2008General Discussion forum
Building and using a slave cam rig for low-budget film production
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A slave cam can be constructed from plywood sheets and wooden beams, with multiple handlers lifting the camera operator and talent to achieve high angle shots.
- A chair bolted to the top of a dolly riser provides a safer and simpler alternative that allows comfortable operation at approximately 12 feet high, with the operator secured by a safety line.
- A ramp can be used as a low-cost alternative when only moderate vertical elevation is needed.
- The plywood and beam construction method requires significant human effort and produces results lasting only 20 to 30 seconds before fatigue sets in.
- Adding a western dolly under a standard dolly improves the ability to operate over uneven terrain.
Depends on
- The wooden beam construction is physically demanding and requires multiple people to operate safely.
- The plywood rig method has limited duration due to handler fatigue.
- The chair-on-dolly method works best for smooth surfaces, though terrain adaptability can be improved with additional equipment.
- The specific dimensions and load capacity would depend on individual construction choices.