What is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee includes camera hire, daily remote surveillance, a
progress video, and a site visit each month to check the equipment and
clean the lens and solar panel. Regular maintenance is important on
dusty construction sites. Site photographs are available anytime.
How
are time-lapse cameras maintained?
Time-lapse camera service includes daily remote surveillance and, on
long-term cameras, monthly site visits to clean the lens and solar panel
and inspect the equipment. Camera positions are reviewed as construction
progresses, with relocations discussed with the site manager when a
better view becomes available on the Sydney site.
Can clients view images from the cameras remotely?
Yes. Remote access can be provided so project managers can view images
from their Sydney or regional construction site on a mobile device.
Images are uploaded daily directly to secure Electric Films servers.
Project managers should discuss their access needs when planning the
camera installation. Photographs are available anytime.
What shooting intervals are used for time-lapse filming?
The interval is tailored to the pace of the work. Long-term construction
projects use ten-minute intervals. As construction nears completion,
this is adjusted to five minutes to capture stunning day-to-night transitions,
showcasing your finished building at its absolute best. For shorter
projects lasting a day or two, intervals can be as brief as 30 seconds.
Do
the cameras need a nearby power outlet?
No. Our outdoor setups utilise custom-built solar systems, while battery-powered
cameras are used for interior filming. This means camera positions never
need to be tethered to a power outlet.
What videos do clients receive?
For long-term projects, you will receive monthly progress videos that
are a good length for team reviews and sharing. Aerial footage is always
included with our drone services.
What
is HDR shooting?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. At each time-lapse interval, the
camera takes three exposures: one normal, one darker, and one brighter.
These are combined into a single frame using intensive processing power
to retain maximum detail in bright areas and deep shadows.
Are conventional video and still photography services available?
Yes. In addition to time-lapse, Electric Films provides a complete
video production service.
Where are time-lapse cameras mounted on construction sites?
Construction cameras can be mounted on rooftops, scaffolding, cranes,
street poles or our custom poles. Street poles provide very useful viewpoints
and allow installation within a day or two; negotiations with building
managers can take longer. Camera positions are carefully selected by
our multi-award-winning cinematographer.
To save your team time, Electric Films arranges all necessary installation
permissions with local councils, power companies, and building management.
What happens if a camera gets bumped or its mounting moves?
Minor camera movement is corrected by stabilising the footage in Adobe
After Effects. More significant shifts require realigning the images
using a corner pin filter, or physically repositioning the camera. The
time-lapse filming guide
explains these methods in more detail.
Where repositioning is required, changing the viewing angle by 45 degrees
or framing a different subject avoids a jump cut.
Can a time-lapse camera be moved?
Yes. A time-lapse camera stays fixed while recording each sequence,
but can be repositioned as the project develops. Moving it at key stages
lets us capture the best angles that are more engaging to watch.
How many camera relocations should we budget for?
Camera relocations allow us to track the progression of your site
from the best possible angles. While a static setup works for some sites,
even small projects look better with changing viewpoints, and larger
developments benefit from additional positions. We recommend budgeting
for at least two moves. Contact Graeme to tailor the perfect approach
for your site.
How is camera movement managed when attached to scaffolding or
cranes?
On construction sites, scaffolding and cranes can provide excellent
viewpoints, but they naturally move. Videos are stabilised in Adobe
After Effects. See
an example here.
Can industrial work be filmed overnight or over several days?
Yes. A number of portable time-lapse cameras can record a specific
operation overnight or over a weekend, often alongside long-term cameras
documenting the same project. The
M2 Freeway Bridge project demonstrates this approach. Project managers
can share their work schedules with Graeme so coverage is planned precisely
around key stages.