SCENE 01 / SPECIALTY RIGS
Specialty Camera Rigs
Advanced rigging solutions for your Canadian production.
Here is how this works in practice. Specialty rigs are purpose-built car platforms designed for mounting cameras and capturing dynamic driving, chase, and motion sequences. From Russian arms and camera cars to process trailers and insert cars, these rigs enable complex moving shots that would be impossible with standard gear.
Here is the short of it. We source specialty camera rigs and cars from skilled local operators who know the safety and tech needs of car-mounted filming. Our team sets up rig availability, tech specs, and logistics to make sure your unit can capture dynamic vehicular sequences safely and efficiently.
Capabilities
Specialty Equipment
Vehicle rigs, cable systems, motion control, and custom solutions.
Advanced Rigging Solutions
Capabilities
Our Process
Shot Consultation
Knowing your vision and talking about the specific shots you need to achieve.
Rig Selection
Recommending the right specialty gear and rigging solutions for your shots.
Safety Planning
Full safety planning and risk assessment for specialty rig operation.
Execution Support
Skilled operators and technicians to make sure safe, successful execution.
On Location
Russian Arm via Pacific Backlot, Cinemoves camera cars and Wescam helicopter mounts
Here is how the work lines up. Specialty rig work in Canada runs through a tight network of op-owned platforms with the depth to cover everything from a downtown Toronto chase across the Gardiner Expressway to a Newfoundland coastal helicopter shoot at Cape Spear. Pacific Backlot Services Vancouver anchors the West Coast inventory with Russian Arm, Edge Arm, Black Arm 24-foot crane and process trailers — the standard rig stack for Vancouver and Whistler features and series shooting on Highway 99.
Here is the breakdown. Cinemoves Toronto delivers camera cars and low-loader trailers for 401 and DVP work, with MELS Equipment Montreal handling the Quebec corridor. Gimbal packages cover Movi Pro, DJI Ronin 4D and Ronin 2 for handheld and car inserts. Drone aerials route through Transport Canada RPAS-licensed pilots holding the right certificate class for the operating settings. Advanced Operations for urban Toronto and Vancouver, Basic for rural Yukon and Newfoundland.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Water and air work scale to coast and area. Jet-ski and boat mounts cover the Vancouver Pacific shoreline, Halifax Atlantic harbour, Toronto Lake Ontario waterfront and St. Lawrence corridor for Quebec City features, with marine-rated housings (Aquatech Sports and Petrol cold-rated) for the rougher Pacific and North Atlantic days. Wescam helicopter mounts route through Skyline Helicopters BC for Banff and Whistler aerials, Cougar Helicopters Newfoundland for Cape Breton and Newfoundland coastline, and Discovery Air Yukon for Arctic and territorial shoots.
Here is how the picture comes together. Risk assessments document stunt coordinator sign-off, ACTRA stunt performer forms where applicable, and CBSA ATA carnets cover imported specialty rigs through YYZ Toronto Pearson, YVR Vancouver or YUL Montreal customs. We set up Parks Canada Special Activity Permits for Banff, Jasper and other federal park shoots and align rig staging with city film office needs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle rigs do you provide?
We supply Russian arms, pursuit arms, and complete chase car setups for car work. Our rigs accommodate many camera packages and give smooth, dynamic movement while shooting driving sequences.
Can you provide cable cam systems?
Yes, we give cable cam and wire cam systems for aerial coverage. These can span many distances and heights, giving smooth horizontal and vertical movement for sports, events, and film production.
What motion control options are available?
We give motion control systems including programmable heads and Bolt-style arms for precise, repeatable camera movements. These are key for VFX work, product shots, and complex choreographed sequences.
Do you build custom rigs?
Yes, our grip and rigging team can design and build custom mounting solutions for unique shot needs. From POV cameras to crash housings, we create solutions for shots that standard gear can't achieve.
Do you provide operators?
Yes, specialty rigs need skilled operators for safe, effective use. We give skilled technicians who know both the gear and the safety needs for specialty rigging work.
What about safety and insurance?
Safety is paramount with specialty rigs. We conduct thorough risk assessments, give appropriate safety gear, and make sure all rigging work meets Canadian safety rules. Full insurance is ready.
Related Services
Productions in Canada that need this often pair it with Production Vehicles for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Grip Equipment and Power Distribution Systems.
On Set
Need Specialty Rigs?
Tell us about your shot requirements and we'll find the right solution.