ABSTRACT
Remote heads are electronic heads that attach to cranes, dollies, or rigs. They are fast becoming preferred over having a person riding a crane and operating the camera. They have control wheels, a joystick, or even a fluid-type head with sensors on it to operate the remotely controlled head. They are sometimes located up to 100 feet from the operator. On a set, I am often asked what remote heads I want to use because the production personnel want to place an order to hold a particular piece of equipment. I give them my standard answer: “I’ll tell you as soon as I talk to the DP and find out what camera they are using and how high a crane or jib is supposed to be.” The weight of each camera is usually not the main factor but is one of several factors. Another factor is the length (or how high the camera is supposed to go). The longer the arm of a crane, the less weight can be put on the receiving end. You have to know the weight of the remote head and the weight of the camera. Always use your worst-case scenario (e.g., the heaviest the remote might be rigged with extensions; the heaviest the camera will be with a zoom and the largest _Im magazine). Plan for the worst and then design for the best.
