Well, as many of you may know I am planning on making a movie as I did last year. This year though I am going all out and taking a totally different approach.

Before I even start I want to make sure I have everything I need to make this nothing short of amazing.

I am thinking of getting a video crane, well not thinking I will be. If I cannot afford it (which is my situation right now) the video will be pushed back and filming will continue later blah blah...because I have seen some shots with these things and feel if I am going to do this I should do it right.

Now I do not have the proper camera but it works fine.

Has anyone ever built a video crane themselves? Maybe I could attempt this instead of paying over 400.00 for an 8ft one.

I know a couple people that have built handles for thier cameras to get the super low shots while being comfortable and steady. They mount into the tripod screw. I believe they used standard 1"? pipe with threaded ends and 90 degree elbows and other fittings. Doing something similar to that im sure you could make a sick crane for cheap. Ill see if i can find out more info on how they did it if you want.

I just checked and Peanut used 3/4" sprinkler pipe (plastic) wich is good for hanging and short runs but wouldnt be strong enough for what you are doing. He also said that when he would run or jog along to get a continuous shot the pipe would flex and the camera would bounce. Id say go to Home Depot and see what they have that might work in terms of pipe. Off the top of my head i think the 1" gas piping would be perfect, if you can get the ends threaded. Thats what i thought he used...

^Hmm, interesting John, thanks for the input.

I would just need to figure out a system to mount the cam in a way i could move it seperate from the pipe.

go all over the palce even down to peterborough, they go some sweet places to hit up there