How can you use a jib arm to create a sense of height in your film production?

1 Choose the right location

The first step to creating a sense of height with a jib arm is to choose a location that has some vertical elements that can contrast with the horizontal movement of the camera. For example, you can use a jib arm to film a scene in a building with high ceilings, a staircase, a balcony, or a window. These elements can create depth and perspective in your shot, as well as show the scale and distance between the characters and the environment.

2 Plan your movement

The next step is to plan your movement with the jib arm. You can use a jib arm to create different types of shots, such as tilts, pans, swings, or cranes. A tilt is when you move the camera up or down along the vertical axis, while a pan is when you move the camera left or right along the horizontal axis. A swing is when you move the camera in a circular motion around a fixed point, while a crane is when you move the camera up or down in a straight line. Depending on your story and mood, you can use these movements to create a sense of height in different ways. For example, you can use a tilt to reveal or hide something above or below the frame, a pan to follow or lead the action across the scene, a swing to create a sense of motion or energy, or a crane to show the transition or change of location.

3 Control your speed

The third step is to control your speed with the jib arm. The speed of your movement can affect the impact and emotion of your shot. If you move the camera too fast, you might create a sense of urgency or excitement, but also risk losing focus or clarity. If you move the camera too slow, you might create a sense of calmness or suspense, but also risk boring or losing the attention of your audience. You need to find the right balance between speed and smoothness, depending on your intention and style. You can also vary your speed within the same shot, for example, by starting slow and then accelerating, or vice versa, to create a sense of surprise or contrast.

4 Adjust your angle

The fourth step is to adjust your angle with the jib arm. The angle of your camera can influence the meaning and mood of your shot. If you point the camera up, you might create a sense of awe or admiration, but also make the subject look powerful or dominant. If you point the camera down, you might create a sense of fear or pity, but also make the subject look weak or vulnerable. If you keep the camera level, you might create a sense of neutrality or realism, but also make the subject look equal or balanced. You need to choose the right angle for your shot, depending on your message and tone. You can also change your angle within the same shot, for example, by starting low and then rising, or vice versa, to create a sense of growth or decline.

5 Compose your frame

The fifth step is to compose your frame with the jib arm. The composition of your frame can affect the visual appeal and harmony of your shot. You need to consider the elements of your frame, such as the subject, the background, the foreground, the light, the color, and the shape, and how they relate to each other and to the movement of the camera. You can use the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, the leading lines, the symmetry, the contrast, or the negative space to create a balanced and interesting frame. You can also use the jib arm to create a sense of height by placing the subject in different positions within the frame, for example, by placing them in the center, in the corner, or in the edge of the frame.

6 Experiment and practice

The final step is to experiment and practice with the jib arm. The jib arm is a versatile and creative tool that can help you create a sense of height in your film production. However, it also requires skill and experience to use it effectively and efficiently. You need to practice with the jib arm, test different settings and options, and learn from your mistakes and feedback. You also need to experiment with the jib arm, try different combinations and variations, and discover new possibilities and solutions. The more you experiment and practice with the jib arm, the more you can master it and use it to create a sense of height in your film production.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?