Get Down Low Dolly Shots with the Humble Monkey Camera Truck
I posted here previously on various “poor man” production techniques to help pull off camera dolly or boom moves on location. The recent popularity of HD video capable DSLR cameras has spurred a fast growing market of toys tools and accessories to adapt the still camera form factor to the film and video production environment.
The Humble Monkey Camera Truck, while perhaps not in the “poor man” category at around $800, definitely exudes a high coolness factor. Designed for use on smooth surfaces, the camera truck should be perfect for extreme low angle dolly moves as well as tabletop product shots, meeting scenes, casino gaming, etc.
The camera truck is constructed of lightweight, durable acrylic and rides smoothly on zero-drag 72mm in-line skate wheels. It’s as easy to operate as a wristwatch and can be carried or shipped anywhere in its compact, rigid case. Better still, there’s no heavy track to lug, lay, and level, no Steadicam to configure or balance, and no additional equipment to rent.
I like to tell clients that are worried about workplace disruption during filming that the crew will “get in, get out … nobody gets hurt”. It looks like the Humble Monkey Camera Truck has potential to earn a permanent place in my standard production arsenal.
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