Pre-Production - Jib Test (08/02/17)

Today myself and a few of the crew had a test with the jib. The last time we had any sort of experience with the jib was in October 2015. Needless to say our minds needed refreshing before we were going to use such a complex piece of kit in our production. The last time we had any contact with the jib was only through a tech-dem, so we lacked any hands on experience with it at all. At the time we documented the necessary steps to set up the jib, which we most likely still have saved somewhere. Despite this we wanted to see if we could do it from memory with as little help as possible. We took the jib parts over to the production design department to set up there. We did so because the studio was unavailable and it was raining outside. This was the nearest place with enough space. Also, another crew were planning to use the production design set in their production and they wanted to use the jib and this helpful for them as it was us. 

It took us around 1 hour to 1 hour and a half to set up the jib entirely then take it down. This took longer than anticipated because of the fact there was a piece missing. We sent two of the crew to the nearest DIY shop to hopefully pick up the part we were missing and thankfully they came back with it. I'm very pleased we chose to test the jib this early. Although we might be a few weeks from shooting, the jib is quite hard to use and requires time and patience. This way we are able to maximise the potential of the jib by seeing it in action. Before today I had an idea of how I wanted to use the jib and why, and now I am refreshed with the size scale of the jib and what it can do. I can now plan my shots around the jib with greater precision. It also means we have a clear idea on how long we should be spending on set with the jib to set it up and take it down again. This will potentially take half an hour to an hour out of our shooting schedule which we'll keep in mind. 

Below are a few shots of myself, the producer and the D.O.P setting up the jib.