David A-Ribeiro Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 I´m in a shoot where I will need to improvise a rig to have a fixed boom stretch out to where the talent is speaking. There is only grip gear at my disposal and I was thinking of using a C-stand (or similary sturdy stand) and a clamp. The boom should ideally be stretched to a minimum 3m long so that there is space between it and the action for cam-op´s to move around freely. My question is: is this realistic without a pole holder to support the boom at two different points? The laws of physics tell me I should probably clamp the boom at the end of the first section, but even there do I run the risk of the boom simply cracking? Any opinions welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 You can use cardellini clamp just don't tighten it too much and it should be fine or if grip truck has a tree branch holder. You should invest in a boompole holder just go to your local retailer that sells fishing pole holders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 You can replicate the mechanical effect of using a boompole holder very easily. Set up the c-stand with the arm parallel to the ground, and with the c-stand knuckle pointing to the talent and somewhat close to the vertical of the c-stand. Lay the pole across the c-stand knuckle and then tie the back end of the pole to the back end of the c-stand arm with a piece of rope or several wraps of gaffer's tape. Where the boom rests on the knuckle, tie that off, too, for safety. As with a boompole holder, drop a sandbag or 2 on the base of the c-stand... and if you need more extension on the pole, add a sandbag to the back end of the c-stand arm for counter-balance so the c-stand knob doesn't have to work so hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewstone Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 A Boommate is designed to fit into a grip head. Great for sit down interviews. A "baby triple header" is useful in this config if space doesn't allow for another C-Stand. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Shop-by-Brand-BoomMate/ci/4/phd/4291583202/N/4294255798 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3617-REG/Avenger_F900_F900_Baby_Triple_Header.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 Go to wall mart and spend 12 bucks for a fishing rod holder. A grip head will hold one just fine and it will do the job. The only difference between this style holder http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/885688-REG/Auray_BPH_BOOM_POLE.html , and your standard fishing rod holder is that the rod holder sells for less and has threads on the bottom part. all of the other dimensions are the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A-Ribeiro Posted June 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 Great stuff, everyone, thanks. Whitney, I might find something in the way of that clamp you mention, could try that. Laurence, thanks for the instructions, I am not very clear with all the terms (sorry, not familiar with all the English grip terms), not sure what you mean by "knuckle" but I think I can infer...I´ll try that and maybe I´ll upload some pics, this shoot will last for a couple more weeks so there is some time to experiment a little. Boomholder could be an item to add to that long list... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 problem solving is a huge part of doing production sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 Safety first... fon't forget the sandbag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 I'm a big fan of K-Tek's Boom Cradle on a C-stand: Laurence above is correct: don't forget the sandbag! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted June 2, 2014 Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 Yes, the K-Tek is very nice and definitely preferable to what I described. But in a pinch, gaffer's tape (or a little rope) will do. Note that in the image I uploaded, the boom is just resting on the knuckle. All the work is done by the tape/rope on the back end (the left side in the image.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Karlsson Posted June 2, 2014 Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 I've seen others use a mafer clamp, and on my early jobs, I used a method similar to what Lawrence describes, and sure, both work in a pinch, but I quickly felt it was worth the investment to get a boom pole holder for my poles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A-Ribeiro Posted June 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 This is how it looks like at the moment. There is a weight at the base of the tripod, no worries there. My concern is only that the very cheap boom will not withstand the rycote & shotgun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted June 2, 2014 Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 The stresses on the pole as shown are identical to those on a pole held by a boom operator... although theoretically less, since it never gets swung or raised, which momentarily increases the stress significantly. If it can't handle this stress, it's not a real boompole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A-Ribeiro Posted June 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 Yep, no issues at all, sounds good, nice mix with the lavs, another happy sound day in the countryside. Thanks everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A-Ribeiro Posted June 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 Not bad as well, that looks like the kind of doc I might be working on in the near future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertSzabo Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Like others have suggested. I really like my fishing rod holder. No slip due to the rubber coating, fits my VDB perfectly and cost less than 20 bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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