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. 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.