Cinematographer
Flying Rigs erfordern Koordination mit der Kamera – wo sind die Drähte, welche Winkel verbergen sie am besten? Die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Stunt-Team ist essentiell.
Specialized rigging system using wires, harnesses, and mechanical winches to safely suspend and move performers through the air – essential for superhero flying, wire-fu martial arts, and gravity-defying stunts, requires trained riggers and stunt coordinators.
What is a Flying Rig?
A Flying Rig is a wire system for the controlled suspension and movement of performers. Using harnesses, wires, and winches, performers can seemingly fly, float, or execute physically impossible movements.
Components
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Harness | Body support |
| Wires | Suspension cables |
| Winches | Motorized hoists |
| Decelerators | Controlled descent |
Harness Types
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Full Body | Complete support |
| Hip Harness | Waist-based |
| Chest Harness | Upper torso |
| Combo | Multi-point |
Rig Configurations
| Setup | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Point | One suspension point |
| Dual Point | Two points, more control |
| Track System | Movement on a rail |
| 3D Rig | Full range of motion |
Wire Types
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Steel Aircraft Cable | Standard, strong |
| Dyneema | Lightweight, flexible |
| Spectra | Thin, high tensile strength |
| Mono-Filament | Very thin, for close-ups |
Winch Systems
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Manual | Simple movements |
| Electric | Controlled lifts |
| Computerized | Precise, repeatable |
| Hydraulic | Heavy loads |
Applications
| Genre | Use |
|---|---|
| Superhero | Flight scenes |
| Martial Arts | Wire-fu |
| Fantasy | Levitation |
| Horror | Supernatural movement |
Wire-Fu (Hong Kong Style)
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hong Kong cinema |
| Style | Acrobatic combat |
| Aesthetics | Exaggerated physics |
| Influence | The Matrix, Crouching Tiger |
Safety
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Load Testing | Overload testing |
| Redundancy | Backup systems |
| Communication | Clear signals |
| Emergency | Quick release |
Team
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Stunt Coordinator | Overall planning |
| Rigging Supervisor | Rig design |
| Flying Director | Movement choreography |
| Operators | Winch control |
Preparation
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Pre-Vis | Plan movement |
| Rig Design | Construct system |
| Load Test | Verify safety |
| Rehearsal | With stunt double |
| Shoot | With actor |
Rehearsals
| Stage | Focus |
|---|---|
| Dry Run | Without performer |
| Stunt Double | Full run-through |
| Actor Run | With actor |
| With Camera | Final rehearsal |
Hiding the Wires
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Thin Wires | Fine cables |
| Black Wires | Dark colored cables |
| Camera Angle | Obscuring angles |
| VFX Removal | Post-production |
Wire Removal (VFX)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Tracking | Wire tracking |
| Paint Out | Digital removal |
| Clean Plate | Background reference |
| Complexity | Depends on background |
Costume Coordination
| Aspect | Solution |
|---|---|
| Harness Hide | Costume over harness |
| Wire Exit | Hidden openings |
| Cape/Robe | Conceal wires |
| Duplicates | For stunt/close-up |
Challenges
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Padded harnesses |
| Natural Movement | Choreography rehearsal |
| Visible Wires | VFX, angles |
| Timing | Coordinated operators |
Notable Films
| Film | Rig Highlight |
|---|---|
| The Matrix | Bullet Time Wire-Fu |
| Crouching Tiger | Bamboo fight |
| Superman | Classic flight |
| Spider-Man | Web-swinging |
Cost Factors
| Element | Factor |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Rental/purchase |
| Crew | Specialized personnel |
| Testing | Time investment |
| VFX | Wire removal |
Alternatives
| Method | Application |
|---|---|
| Gimbal | Static flying pose |
| Green Screen | Compositing |
| CG Double | Digital flying |
| Practical | Jumping, falling |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ample Rehearsal | Safety, quality |
| Clear Communication | Everyone informed |
| Backup Plans | For issues |
| Performer Comfort | Better takes |
Today
Flying rigs remain indispensable despite advanced CGI – nothing replaces the authenticity of a real performer in the air. The combination of practical wire work and digital wire removal today allows for seamless, physically impossible movements that thrill audiences.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Flying Rigs ermöglichen Unmögliches – meine Helden können fliegen. Aber die Planung ist aufwendig: Proben, Sicherheit, Wire-Removal in Post. Das Ergebnis rechtfertigt den Aufwand.
Producer
Flying Rigs sind teuer – Equipment-Miete, spezialisierte Crew, Sicherheit, VFX für Wire-Removal. Aber für spektakuläre Action-Szenen oft die einzige Lösung.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Flug-Rig / Drahtseil-Rig / Flugvorrichtung"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?