Electric Films provides construction time-lapse cameras in Sydney as a fully installed and managed service. Graeme Beck handles site scouting, camera mounting, monitoring and monthly progress videos for high-rise, residential and boutique building projects.
1. Site Scouting & Rapid Deployment
The process begins by scouting Sydney locations and photographing potential time-lapse camera positions from nearby street poles and adjacent buildings for client review.
Deployment is rapid, with cameras typically up and running from a street pole or pit edge within a day or two.
Electric Films handles all permit updates with local councils or power authorities, and manages the logistics of securing non-destructive mounts with construction site building managers.
2. Custom Mounting Solutions
Attaching time-lapse cameras to rooftops, custom poles on scaffolding as well as site cranes is a specialised service we do for all Sydney construction sites.
Rugged, custom-built solar or battery-powered time-lapse cameras capture ultra-high-resolution 5.2K photographs during daylight hours or 24/7, with shooting intervals tailored to the requirements of each construction site.
3. Active Monitoring & Camera Relocation
Photos from the site are securely uploaded daily, allowing for active monitoring of image quality and adjustment of time-lapse camera parameters to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Regular monthly site visits ensure lenses are clean and equipment is functioning perfectly. By closely tracking Sydney construction progress, the cameras can be easily relocated whenever a better angle arises.
Combining these shifting wide and close-up views helps accurately capture the changing stages of construction. See the different viewpoints used to film 88 Walker Street in North Sydney.
At the Parramatta City Centre construction site in Sydney, three long-term time-lapse cameras were relocated as the project advanced, keeping the important structural works always in view.
4. Monthly Progress Videos
Every month, all 5.2K images are compiled into 4K video files. These monthly progress videos provide a complete visual record of the construction project. If a structural review is needed, specialised edits can zoom in on any area of the Sydney site for closer inspection.
Shooting in ultra-high 5.2K resolution allows the time-lapse camera footage to be cropped and reframed while retaining stunning detail in the final 4K video.
5. Drone Cinematography
Dynamic aerial drone cinematography perfectly complements fixed time-lapse camera coverage.
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Regular drone flyovers can be integrated to track structural details and provide broader views of the Sydney construction site, perfectly complementing the fixed time-lapse camera footage.
4K drone footage can be seamlessly integrated into monthly progress videos.
Construction Time-Lapse FAQs
What is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee includes camera hire, daily remote monitoring, 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 monitoring 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?
Battery-powered time-lapse cameras are utilised for interior filming, so camera positions do not have to be beside 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. Electric Films arranges the necessary permissions with local councils, power companies and building management. 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.
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. As in any other type of filming, time-lapse cameras benefit from being moved to vary the shot or follow the action.
How many camera re-locations 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 overnight or several days industrial works be filmed?
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.