Cherry Picker

Overview

The Cherry Picker (often called a "mobile elevating work platform" or "lift" in German) is a mobile or drivable work platform with a basket (bucket) attached to a hydraulic articulated or telescopic boom, mounted on a drivable base. Unlike a scissor lift, which only moves vertically, the articulated boom can also swing the basket sideways over obstacles. Originally from fruit cultivation and industrial high-altitude work, the device is a tool for the lighting and grip department on a film set. The models used in film range from compact self-propelled units to large, often truck-mounted lifts.

In the film and TV industry, the term overlaps significantly with Condor. Strictly speaking, "Condor" is a US brand name for articulated aerial work platforms (Time Manufacturing Co., Waco, Texas), but in set language, it is used as a synonym for any larger cherry picker that lifts lights or equipment to height.

Use on Set

The Cherry Picker primarily serves two functions on set:

• Lighting: Light fixtures are mounted in or on the railing of the basket to position light from a great height – for example, for "moonlight" effects over night exterior sets or to illuminate large areas evenly.
• Rigging and Light Shaping: Grips use it to lift diffusion, nets, flags, or fabrics, or to reach high rigging points on buildings and sets.

Less commonly, the platform also serves as an elevated camera position. Compared to scaffolding, the advantage lies in its quick setup and dismantling, as well as its mobility: the platform can be moved and repositioned instead of being permanently installed.

For film work, the platforms are often painted matte black (so-called "Black Condor") so that the basket and boom do not reflect distracting light and remain inconspicuous in the shot.

Operation and Safety

The platform is operated by a trained Condor operator who works closely with the gaffer, camera department, and, if necessary, stunt coordination. Rigging in the basket – with clamps, speed rail, and safety harnesses – must be redundantly secured, as equipment is being worked with at a great height. In unionized productions (e.g., in the USA), appropriate training or Aerial Lift certification ("Lift Ticket") is mandatory for operation.