KornerCrane is known in the industry for inventing and manufacturing the first of its kind universal leveling head for telescopic camera cranes, called the Knuckle. We've asked them to give us a glimpse into their journey from scratch to their final product.
BY FILMMAKAZ REDACTION
Telescopic Cranes are an integral part of almost any bigger scale production according to the wide range of camera movement abilities they’re offering. Mounted between crane and remote head Kornercrane's Knuckle unlocks an even broader variety of unique camera movements, by enabling operators to change quickly between operating modes like underslung, overslung or matrix mode for example without removing the head or camera package. The compatibility with telescopic cranes like Moviebird 17-60ft, Scorpio 23-45ft and Supertechno 15-50ft combined with its large payload capacity of up to 68kg/150lbs and its functionality is what makes the Knuckle a real game changer in terms of camera movements.
Trusted by the film industry Kornercrane's leveling head system has already covered a wide range of productions and shows like The Mandalorian, Captain Pickard, The Book of Boba Fett, Wanda Vision, Fear the Walking Dead and Your Honor to name just a few.
The Knuckle is the first universal levelling head for telescopic cranes. It’s unique design not only allows under- and overslung operation but also an active levelling outfront mode. Changing between modes is incredibly fast and can be done without removing remote head or camera even during a live move via the hand control.
-
Based in Burbank [CA]
-
Inventors, manufacturers and distributors of the Knuckle, the first universal leveling head system for telescopic cranes
LEVEL
UPGRADED TO
KNUCKLE
Compared to its earlier version which was named Level, today's Knuckle can be utilized even more versatile according to its modularity that allows to remove or attach the extension adapter as required.
WHERE IS KORNERCRANE BASED AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO LOCATE YOUR COMPANY THERE?
Kornercrane Inc is located in Burbank, California. We chose this area, because it is centralized in the motion picture industry in the greater Los Angeles area.
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE BEHIND KORNERCRANE AND WHAT ARE THE KEY SKILLS THEY ARE BRINGING TO THE TEAM?
HOW IMPORTANT IS TEAMWORK FOR YOU AS A MANUFACTURING COMPANY?
Our company is comprised of three individuals: Matt Davis, co-founder, over 16 years in the industry specializing in remote systems, repair, maintenance, and development for the majority of remote system manufactures. Chris Sweeney, co-founder, over 16 years as a remote system field technician. Mark Zechner, mechanical system designer, teamwork is a vital requirement for us, as without the process is slow, and single minded.
Teamwork is a vital requirement for us, as without the process is slow, and single minded.
"
Introduction teaser
WHEN WAS KORNERCRANE FOUNDED, AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR CORPORATE NAME?
Kornercrane Inc was founded in 2015. The name was derived due to the first product we were attempting to develop, which was a short telescopic crane arm, with a very short backend, allowing it to be in a corner while still being able to pan the arm. Therefor, Kornercrane.
"
Our leveling head can be used on all cranes,
including fixed arm cranes.
YOU ARE KNOWN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR YOUR UNIVERSAL LEVELING HEAD SYSTEM THAT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND.
WHAT IS AN UNIVERSAL LEVELING HEAD AND WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TASKS IT IS SUPPOSED FOR?
Leveling heads from other crane manufactures are specific to their systems and can only be used on there systems. Where as our leveling head can be used on all cranes, including fixed arm cranes. We achieve this by developing a system that will interface directly with the other crane manufacturers.
Our system works just like others, automatically maintaining level to ground as the arm tilts up and down. However, a very special feature was designed into our system. The ability to move its position from under to overslung and anywhere in between, even while shooting! This eliminates the time consuming process, of removing the camera package, removing the remote head, removing the levelling head, and flipping it around, then installing the remote head again, along with camera package. Not to mention as described above the ability to make positional changes live, allowing for much more creative freedom.
"
We knew we had something special with the leveling head.
YOUR UNIVERSAL LEVELING HEAD SYSTEM IS ALSO CALLED THE "KNUCKLE". IS IT AN OFFICIAL PRODUCT NAME OR MORE OF A NICKNAME, AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE FOR THIS NAME?
The Knuckle is a play on words, using our “K” from our logo, and slang in the automation industry for robotic joints or knuckles, an axis really. We changed the name to Knuckle after our third and final update of the system.
WHEN DID YOU GUYS GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR UNIVERSAL LEVELING HEAD?
The concept of the leveling head was developed while we were developing the first product, the Kornercrane. Unfortunately, the crane didn’t work out, but we knew we had something special with the levelling head, we showed it to some major rentals houses, and they confirmed we should pivot our goals, and further develop the levelling head.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO DEVELOP THE KNUCKLE FROM SCRATCH TO ITS FINAL VERSION AND HOW MANY PEOPLE AND DIFFERENT KINDS OF EXPERTISE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS?
