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Instructions for DIY Camera Boom

Here are illustrated instructions to build your own DIY camera boom. The guide was created in 2000 by Paul Turner, the site is now preserve by Archive.org

…My first boom was made from a “No Parking” sign mowed over by some drunk down the street from a bar. The pole was 2 1/2 inch (5 cm) thick walled steel pipe about 9 feet (3 m) long. Very heavy, but more importantly, very rigid. When it comes to making a boom, rigidity is the key. Sure, other materials are lighter and easier to work with, but unless your remaking an Irwin Allen disaster flick, the boom needs to be as stable, rigid and hefty as possible. The pole must be strong enough not to bend or “spring” when the boom movement is stopped. That is to say, when the operator stops the boom’s movement, the other end doesn’t flex back and forth like a fishing pole. Also, they will be times when you will have not only a camera, lights, microphones and cue cards bolted at one end but counter weights, video monitors, assorted food items and a couple of assistant producers strapped on at the other end. Having a pole that will bear the weight without bending, move when you want it to and stop when you want it and stay in place when you let go to catch a doughnut is a real asset to your production.

— Paul Turner | Read The Full Article

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Tags | Cinematography, Cranes, DIY, JIB, Production