Kirin Crane

Overview

The Kirin Crane is a modular camera crane system from the German grip manufacturer MovieTech (based in the Munich area, "Made in Germany"). It is not a lighting device, but rather camera technology from the grip department: a crane on whose boom arm the camera is guided to achieve upward, downward, and panning movements from great heights or over obstacles.

The special feature of the Kirin concept is its modularity. Three different types of cranes can be built from the same basic components, allowing the system to be flexibly reconfigured depending on the shooting situation, instead of having to keep a separate crane for each task.

Versions and Construction

The Kirin Crane is offered in three basic versions, which differ in the mounted head and the maximum arm length:

• Remote Version – classic remote head crane with a remote head at the end of the arm; the system's greatest reach.
• Platform Version – manned version with a platform on which the operator (and possibly focus puller) rides.
• Jib Version – compact jib configuration with counterweight rods for shorter, lighter movements.

Within the versions, there are expansion stages tiered by arm length (e.g., Remote R8/R10/R12/R14, Platform P2/P3.5/P5/P6.5, Jib J3/J4/J5). The construction uses segments that, according to the manufacturer, can be combined in lengths of 0.5 m, 1 m, and 1.5 m. The elements are connected via tool-free double dovetail connections and ball-lock pins; a telescopic bracing system stabilizes the arm. The base used is either the Kirin Base Dolly or the CD8 Base Dolly with all-wheel steering.

Technical Data

Use on Set

The Kirin Crane is primarily set up and operated by the grip department. The platform version is suitable for manned, sensitively controlled movements, while the remote version with a remote head opens up greater heights and reaches without requiring personnel to ride along. Due to the modular construction, the same set of equipment can be used as a short jib on a tight set and as a long remote crane for exterior shots. Which arm length and head are possible depends on the permissible payload and the specific configuration; MovieTech provides the exact load charts for each configuration in the respective tech specs.