SANDSTORM FILMS
TECHNODOLLY
AVAILABLE TO HIRE WITH OUR STUDIO OR ON LOCATION
SANDSTORM FILMS
TECHNODOLLY
AVAILABLE TO HIRE WITH OUR STUDIO OR ON LOCATION
WHAT IS IT?
The TechnoDolly is completely unique. A fully repeatable camera crane and all axis motion control rig in one. Although it looks like a SuperTechnoCrane, every axis is evaluated and is fully repeatable. Use it on main unit productions as a camera crane and at the click of a button repeat the move instantly. Or for smaller crews and motion control work, simply program keyframes or input 3D moves from your VFX department and watch it fly, like a camera crane, from keyframe to keyframe in a way that looks like it’s being operated by a human – rather than a robot. In a nutshell:
- Multi-axis repeatable camera crane with motion control functionality.
- Studio or Location operation
- Custom built lowloader box van for transport – no tachograph required for flexible delivery and collection to suit production
- Off the van and setup in under an hour without track and normally 90-120 minutes including track (at ground level)
TECHNODOLLY SPEC
- Power = 1 x single phase 63A feed for full operation – can be run with less power, but it is slower and more prone to stall)
- Camera weight = 35kg – note the camera size also (see below)
- Full FIZ lens control including Preston and C-Motion integration for seamless memorised focus pulls in repeat passes
- Repeat passes and motion control can be triggered via bloop or other external trigger, like QTake or TimeCode
- Shooting area:
- 4.2m (14’) from ground level (boom can also ‘undersling’ by 3.2m (10’) when mounted on a rostrum to achieve greater movement area) achieving a lowest position to highest position distance of 7.4m (24’)
- 3.6m (12’) telescopic boom from crane centre
- 2.4m (8’) telescopic extension (minimum to maximum point on telescopic boom only)
- Over 18m (60’) of dolly travel on full 6 section track + telescope extension
SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
The TechnoDolly’s memory is controlled via a custom built Linux interface and can be manually driven via a toggle ‘pickle’ hand control in repeat mode or moved completely manually and memorised for repeats.
TechnoDolly is compatible directly into Unreal Engine for fully repeatable, fully real-time integration. It also works in Motion Builder for previewing camera moves in 3D / CGI visualisations.
It is also possible to synchronise with QTake for live overlays and frame accurate synchronisation as well as timecode for music synchronization.
MOUNTING THE TECHNODOLLY ON A ROSTRUM
It is possible and often most suitable to have the TechnoDolly placed on a high-level rostrum, when building your rostrum, please ensure that it has adequate space for the grip to work from to swing the crane.
The rig itself weighs just over 1000KG when fully loaded and will require a Telehandler, Forklift or 360 to lift it onto your Rostrum. We recommend a platform no less than 3x3m to work from. Each section of track is 3m (10ft) long.
TRANSPORT
Our TechnoDolly has its own custom built lowloader box van, this means unlike many other TechnoDolly rigs we are not restricted by tachographs and can bring the crane onto set quickly with a small team… it’s also a lot less hassle and a lot more affordable.
TECHNODOLLY SPEC
- Power = 1 x single phase 63A feed for full operation – can be run with less power, but it is slower and more prone to stall)
- Camera weight = 35kg – note the camera size also (see below)
- Full FIZ lens control including Preston and C-Motion integration for seamless memorised focus pulls in repeat passes
- Repeat passes and motion control can be triggered via bloop or other external trigger, like QTake or TimeCode
- Shooting area:
- 4.2m (14’) from ground level (boom can also ‘undersling’ by 3.2m (10’) when mounted on a rostrum to achieve greater movement area) achieving a lowest position to highest position distance of 7.4m (24’)
- 3.6m (12’) telescopic boom from crane centre
- 2.4m (8’) telescopic extension (minimum to maximum point on telescopic boom only)
- Over 18m (60’) of dolly travel on full 6 section track + telescope extension
SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
The TechnoDolly’s memory is controlled via a custom built Linux interface and can be manually driven via a toggle ‘pickle’ hand control in repeat mode or moved completely manually and memorised for repeats.
TechnoDolly is compatible directly into Unreal Engine for fully repeatable, fully real-time integration. It also works in Motion Builder for previewing camera moves in 3D / CGI visualisations.
It is also possible to synchronise with QTake for live overlays and frame accurate synchronisation as well as timecode for music synchronization.
