Filmotechnic USA has built more camera cars than anyone in the entertainment industry. The current stable includes 6 Porsche Cayenne Turbos, 3 Ford Raptors, a Mercedes ML63, an Audi plus an electric cart, motorcycle, 2 Polaris, a Hummer and Ferrari. Filmmakers around the world use them daily to capture the best footage for movies, TV shows and music videos. Networks use Filmotechnic's Russian Arms and flight heads to cover Olympics from angles never thought possible. So, how did Filmotechnic fabricate the planet’s most lauded camera car in less than 30 days like they did last month? With a world class fabrication team and facility. The end result is a 100 percent reliable, (appreciated when you’re shooting in the middle of nowhere) ultra performance vehicle capable of swinging a $100,000 camera on a half ton, high dollar crane 360 degrees in four seconds.
On Your Marks
Start with a Porsche Cayenne. Turbo S for max performance. 20 inch wheels for the bigger brakes. A later model, say 2006 to 2011. You want the larger interior. Low mileage, can not be in any accidents, needs sunroof and roof racks.
Yes, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Ultra high performance, especially its suspension, which integrates with a computer for dynamic stability. It’s innate ability to automatically compensate for additional weight while monitoring both suspension and wheel traction hundreds of times per second. The special suspension provides a smooth platform and compensates automatically for weight of both crane and camera. The engine is modified to push over 500hp. High performance brakes allow total control of maneuvers up to 145mph. Durable, reliable and high performance, both on road and off.
Fabricating The Perfect Beast
Once the proper Porsche is picked the entire interior is stripped to the bone. New wiring and electrical harnesses are installed, along with oversized mounts for video monitors and controls. Everything neat and in place, better than OEM. Next, body reinforcements are made, uber stout A/ B/C pillars and roof, something that easily swings a half ton Russian arm while winding down the road. Then, custom crane mounts are at welded in place. The rack is modular, allowing for flexibility in swapping out a variety of award-winning Filmotechnic cranes and controls.
Finishing Touches
On the outside, the exterior is stripped of paint and lights, repainted a flat gray to avoid the camera car casting any reflection. Back inside, Porsche components are relocated to accommodate proprietary Filmotechnic monitors and controls.In the rear, space is fitted for the crane operator cockpit, complete with seat-side monitors – everything needed for total control. Custom mud and dust flaps are installed to keep equipment clean and off the shoot vehicle. Robust step plates are welded onto the Porsche body, allowing easy access to the roof mounts and crane assembly. Ports are cut through the body to route mission critical cables.Then the car is tested rigorously with every arm and head configuration to make sure everything works, every time.
There you have it, one month to build the world’s greatest camera car, created by a company unequaled in Hollywood.
