How do you rig a Condor boom lift for a large-scale night exterior? In this exclusive preview from our latest Filmmakers Academy lesson, key grip Brendan Riel breaks down the essential rigging techniques that make a DP’s creative vision possible. Working alongside Shane Hurlbut, ASC, Brendan walks through the step-by-step process of preparing a 120-foot Condor boom lift for a complex night exterior lighting setup. Brendan explains the importance of weight capacity calculations, referencing the 1200 Ultra’s unrestricted and restricted lift ranges to ensure safe load limits. He details what a traditional basket rig looks like—using candlesticks and speed rail—and explains how the final rig was adapted to accommodate moving lights beneath the basket. The lesson highlights how a cluster of four Nanlux 2400B fixtures was positioned as the primary moonlight source, controlled remotely for precise adjustments in color temperature, intensity, and beam spread—eliminating the need for personnel in the lift. To add depth and dimension to the background, moving lights were rigged at the bottom of the basket using the Modulus-X truss system, providing subtle color contrasts and dynamic illumination across the set. Brendan emphasizes that safety is paramount, showcasing how each element—from trusses and movers to cable management and hardware—must be meticulously accounted for to ensure a balanced and secure setup without compromising on the cinematic quality of the shot. @Legacy Grip 👉 Watch the full lesson on Filmmakers Academy. 💡 Become a member today for unlimited access to expert-led courses designed to elevate your filmmaking craft. 🔗 Link in bio for full access.
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