Our Time-Lapse Method

Electric Films provides construction time-lapse cameras in Sydney as a fully installed and managed service. Graeme Beck handles site scouting and critical camera placement for high-rise, residential and boutique building projects.

Two high-rise towers under construction in Sydney

1. Site Scouting & Rapid Deployment

The process begins by scouting Sydney locations for potential time-lapse camera positions from nearby street poles and adjacent buildings for client review.

Low-angle view of a Sydney high-rise building under construction

Cameras are up and running from a street pole or pit edge within two days, with Electric Films seamlessly handling all subsequent permissions with local councils and power authorities.

Construction workers managing a concrete pour on site

Securing permission from nearby property owners for a solar-powered camera with a non-destructive mount may take additional time.

Sydney construction site with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background

2. Custom Mounting Solutions

Attaching time-lapse cameras to street poles, rooftops, scaffolding and site cranes is a specialised service we provide for Sydney construction projects.

Scaffolding-mounted camera view of workers pouring a concrete floor beside city buildings

Rugged, solar or battery-powered time-lapse cameras capture ultra-high-resolution 45MP photographs during daylight hours or 24/7, with shooting intervals usually every ten minutes on construction sites.

3. Active Monitoring & Camera Relocation

Photos from the site are uploaded daily to Electric Films' servers, enabling active monitoring of image quality and the adjustment of time-lapse camera parameters to ensure optimal performance.

Level 48 of a high-rise building under construction in North Sydney

Monthly site visits ensure lenses are clean and equipment is functioning perfectly. By closely tracking Sydney construction progress, we can easily relocate cameras whenever a better angle arises.

4. Monthly Progress Videos

Each month, we turn the captured images into a 4K progress video, with shorter updates available when needed.

Completed Gosford high-rise buildings illuminated at night

Taking advantage of the high-resolution capture, we can produce specialised, cropped edits of any site area for closer next-day inspection.

(full resolution original photo example)

Large multi-storey construction project at Rhodes in Sydney

5. Drone Cinematography

Regular drone flyovers can be integrated to provide broader views of the Sydney construction site, complementing the fixed time-lapse camera footage.

Aerial view of a CBD high-rise construction site excavation

Construction Time-Lapse 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.