Gaffer's Salon EP#29 - "Menace Arm Rigs & Safety"

***Warning: This is NOT meant to be a step by step guide to safely rigging a menace or boom arm; rather this is a general overview of the various equipment, techniques and safety concerns relative to my own personal experience on set - please consult with a qualified professional Key Grip or Rigging Grip with knowledge of local/regional rigging gear & techniques for specific advice on your particular rigging situation.***
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Modern 3 Piece Standard Menace Arm Set for 1 1/4 inch pipe
modernstudio.com/products/pip...
Modern Studio Slider D-Ring
** Note Slider w/ double D-ring is a custom order
modernstudio.com/products/sli...
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Meet the Gaffer on Menace Arm Rigs
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[@lighthackerslimited]

So VERY glad I came by this video.. PERFECTLY explained in thorough detail.

[@bubbakneipp2360]

I'll never rig a menace arm as I do small scale docs and everyday news but this did get me thinking safety, safety, safety... THANK YOU! Double check everything!

[@Reesaww]

Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to put these videos together! Looking forward to more!

[@Mastermatt63]

Great video on important safety topics. Would like to add that Local 80 Grips in LA calculate counterweight based on distance. For example, a 4ft menace arm that has 3ft away from the fulcrum and 1ft back needs 3x the weight counter weighting. Roughly, a 5lb light needs a 15lb counterweight for this example.

[@GaffersSalon]

100%

[@minigripvan]

I've hated every time I have needed to use a a baby (750) boom or junior boom arm. I've never felt safe with them. Recently picked up a Matthews mini max and wow. I can't even express how much I love this stand. it actually makes me excited to boom something now! I have never used a menace arm rig, and don't look forward to ever using one.

[@TimTylerCine]

Awesome video, John. This video will make sets safer. I'm not a grip, but I always set baby-booms to be slightly front-heavy so that the grip head will tighten, not loosen, if it slips. I've heard that it's better to not extend the stand's top riser unless necessary too. Not sure if those tips translate to full sized menace arms.

[@gordonsmith33]

I have a Mathew's mini max menace for interiors. Works great for interview backlighting.

[@GaffersSalon]

they are awesome... my truck is small and i need the versatility of having 4 med rollers, if i had the space i'd def go with a couple mini max as well... might try to squeeze them in in 2024....

[@thehomedepothouseplant9986]

Great to hear your opinions and advice! FYI - the sound is only coming through my left ear. But it's clear. Thanks John

[@GaffersSalon]

yeah it's odd, was playing fine when first uploaded but just dropped out on me too.... not sure what the deal is.

[@dqstudios]

thank you for the masterclass - love learning this stuff! What are your thoughts on Matthew’s MiniMax? seems like a solid solution to overhead talent rigging

[@GaffersSalon]

@@dqstudios Richard malls designs on both the mini and max menace are insanely good… if not for space on my small truck I’d carry 2 mini max…

[@dqstudios]

Thanks for the reply and keep up the great work!

[@xxphactor]

I have been experimenting with booming a big lantern as a key for two person, face to face interviews with a small lantern as a middle fill. It saves on the amount of grip gear that I have to lug around as a solo op. It seems to work well in medium to large sized rooms as long as the spill is controlled. Also, it will give you more uses besides just for round table discussions.

[@TheOllie9]

Really great video! Im working with stills on commercial film sets in Sweden and very rarly we see meance arms. Plus safety protocols are honestly not always the best here. You mentioned a lot of good tips, I need to send this to my colleagues.

[@markmarkley3689]

Great points, thanks!

[@uzigalil]

you sound great

[@GaffersSalon]

good to hear, 1st time testing out the new Rode wirelesss Lav mic....

[@thegoldenmean01]

John another great presentation: Muticam all day, single cam nearly never (commercial/industrial/doc not feature). Tight spaces mini math or menace arm kit. Everything else MaxMenace!

[@GaffersSalon]

💯I don’t have much call for the max and I don’t have room either for the mini but love both of Richard Malls designs - genius. If I had a 5 ton they would be def on my truck… may still buy a mini max or two next year.

[@PancakeLighting]

I had a KG tell me once that menace arms are safer on a standard 3r combo than a medium roller because the base of the stand will grab the center column at a higher point and making it more stable. I see in your examples you’re using the overhead stands. Have you ever heard of this theory that a standard stand is more stable? I do like the wheels tho so I’ve been building my menace rigs with a set of combo wheels on a standard combo.

[@GaffersSalon]

I think that makes sense… of course it’s all relative to what load you’re using… I use both and for what I’m doing feel safe with either… but it’s a solid point the KG makes.

[@veronicacameron1703]

Great video! Are you using 2in or 1in ratchets for your menace arm?

[@GaffersSalon]

these are aprox 1 inch, mainly concerned with load rating regardless.

[@12yfilms]

Great stuff thank you! (audio seems to be on the L)

[@GaffersSalon]

yeah i screwed up somewhere on the new Rode mic set-up.... thanks

[@SachinParmar2014]

Where can I find the centre combi head?

[@GaffersSalon]

Mine are from American grip but I could not find it currently listed on website might have to email them… kupo makes one as well but I’ve never seen/used that one.