In the Groovy studio we have been making some subtle changes to the cool toys we play with at work on a daily basis. One such change has been the Groovy Sprinter Van (aka grip truck). Having freelanced with the crews for two years before becoming the Stage Manager here, my vision was to create an easier work environment for our crews. No offense..but the old van was a mess and it kind of made me mad having to go back and forth to get things. We needed to create a well organized system our growing crews could easily use, travel to set with, and not have to over run themselves by making trip after trip back to the van to get something they A: forgot and B: cant find.
That meant, with Brent’s approval, our new van needed some additions!
Figuring its really hard to roll things in and out of the van without a ramp of sorts, we started by installing a “Handiramp” in the back. Yes, Brent let me drill holes in the van. (Actually he drilled the first hole..you know… just in case)
After we installed the ramp, well we had to roll something up on it didn’t we. Why not.. our Matthews Doorway Dolly! Who said it wasn’t manly to play with your dolly? Besides, the boss can play with his dolly whenever he wants. ..I have many more bad jokes where that came from.
The ramp is actually a pretty cool feature. You can fold it out with one person and it holds up about 2000 lbs!!
Ok so now we have a ramp, and it works well. Now we had to fill the van with something that would hold all of our equipment, be versatile and get the gear as close to set as possible, and not alter the interior of the van to badly. It was at this point we started talking about how large grip trucks actually do it and what professional freelance crews would expect to find if they came to work for us.
One shining example of what a group of angry grips can accomplish when having to carry lots of stuff all over the place is this: The Easy Loader
This wonderful piece of ingenuity can carry 3 milk crates, 8 C stands, 6 pedestal stands, a full flag set, sand bags, and it even has room on the top tray for something else (an HMI ballast in this case)!! Amazingly well crafted and easy to use.
We also got two other carts which have yet to be photographed; A Speed Rail Cart (http://www.filmtools.com/speedrailcart.html), which holds all of our expendables, tools and other accessories you might need on a film set but are not immediately needed such as furny pads or gels. We also got a C-stand/High roller cart (http://www.filmtools.com/cutcag.html) which houses two milk crates, 16 c stands, two high rollers AND sand bags.
HOLY CRAP.. that gets us the mobility and organization our crews need to come to set efficiently and ready to rock!
The only draw back is they are heavy. so we had to install tie down points in the van.
This way we can ratchet down the carts from the floor and the wall so they don’t move all over in transport.
Thats about it for the changes so far. I am excited to be able to get these things to the crews because it is going to bring a quality of life that will reach past the image on the screen for them. The freelance gang works hard to crank out good productions and every little bit helps on a set!
Next we plan on building in a 4′x4′ box to house our larger flags, floppies and bounce boards.
And if anyone knows how we can store 10 foot sections of dolly track on the walls safely and securely please let me know!
Written by Brent Altomare
