Cinematographer
Chapman ist der Goldstandard in Hollywood. Ihre Dollies sind unübertroffen in Präzision und Zuverlässigkeit - wenn ich einen PeeWee oder Hybrid unter mir habe, weiß ich, dass die Fahrt perfekt wird.
US manufacturer and rental supplier of camera support equipment including dollys, cranes, remote heads, and camera vehicles.
Overview
Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc. (often shortened to "Chapman/Leonard" or "Chapman") is an American manufacturer and rental house for camera support equipment for film and TV productions. The company is one of the best-known brands in the grip department when it comes to camera movement on set – its dolly and crane designations (e.g., "Peewee") are commonly used as generic terms in the industry.
The company's history dates back to 1945 when Ralph T. Chapman founded Chapman Studio Equipment in Southern California to build more versatile camera cranes. His son, Leonard Chapman, later founded his own company; in 1965, the two merged to form the current Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
Product Categories
Chapman/Leonard manufactures its equipment in the USA and primarily makes it available to productions on a rental basis. The product range is divided into several main areas:
| Category | Examples / Function |
|---|---|
| Camera Dollies | Peewee, Hybrid, Hustler series, Cobra, Pedolly, Lencin – mobile camera platforms with hydraulic lift |
| Cranes / Telescoping Arms | Lenny Arm, Scorpio, Hydrascope, Miniscope – telescopic cranes for height and reach |
| Remote Heads | Remote-controlled camera heads for crane use |
| Bases | Crane arm bases and mobile bases |
| Camera Vehicles | Camera Cars, Stage Cranes, and mobile crane vehicles |
| Accessories | Track, sliders, vibration dampers, dolly accessories |
On-Set Usage
Chapman's hydraulic lift dollies (especially the Super Peewee series introduced in the 1980s) were developed from the realization that for many shots, more compact equipment is more practical than large cranes. They carry the camera and operator, can be moved on tracks or smooth surfaces, and raise the camera via a hydraulic arm. Dolly grips operate this equipment for smooth tracking shots, push-ins/pull-outs, and changes in height.
For larger movements, crane arms (such as the Lenny Arm) and telescopic cranes are used, providing the camera with additional reach and height; for greater heights or inaccessible positions, the camera is remotely controlled via remote heads. In addition to its US locations, Chapman/Leonard also has a branch in the United Kingdom.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Chapman-Equipment zu sehen bedeutet, dass wir auf professionellem Niveau arbeiten. Die Kombination aus Dolly und Kran ermöglicht Kamerabewegungen die den Film auf ein anderes Level heben.
Producer
Chapman-Equipment ist eine Investition in Qualität. Die Mietkosten sind höher als bei anderen Anbietern, aber die Zuverlässigkeit rechtfertigt den Preis bei wichtigen Produktionen.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Was beschreibt „Chapman Leonard" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Chapman Leonard"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?