In the ever continuing development of our Shot Assist software, Louma 2 is now able to correct the arc of the telescopic arm and keep the camera path to a straight line.

At the push of a button, Louma 2 creates a two dimensional plane in virtual space. We call this planing - pronounced <play-ning>.

This is a new and exciting function of the telescopic crane adding a new tool to the grip and camera operators' box of tricks.

The arm automatically extends or retracts keeping the camera along the line of the plane regardless of horizontal or vertical movement.

The distance along the plane on which the camera travels is only restricted by the physical length of the telescopic arm.

During a simple shot of a straight camera move, the manual operational of the telescope is not required. However, there is always a human element to any shot and a correction to the path of the camera (to follow an actors' walk for example) may be required.

When planing, the telescope hand control is used to move the line of the plane. This means that the camera is not restricted to a two dimensional move when planing - the camera can be moved by the telescope control as normal and then the camera will follow the straight line of the plane when the arm is swung.

Maybe a little confusing at first (!) - but think of the camera along a straight line of 50' of track and then being able to move the track 10' left or right -  at any point during the shot.

In the above plan, the camera descends down the stairs and passes through the dining room. In planing, the line of the camera is kept straight regardless of the vertical angle of the arm as the camera sweeps down the stairs. If the artistes were to veer off of the centre line of the room, the line of the plane can be adjusted in real time using the telescope control.

When considering where to place the crane base to achieve a particular shot, it is of little or no importance when planing. The plane can be set to any angle in relation to the shot. The only rule that applies is that the camera movement required must be within reach of the telescopic arm.

The vertical aspect of the plane can either be set so that the camera rises truly vertical or it can be set at an angle so that the camera follows in a diagonal path.

Additionally, when in planing mode, automatic compensation of Smartpan, Smart Tilt or third axis roll instruction can be sent to the Louma 2 remote head. Alternatively, when used with a stabilized head, the planing function will keep the line of camera movement straight but any head correction is with the remote head itself.

Benefits in using the planing function:

● Co-ordination between telescope control and movement of the arm is immediate and very accurate.

● Less rehearsal time is required to perfect a potentially tricky camera movement.

●  Less likelihood of unusable takes

●  Accurate vertical camera movement made easy

●  The positioning of the crane base is no longer of high important to achieve a straight camera move.

● Maximises studio space in which to track the camera.

●  Time saving not having to lay tracks.

Click on the above link for more information on the website or

if you would like details of Louma 2 and the Planing function on a printed card to put on file, send us your address via the email link and we will get one to you in the post.