MOUNTING THE TECHNODOLLY ON A ROSTRUM
It is possible and often most suitable to have the TechnoDolly placed on a high-level rostrum, when building your rostrum, please ensure that it has adequate space for the grip to work from to swing the crane.
The rig itself weighs just over 1000KG when fully loaded and will require a Telehandler, Forklift or 360 to lift it onto your Rostrum. We recommend a platform no less than 3x3m to work from. Each section of track is 3m (10ft) long.
TRANSPORT
Our TechnoDolly has its own custom built lowloader box van, this means unlike many other TechnoDolly rigs we are not restricted by tachographs and can bring the crane onto set quickly with a small team… it’s also a lot less hassle and a lot more affordable.
MONTAGE REEL & HOW TO TECHNO
SANDSTORM TECHNODOLLY REEL 2022
A short reel showcasing the work Sandstorm has worked on using the Technodolly.
HOW TO TECHNODOLLY FOR DIRECTORS AND DOPs
The first in our series of Technodolly ‘how to’ films focussing on the details Directors and DOPs need to know to work with the Crane and the crew effectively.
HOW TO TECHNODOLLY FOR GRIPS
The Technodolly is unique and so are some of the controls. Watch this to familiarise yourself with setup times and basic operation.
HOW TO TECHNODOLLY FOR THE CAMERA DEPARTMENT
Watch this video to understand key considerations for the camera department. First and foremost, the head isn’t big, you’ll have fun making your rig fit.
HOW TO TECHNODOLLY FOR VFX SUPERVISORS
This rig is perfect for VFX work. This film informs VFX supervisors in how to get the most out of the Technodolly.
HOW TO TECHNODOLLY FOR VIDEO PLAYBACK / QTAKE OPERATOR
The power of QTake and a Technodolly in perfect synchronisation is something to be witnessed to be believed. If you’ve not triggered a Techno move from QTake or had the Technodolly use a GPI connection to trigger QTake recording then check out this film for a few tips.
THE TECHNO TEAM
TOM WARD
Techno Tom
As happy swinging the crane as he is on the desk, Tom has adapted our rig for one man operation, from ‘handheld’ mode to a traditional crane (with frame-accurate repeat functionality). Tom is one of the most experienced operators in the world and is constantly working with the SuperTechno team to take the rig to bigger and better things.
TOM DAVIES
Big T
Our go to crane tech: he’s got a wonderfully calm, can-do attitude and crews around the world love working with him. If you’ve been on a film set with Big T you’ll always remember him and the work he’s shot. Because Sandstorm’s rig is quite unique you’ll often find that Tom hands the entire process to Big T on specific shots or sequences.
CAM SMITH
Kitty Cam
For smaller shoots where the crew is minimal Cam comes in to work as head tech and often camera operator. He’s got a natural feel for the ‘wheels of steel’ and a great understanding of the cameras and the TechnoDolly rig. He has the rare combination of physics and computer science you need to make it work.
KITT POPE
The Bear
On larger shoots, the Bear is a must. His gripping and rigging expertise are second to none and you’re guaranteed a TechnoDolly (or ST50, or, well, any other dolly or crane kit) is rigged, balanced and ready to shoot, safely and in record time.
TECHNODOLLY POST-PRODUCTION SPECIALISTS
TECHNODOLLY POST-PRODUCTION
For as long as we’ve specialised in TechnoDolly we’ve also supported the postproduction aspect. The Technodolly can export any move in the FBX file format ready to drop into any CGI software removing the need for 3D camera tracking. The Technodolly can also export camera tracking data in real-time to both Unreal Engine or Autodesk Motionbuilder.
- Autodesk Media and Entertainment package
- Maya accepts Technodolly exported moves and can be used to create moves to later import on the Technodolly.
- Unreal Engine – For real-time camera export, previz and even LED screens for Virtual Production.
POST OFFERING
We also have wider post-production facilities including the following:
- Grading suite with custom build desk and fully air conditioned
- VFX, 3D, online in one room
- Dolby approved cinema sound mixing suite & Dedicated voice-over booth
SANDSTORM STUDIOS
STUDIOS
It’s exceptionally common that a TechnoDolly enquiry turns into a studio hire too – so rather than make it difficult for you to find, here are the other services Sandstorm have to offer to help make your production as smooth as possible.
SANDSTORM KIT
KIT
As well as the TechnoDolly and studios we have a lot of kit, whether you simply need an Alexa Classic and a few Prime lenses for affordable test shots ahead of the principle cinematography or an Alexa Mini and Cooke S4i lens set for the main shoot. We have it covered.