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Here is a little info on Styles of Rigging found in the member’s section.

Styles of Rigging

There are four styles of rigging you will need to be able to distinguish:

  1. Rigging for Picture
  2. Combined Rigging
  3. Rigging for Illusion
  4. Combining camera rigging and action

Rigging for Picture

From the Film Last Days in the Desert

Rigging for Picture encompasses rigging set up to be a part of the story that will need to function as if it was real on camera. This type of rigging will in most cases need to be worked in with picture dress rigging. Where possible, coordinate with the Art Department to ensure any life-support rigging is managed by you and the stunt team.

Rigging for picture

The Above example shows a rope being used in the picture as part of the story as Actors cross a river. The critical factors for this rig were ensuring the rope used was strong enough for the Actors to hang on to, and that the anchor points at either end were also picture-friendly (dressed appropriately) in case the camera saw where the rope was connected.

Combined Rigging

Combined Rigging combines Rigging for Picture with Rigging for Illusion – An Actor, for example, abseiling down a cliff or lowering themselves on a rope dressed as a vine. In both cases, there could also be additional rigging (for safety or to help the Actor with their move) that would not be part of the featured rig.

Below shows a storyboard from Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, where Sherlock Holmes swings on a rope and smashes through a window. As in the diagram above, there is a “picture rope”, plus a rig on the Performer’s back to position him for the stunt (with the line on his back on a quick-release system, so it was never in the shot).

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Having the rig clean of non-picture rigging helps to reduce the cost of visual effects line removal in post-production. The picture rope also had a small line threaded within that the Actor was attached to, allowing him to perform the stunt safely.

Rigging for Illusion

Rigging for Illusion refers to rigging that is not featured on screen and not visible to an audience. Think of Superman flying – we do not see rigging holding him while he flies across the screen, instead, visible rigging is removed in post-production. In this way, the “illusion” is preserved. Other basic forms include hiding rigging inside something, keeping rigging out of shot, or concealing it inside the Performer’s wardrobe.

In the video below we take a look at Matrix revolutions and Hellcoat Check scene where performers were rigged so they could fly up to the ceiling and run around upside down, while the cast was shooting at them. This is a great example of purely rigging for illusion.

Combining camera rigging and action

This is when combining the rigging to incorporate a camera with action. The key to this style of rigging, even if you are working in with other departments to achieve the outcome, it is important and the key to remember that you must keep the systems separate from one another to allow for flexibility of change.

For example, if the timing changes always required to change and the systems are linked together this can not only slow down shooting but also limit the scope of the rig. Having the ability to make quick changes between the two systems is critical, this is so because other departments may require the change, for example, the camera department or the director wanted to see something slightly different from the last shot.

It sometimes is easy to fall into the trap of connecting systems together so they operate together, this is a big trap. As soon as you link rigs together you take away the flexibility of change. Even though it may take slightly longer to rig, you may never use the ability to change, it is still important to have that built into your system. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Below is an example of a combined camera and stunts rigging on Killer Elite.

INTRODUCTION TO STUNT RIGGING

“Imagination is the instrument with which we create our world”

Stunt Rigging is the art of making people fly through the air, skid on the ground, float in space, fly like Superman, get smashed into things without harm, and display superhuman strength. It allows the safe execution of dynamic movement that appears dangerous, impossible, or even like magic.

Stunt Rigging is a compilation of rigging styles adapted from disciplines such as rock climbing, circus, mountaineering, tree climbing, caving, yachting, industrial rigging, and rope access. Stunt Rigging is not outlined by any specific standards, rather it involves applying gear and rigging skills from all rigging-related industries, combined to produce specific dramatic or acrobatics effects.

Micro pulley system rigging

RIGGING FUNDAMENTALS

The Foundation to Rigging is to introduce you to the types of gear that will be used for Stunt Rigging. The introduction will give an understanding of its uses and a platform to build on for more technical applications.

To become familiar with the gear personally as well as in the workings of a rig is the key to its mastery. For example, if the device is a Goldtail and is being used in a descender rig, then you should be able to use the Goldtail for descending yourself, know how the rope runs through it, how to break and stop mid-rope, how fast it can go with all the different settings, and how to tie it off and perform work. You will need to know everything about the device before you place it into a rig – you will need to become an expert in its use and of its literature, do’s & do not’s, and break loads, etc.

Become a member now and learn the craft.