Jib

Background

A short jib uses a compact boom for small arc displacement, often with head compensation to hold framing.

Narrative function

Jibs deliver affordable theatrical lift—rising over tables, dipping past windows—without a full crane package.

How it works

Counterweight properly, check clamps, and practice the arc. Remote or short-reach heads help. Mind payload vs arm length.

When to use

• Wedding/event cinematic accents and indie drama reveals.
• Tabletop to wide transitions.
• Exterior establishes where drones are restricted.

FAQ

Jib vs drone?

Jibs win indoors and near people; drones win open outdoor volume.

One operator?

Possible on small jibs; complex moves need a dual team.

Repeatability?

Mark angles and use motors when matching takes.

Payload?

Never exceed rated camera+lens weight.

Prompt

Includes camera move matched to the title, plus lens triad extras: focal length, aperture/T-stop, ISO, shutter, white balance, and the story being filmed.

16:9 cinematic demo: Jib.
Technique: A jib uses a compact pivoting arm for a modest arc in camera position, with optional head compensation to retain composition.
Scene: A ceramic artist in an indigo jacket works with a celadon vessel and wire trimming tool at a plaster table. Kiln shelves and unfinished pieces establish a working studio rather than a retail showroom.
Start: Camera 0.9 m high and 3 m from vessel, level medium-wide on seated artist.
Motion: Use a short-arm arc rising to 1.7 m while advancing 0.35 m over six seconds; tilt downward gradually to keep vessel at center, then hold. Artist rotates the vessel once. Near rim and rear shelves change overlap in both axes.
End: A modest elevated oblique view reveals inside the vessel without becoming overhead.
Camera: 50 mm prime; fixed focal length, f/4, shutter 1/48s, ISO 400, 24fps.
Light: Use a large 5200 K softbox high at camera left and a narrow 3200 K practical on far shelves. Camera white balance stays 5000 K. Broad reflections describe glaze curvature without clipping into featureless white stripes.
Color: Celadon, chalk and indigo form a quiet palette. Shadows are blue-grey rather than cyan, midtones preserve warm clay and skin, highlights become pearly cream. Low saturation, moderate local contrast and readable black fabric weave.
Duration: 8s. Mode: single_take.

Related techniques

• Boom Shot

  Boom shot names supported raising or lowering of the camera on an arm; this study booms upward to reveal seating beyond a stage edge.

• Crane Shot

  A crane shot transports the camera on a supported arm through a designed vertical and horizontal path rather than rotating from a tripod.

• Pedestal

  A pedestal translates the complete camera vertically while holding pitch fixed; it is neither a tilt nor a pivoting-arm arc.

• Slider

  A slider supplies a short, controlled linear translation with real near-field parallax.