The Speed-Rail Jib Arm

Have you ever had a DP or director ask for a little move that would require a jib arm but you didn't have one? Well there is a way to get a jib move using parts you can find on the truck. The Speed-Rail jib is a budget way to add production value to the show and make you, the grip, the hero.

There are limitations though, it only works with light weight cameras and wide lenses. There is considerable slop in the swivel joints and flex in the pipe, so don't even waste your time with pipe longer than eight feet, you'll find it bends and flexes way to much. However for a wide establishing shot it does work. Honest.

2 Eight foot pipe

4 One foot pipe

1 Two foot pipe

6 Swiveling Cheeseboro

1 Jr to Speed-Rail adapter

1 Speed-Rail Tee

1 Speed-Rail Cross

1 Horizontal Speed-Rail Flange

1 Pancake

1 Beefy Combo Stand

2 #2 Grip Clips

4-6 Shot Bags

The key is to use a tape measure to make sure all the swivels are evenly spaced. Put the fulcrum point about three feet from the end. This gives you about five feet of boom and seems to work the best. Tighten the Jr to Speed-Rail adapter in the stand and use a loose riser for panning, it's a little smoother. Put a shot bag on the lower arm to slide back and forth for fine tuning the balance and secure it with two grip clips. Use the rest of your shot bags for counter balance.

Screw the pancake to the flange and mount it in the tee. Use a torpedo level to make sure that the stand and camera platform is level with the ground. Attach the camera by C-clamping a high hat to the pancake.

Even if you don't have a Freyer grip truck, renting these parts is a cheap way to get a little jib shot. You can rent all the stuff you need for just $56 a day! Try it out and let us know what you think.