From the time we decided to solely focus on the development, it has been a 5 year journey. We have assembled a very talented and experienced individuals, both inside and outside the industry. End user feedback is most important to us, allowing us to improve and meet the needs of the user.
-
Scorpio 10 - 45ft
-
Moviebird 12 - 60ft
-
Supertechno 15 - 50ft
-
anything mitchell based
-
plug & play operation
-
weight 13kg / 29lbs (w/ extension) 16kg/36kg)
-
payload 68kg / 150lbs
-
electronically controlled horizon
-
programmable saftey limits
-
motor brake safety system
-
IP67 rating
-
100-240 Vac 47-67 Hz
-
underslung
-
overslung
-
active outfront
-
passive outfront
-
range ± 290°
-
modular design
558 mm [22']
457 mm [18']
11in / 432mm
10in / 254
EXTENSION MODULE
ELECTRONICS BOX
HAND CONTROL UNIT
COMPATIBILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
OPERATION MODES
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH DUE THE DEVELOPING PROCESS?
Biggest challenges for us have always been funding, as we are privately funded internally. Smaller challenges, supply chain, development time, and the pandemic.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE PRIORITIZED ASPECTS WHEN YOU MADE YOUR DESIGN DECISIONS?
Safety, reliability, performance, and aesthetic appeal.
"
My favorite is always the look on their faces,
like how the hell?
WHEN WAS THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE KNUCKLE ON SET AND WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE TO SEE YOUR LEVELING HEAD USED IN A REAL PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I can only answer that in regards to first I was on set with it, which was StarTrek Picard, Season 1. I remember being very nervous, lol of course, but as the nerves settled, and the system performed throughout the entire, it became very exciting to see it in action and the response from the crew. My favorite is always the look on their faces, like how the hell?
AS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WE CAN IMAGINE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY WERE PRETTY MUCH ASTONISHED AT THE KNUCKLE AND THE UNIQUE TYPE OF CAMERA MOVEMENTS IT ENABLES TO. CAN YOU SUMMARIZE SOME OF THE REACTIONS?
Game Changer is used a lot. Clever solution for an on going time consuming problem. Bad Ass lol. Nice to have a product that allows for fluid movement and setups on set. Our system has zero mechanical play in the gearing with is nice and aids in the performance of the remote heads. Love that it is water-proof, and can hand the most payloads in any config in the industry.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ASSEMBLE THE KNUCKLE AND HOW MANY STAGES DOES THE KNUCKLE HAVE TO GO THROUGH DUE THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS BEFORE ITS COMPLETION?
We try to limit the amount of different venders we use, so we can always maintain and over absolute quality control, due to that the manufacturing process is streamline/turnkey in fashion.
With all parts and components in hand, the total build time is 3 days. Then testing for at least one week, on different installs, and stress testing. We want it to fail if it is going to while its with us and under unnormal use conditions. We really push it hard.
HOW IS THE KNUCKLE TYPICALLY OPERATED? BY THE REMOTE HEAD OP, THE CRANE OP, OR DOES IT REQUIRE ITS OWN OPERATOR ACCORDING TO THE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT OPERATION MODES IT PROVIDES?
The system works automatically, however, if you want to use the live mode, where it is under control from the HCU (hand control unit ) mostly we find the crane op or dolly grip will control it, however it is easy enough to use that anyone can use the HCU. Due to all the safety systems built into it, its very user friendly and easy to use for anyone.
Due to all the safety systems built into it, it's very user friendly and easy to use for anyone.
"
TRUSTED BY THE INDUSTRY THE KNUCKLE HAS ALREADY BEEN USED ON MANY REMARKABLE SHOWS.
CAN YOU NAME US A FEW?
StarTrek Picard, StarWars Mandalorian, Boba Fett, Marvel’s Wanda Vision, and Ant Man 3 (currently shooting) to name a few. It works on so many productions it is hard for us to be aware and know of all of them.
YOU HAVE DESIGNED THE KNUCKLE, INVESTED TIME AND MONEY AND WENT FROM THE INITIAL IDEA TO THE FINAL PRODUCT THROUGH ALL THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT WITH IT. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE NOW SO MANY PRODUCTIONS AND CAMERA MOVEMENT SPECIALTY UNITS RELYING ON YOUR PRODUCT AND USING IT ON THEIR PROJECTS?
It feels great! To concept a product with a certain vision in mind, and to see it enter the field, and be used accordingly to the original concept. We very much being in the field, and overhearing people talk about our product, without them knowing it was us behind it 😊
HOW ABOUT FUTURE PROJECTS?
DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING IN THE PIPELINE YOU CAN ALREADY SHARE SOMETHING ABOUT?
Yes, we are currently finishing up a new product, a very innovative and time saving product for cranes on the move.
Come see it at our booth at Cinegear 2022, where we will be unveiling for the first time. June 8th-12th, at our booth C601, located in the exterior booths.
