Hire
Jimmy Jib hire — London, the UK and overseas
I hire out the Jimmy Jib and operate it myself. Thirty years of it — London, the rest of the UK, and overseas when a production needs to take it there. Camera crane hire, crane rental, jib op: whatever the call sheet calls it, it is one booking, one van and one invoice.
This well known industry-standard camera crane offers endless scope for creating that extra level of production value for any film or TV production. It can be built in many different lengths from 6ft all the way up to 40ft in reach, has a payload that allows it to take most camera and lens combos, can be used with or without track and is easily transported and rigged in unorthodox or harder to reach places that bulkier or heavier crane arms just cannot go.
Hire Rates and Booking
My rates are competitive and I will always try to work with the budget you have. If you would prefer to work with me but have a cheaper like-for-like quote from another reputable supplier, tell me and I will always match it.
I do not publish a rate card, because no two jobs are the same. A 12ft jib on a local shoot is not the same day as a 30ft jib with forty feet of track and a 3-axis head at the other end of the country, and putting one number on both would only mislead you.
Get in touch and we can work out what the job actually needs. If the shoot is tomorrow, ring or message rather than email — I will answer if I possibly can.
The MDJ Pro Dolly & U-Groove Track Wheels
The superb MDJ Pro Dolly and U-Groove Track Wheels were designed for ease of use, greatly enhanced safety, and above all for speed. The whole system rigs and repositions fast — so the crane keeps pace with the shoot, rather than the shoot keeping pace with the crane.
On a drama set that counts for a lot. The crane rides onto the track fully rigged with the camera still attached, nails the shot, then rides straight off again — track gets pulled, and the rest of the day carries on rather than everyone waiting on a de-rig.
- Large virtually untippable footprint
- Four wind-down stabilisers for a rock-solid static base
- 18″ Pneumatic tyres for unbeatable off-road capability
- Effortlessly tackles uneven grass, gravel or sand
- Rolls on and off of track with fully rigged camera
- Silky smooth tracking
- Central cargo deck for battery and accessory storage
I wouldn’t want to work without it now. It has changed how I work, and how much quicker it makes a shooting day is the part I’m most proud of.
Health and Safety
All operators and technicians I supply are skilled professionals, trained and experienced in the safe handling of the Jimmy Jib camera crane. All hold the H&S ‘Passport’ required for work with the BBC.
All my equipment is maintained to the highest standard and certified annually by an independent LOLER inspector.
A Jimmy Jib Risk Assessment can be provided to all clients on request, and can be supplemented by a Site Specific Risk Assessment where necessary — either on a recce, or on the morning of the shoot before rigging.
Jib Size Chart
| NAME GIVEN TO JIB SIZE | REACH (distance tripod to head) | MAX HEIGHT (see note below) | MAX PAYLOAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 6' (1.8 m) | 13' (4.0 m) | 60 lbs (27.2 kg) |
| Standard Plus | 9' (2.7 m) | 16' (4.8 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Giant | 12' (3.6 m) | 19' (5.7 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Giant Plus | 15' (4.5 m) | 23' (7.0 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Super | 18' (5.4 m) | 25' (7.6 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| 21' | 21' (6.4 m) | 27' (8.2 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Super Plus | 24' (7.3 m) | 30' (9.1 m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Extreme | 30' (9.1 m) | 33' (10.1m) | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| The Daddy | 40' (12.2 m) | 43' (13.1m) | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
If a specific lens height is needed please call for advice to avoid a problem once on location.
Minimum Working Areas
These are the minimum requirements for the safe operation of the Jib. Measurements should be rounded up when providing platforms.
Up to 12' Jib (One Rear Extension)
90° Swing – 8′ x 8′
180° Swing – 8′ x 12′
360° Swing – 12′ x 12′
Up to 24' Jib (Two Rear Extensions)
90° Swing – 11′ x 11′
180° Swing – 11′ x 16′
360° Swing – 16′ x 16′
Up to 40' Jib (Three Rear Extensions)
90° Swing – 14′ x 14′
180° Swing – 14′ x 22′
360° Swing – 22′ x 22′
Work Overseas
When in transit, the Jimmy Jib crane packs down to a collection of a dozen or more flight cases and one or two bubble-wrapped items. Each individual flight case is checked so that it weighs no more than 32kg, suitable to meet the maximum staff handling weight of most airlines. Detailed weights and measurements lists for all equipment can be supplied on request when booking a flight or preparing a carnet. The Jib’s counterweights (totalling roughly 160–200kg depending on the size of jib) are quite often sourced locally from either a gym or media facility, to avoid excessive airline costs. If you need any further information to help organise an overseas shoot, ring me on 07951 579657.
