A technocrane 30 is a piece of filmmaking equipment that has been around for a while. It’s a telescopic camera crane with a dolly. Its name is a misnomer since the crane was conceived by a famous personality, who never actually made a movie. Regardless, it’s a fairly useful piece of equipment.
A telescopic crane can be mounted to the back of a moving vehicle or on a dolly track. This allows for various motions that are impossible with the more traditional jib arm. In addition, a telescopic crane can telescope at different speeds. It has an electronically driven leveling head.
A telescopic camera crane is a must-have for any filmmaker. Its lightweight beam elements allow for camera movement during the shot. It also has a reasonably long reach, which makes it a great choice for tracking a subject in tight quarters. The technology is also much more complicated than it looks, so it’s important to know how to mount and operate it properly. Luckily, some companies are specialized in this type of work. They can rent a techno crane to you for a day, a week, or even a month. They’re pricey but well worth the investment.
The telescopic camera crane was the sexiest technology of its ilk, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s not always easy to obtain. Aside from the usual licensing fees and insurance, you’ll have to pay for the transportation of the equipment, lodging, and wages of the crew who operates the machine. The cost can add up quickly. To avoid unforeseen expenses, it’s best to list all the costs in advance. If you don’t, you could wind up in the cliché pile of the ill-fated. If you can afford it, buy one!
The telescopic crane was not the only technological marvel of its time. Many other gizmos have gone, including the telescopic lens, a gyroscope, and a nifty little video camera. However, the Technocrane is still the champ, and there is no denying that it’s one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on the planet. And the nifty little device merely scratches the surface of what this crane can do.
