooting set and it is crucial that every measure is taken to ensure a 100% safety record. As result, all camera-fitted cars and karts in most high-produced productions will be stripped down prior to shooting, so that roll cages and braces are installed, in case any type of accident were to occur. In this case, helmets and padded suits are almost a mandatory item for drivers and camera operators. All these types of modifications have greatly improved the essence and visual appearance of media marketing. Why people go to extreme measures to adapt what has already been done before, and to either make use of or defy what cannot be done changes our views and perceptions on media and broadcastings. This is the reason for filmmakers and documentaries’ passion to extend the boundaries and limitations of cinema and television. All these machines are helping improve our visualisation of the media culture giving us a sense of pleasure and enjoyment. As the technological age continues to grow, it is clear in the future how these devices will carry on advancing in technology to find out even further ways to shoot the same shot in more possible methods imaginable.
References
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_crane
- http://www.pursuitsystems.com/
- http://jalopnik.com/5159952/the-tech-behind-movie-car-chases?autoplay=true
- http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/product-compint-0000963298-page.html
