Watch the Parramatta City Centre Time-Lapse Film
(Long edit - 11m 43s)
Electric Films documented the four-year redevelopment of Parramatta City Centre using three long-term time-lapse cameras.
APAC BUILD Magazine's
"Time-Lapse Cinematography Specialist of the Year 2026"
Recognised as the 2026 Time-Lapse Specialist of the Year by BUILD Magazine.
Documenting Four Years of Construction
The Parramatta Square Redevelopment was a multi-billion-dollar
urban renewal project that transformed Parramatta into Sydney's second central
business district. The project was developed by the Walker Corporation and
primarily constructed by the builder Built (including joint ventures with
Obayashi Corporation).
Built was engaged by Walker Corporation to deliver their vision for the three-hectare
masterplan for 4 Parramatta Square, followed by 3 Parramatta Square, and the
last stage 6&8 Parramatta Square, having established themselves as consistently
innovative problem solvers and total solution partners with each new building.
As a final testament to their enduring mark on Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Council also selected Built to deliver 5 Parramatta Square, the civic centre
and final piece of the precinct.
Electric Films covered the project with three time-lapse cameras that were relocated several times as construction progressed to capture changing views of the site.
Each camera captured three HDR exposures every ten minutes. Over the life of the project, this produced more than two million ultra-high definition images.
Construction filming FAQs
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.