Overview of the role
Reporting to the crane grip or key grip, the crane or remote head technician in high-end TV and scripted film is responsible for rigging and derigging camera cranes and remote heads, positioning cranes and providing power and cabling for their operation. They also assist in laying any required crane track and mounting camera packages to any remote heads. During shooting, they are required to make sure cranes and remote heads remain in good working order and may also be required to assist by tracking the camera crane. They are also responsible for supplying crane paperwork and safety certificates.
Qualification guidance: the health and safety implications and dangers associated with grip equipment, means preference should be given to crane technicians with a Level 2 Crane Technician Diploma in Professional Competence.
Download the PDF version of this skills checklist.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities on a particular production will vary depending on the scale and budget band.
- Transport cranes to and from set
- Supply all relevant paperwork and safety certificates for cranes
- Liaise with the crane grip or key grip about crane tolerances
- Oversee the safe unloading and loading of cranes and associated equipment
- Operate moveable crane bases when required to position cranes
- Check that cranes and heads are in good working order
- Decide on the most suitable power supply for the time and location
- Oversee all the cable rigging to crane arms, remote heads and cameras
- Maintain cranes and heads throughout the shooting day
- Use floor-type, frames and boards that will support the weight of tracks, equipment and people
- Lay track that will allow silent tracking, even when the incline is steep
- Lay track that is stable, providing additional support over gaps or overhangs and vertical lifts when required
- Fit any required track end stops, safety stops or braking devices
- Secure track so it is safe
- Lay track in ways that prevents people accidentally tripping and so that it is safe from damage from falling objects or moving vehicles
- Check that there are no cables or nearby items that will restrict dolly or crane movement or cause danger
- Inform others when aspects of locations are unsuitable or hazardous to the use of camera cranes and jib arms
- Check that supporting surfaces, other mounting and track types will support combined weights of crane, camera equipment and camera operators and that crane manufacturers’ safe working loads are being met
- Check that hydraulics and pressure safety devices are working, non-solid tyres have the appropriate pressure, cables are secure and safe from damage, and all locking devices are in place and working
- Secure cranes before people get on or off and to prevent anything that might damage them or make them unsafe
- Arrange for power supply and earth bonding
- Operate cranes to demonstrate that they are safe for full travel and intended reach, free of obstructions, and that cables are of adequate length
- Provide environmental protection for cranes and operators
- Check that weights of heads plus other weights to be loaded on mounts are within manufacturers’ weight parameters
- Mount and secure remotely controlled heads, using specified interfaces
- Fix and secure special earth bonds
- Secure cables so they allow full movement of heads and systems but cannot cause damage to mounts or other equipment
- Install required environmental protection
- Check rigged heads and systems to make sure there is full movement in all required axis
- Check that fitted equipment and accessories will remain secure, that safety certificates are valid and that wind speeds are within crane or jib arm’s operational limits
- Identify and report moves which are outside the capabilities of equipment or restricted by the people available, suggesting viable alternatives when appropriate
- Make sure there is good visibility of both ends of cranes or jib arms and they are a safe distance from high voltage cables, people and other obstructions
- Give clear notification of crane or jib arm’s intended routes before moving them
- Move cranes or jib arms in a smooth motion, timing movement to fit shot requirements
- Make sure cranes or jib arms are secured before any people are allowed to get on or off, coordinating this with any other operators
- Partially derig any aspects of crane equipment that requires it
- Cover any parts of rigs that require it
- Secure cranes
- Advise others about any special security requirements
- Dismantle equipment in the correct order
- Clean and check equipment, reporting any loss or damage
- Store any tools or consumables
- Complete any required paperwork
- Pack equipment and oversee loading for return to suppliers / facilities houses
- Double-check work area and location for equipment when derigging complete
- Carry out and document risk assessments when required, bringing them to the key grip’s attention
- Ensure familiarity with latest versions of risk assessment method statements (RAMS)
- Work in line with industry-recognised and production-specific health and safety requirements, including when working at height or when equipment is near overhead lines or power cables
- Identify, mitigate and report any close calls, accidents or breaches to health and safety, rectifying issues to prevent reoccurrence when applicable
- Secure rigs when not in use
- Give clear notification about areas near equipment which people should not access
- Dress appropriately and use required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Keep facilities and workstation clean and tidy
- Follow policies and report any bullying, harassment or mental health issues
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of crate / remote head technician.
- Operating and maintaining cranes and / or remote heads
- Rigging, operating and derigging crane equipment
- Lifting and manually handling heavy kit
- Communication: liaising with other departments about requirements and the implications of grip work on them. Liaising with suppliers about grip equipment
- Team-working: working with colleagues to meet production requirements, offering and accepting support from colleagues without conflict
- Problem-solving: thinking creatively and logically to identify appropriate approaches to solve technical issues
- Securing work: collating proof of competency and experience, establishing and negotiating rate, and clarifying and approving deal memo and contract
- Organisation: keeping timesheets, preparing and submitting invoices and keeping records of income, expenditure, cash flow, insurance and tax
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production and increase their skills for the future
- Productivity: works with a high level of concentration and attention to detail, organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, follows set etiquette and displays expected behaviours and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and respond to changing priorities and working requirements as required, while at all times maintaining high standards in a constantly changing production environment