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Has anyone shot a scene before at height involving climbing equipment where actors need to harnessed up? Am desperately looking for advice.

C.A. Cooper

12 years, 5 months ago - C.A. Cooper

I'm shooting a scene on top of a 6 storey building where an actor needs to begin the motion of climbing over the edge of a balcony. The rest of the sequence is being cheated on a lower balcony, but we need the first shot to really sell it. We're planning to secure a harness under the actor's clothes with a cable going out of shot, which will be attached elsewhere for anchorage, just in case, God forbid, he slips.

I've been seeking expert advice and have been to several climbing shops, but they have been unable to advise me as the equipment is not being used for sport as intended and they are not allowed to give customers advice for specialist use.

Has anybody shot anything along a similar vein before, or know of any climbers who could possibly offer some advice on the best equipment to use and methods of anchorage.

Would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks very much :)

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Kirk Watson

12 years, 4 months ago - Kirk Watson

Hi,

I reckon you should get an expert in, a climber or ropes access person if you have a mate that works in that field then he/she could maybe help you on the cheap.

If you go down the line of getting a company to do it then http://www.mountainandwatersafety.co.uk. These guys are Scotland based but they do every major film in Scotland really, check out their website. I worked for them as a guide recently on a Keanu Reeves movie. They did Ridley Scott's Prometheus etc. They might even be able to advise you???

Cheers Kirk

Response from 12 years, 4 months ago - Kirk Watson SHOW

C.A. Cooper

12 years, 4 months ago - C.A. Cooper

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Just to reiterate, I have no intention of shooting this scene (shot) unless it's 100% safe and will delay the filming of this shot until I can ensure that. Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it.

I've put out a call for a stunt co-ordinator on here and Film Crew Pro, and will be looking up that link you sent me Kirk, to see if they can offer further advice.

Thanks again for all your help
Chris

Response from 12 years, 4 months ago - C.A. Cooper SHOW

Paddy Robinson-Griffin

12 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Absolutely completely certainly get a professional stunt coordinator who has all the kit and knows how to use it. Their fee will be similar to buying a decent Petzl harness anyway!

Response from 12 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW

Neil Richards

12 years, 4 months ago - Neil Richards

You shouldn't even think of attempting this without a pro stunt person involved and you certainly need to check first with your insurance company (which will have exclusions about working at that height anyway). You'll need a full risk assessment done by a competent professional person for your insurers (and your actors) peace of mind.

Response from 12 years, 4 months ago - Neil Richards SHOW