Remember the scene in Jurassic Park where the cow is hoisted into the Raptor Pen? Or the shot of Eric Draven crawling out from his grave in The Crow? Both shots were achieved with a jib—the first is known as a crane down, look up; the second a crane up.
Essentially, DP’s use jibs to add a dramatic effect to a shot. They are incredible tools that can help convey a wide range of expressions and emotions to your audience. Moving Picture Rental carries the Kessler Pocket Jib Pro, and your next shoot shouldn’t be without it.
What’s a Jib?
In cinematography, jibs are boom devices that have a camera on one end and a counterweight and controls on the other. They operate just like a see-saw except the balance point is located close to the counterweight so the camera can move through an extended arc.
DPs use them for everything from adding vertical motion to an otherwise static establishing shot to moving up and away to intensify the action.
The Kessler Pocket Jib Pro
It’s the most compact, portable jib you can rent. And not only is the Kessler Pocket Jib Pro fully collapsible for easy transport, but you can also mount it to a dolly, turning it into an all-in-one production tool. It has 80 inches of reach and weighs just under 27 pounds.
Shooting with a RED, ALEXA, or other larger camera? Designed for greater weight capacity, the Pocket Jib Pro can handle up to 50 pounds in any length configuration.
One issue with jibs has always been their “wobbliness”. However, the Kessler Pocket Jib Pro’s drag control provides increased restraint so you can obtain the smoothest possible shots.
Using a Jib
There’s something magical about seeing a shot’s perspective change as you move a camera through space. Finding new ways to add movement to your shots will make your productions more visually and emotionally engaging. Here are some other good shots to try:
- Use foreground elements to accentuate the camera motion. Simply add a desk or chair to the shot or have a person walk through frame.
- Put a tripod head on the jib. That way you can pan or tilt the camera while making your camera move instantly giving you more framing options.
- Discover unlimited camera placements. Whether you want to shoot from high looking down or get a low-to-the-ground shot, a jib is a way to easily do it.
Add a Pocket Jib to Your Kit
Production value is everything! The extremely affordable Kessler line of jibs, CineSliders, and pocket dollies make finding extraordinary angles and achieving breathtaking shots worth the investment.
MPR offers the Kessler Pocket Jib Pro for rental in our South Florida location. The system comes with the K-Pod legs and a 100mm swivel mount. Contact us today to learn more or to reserve the Kessler Pocket Jib for your next South Florida shoot!
About The Author
David Wells - Moving Picture President
David Wells is the President of Moving Picture Rental, where he has the privilege of wearing many hats -- Producer, Director, Cameraman, and Technologist. An entrepreneur at heart, Wells injects creativity and innovation into every role and helps guide producers and filmmakers with their projects. Call David Wells and his team, and they’ll show you how to make your production an outstanding one.
