Purpose-built for fast, safe camera repositioning

The ChaseJib™ Repositioner uses a slow, inexpensive actuator designed specifically for positioning, not movement during a take.

In this configuration, the actuator is used to raise or lower the camera payload to the desired lens height. Once the camera is in position, the ChaseJib™ and attached vertical damper (such as a Flowcine Black Arm or similar system) are locked off, ensuring the system does not move during the shot.

This is the simplest, safest, and most widely used ChaseJib™ configuration.

How it’s used on set

• Raise or lower the camera payload to the required lens height

• Position the ChaseJib™ and Black Arm exactly where the shot demands

• Lock the system in place — no movement during the take

Key characteristics

• Slow, controlled movement: ~1 minute to move 24”

• Minimal training required: Typically 1–2 hours

• Power: 12V DC (standard vehicle outlet or battery)

• Control: Simple up/down remote

• Operation: Lock-off only (no in-camera movement)

Why productions love it

One of the most time-consuming aspects of any Black Arm job is moving and re-rigging the arm to new positions and heights — especially when switching between front and rear vehicle configurations.

The Repositioner dramatically reduces that burden. Instead of a team of grips breaking down and rebuilding hardware, the ChaseJib™ allows the camera to be repositioned quickly and precisely with minimal crew involvement.

This configuration was used extensively on HBO’s Hacks Season 2, including long-distance, cross-country work, where reliability, simplicity, and speed were critical.

Rental model

• Available for client rental

• Can be operated by productions without a ChaseJib™ Tech

• Ideal for 2nd unit, insert work, plates, and fast-moving schedules

Designed for dynamic, vertical in-camera motion

The High-Speed ChaseJib™ configuration is a more advanced system intended to create intentional vertical movement during a shot.

Unlike the Repositioner, this variant is designed for active motion, not lock-off positioning. Because of the forces involved, it requires additional power, safety systems, and operational oversight.

What makes it different

• High-speed actuator: ~6 seconds to move 24”

• Designed specifically for in-camera vertical moves

• Requires a more complex electrical and safety architecture

System components

• Control box powered by 120V AC

• High-power actuator and gearbox

• 72V DC LiFePO₄ battery (golf-cart style)

• Two adjustable external safety sensors (top and bottom limits)

• Mechanical powered e-brake to prevent uncontrolled descent

• Redundant safety measures to protect camera payload and vehicle

Operational requirements

Because of the speed, power, and complexity of this configuration:

• Additional safety precautions are required

• Setup and operation must be closely supervised

• The system is not currently approved for client-only rental

Rental model

• Requires a ChaseJib™ Tech on set

• ChaseJib™ Tech is responsible for:

  • Proper configuration and setup

  • Safety checks and sensor calibration

  • Operational control during takes

As the system evolves, future revisions may allow simplified controls, operator feedback, and expanded safety interlocks. For now, the High-Speed ChaseJib™ is offered only as a tech-supported solution.

• Choose the ChaseJib™ Repositioner when:

  • You’re shooting inserts, plates, 2nd unit, or pickup shots

  • You need fast, repeatable height changes but no movement during the take

  • You want an alternative to traditional speed-rail and hard-mounted shock arm rigs

  • Time and budget don’t justify extensive vehicle rigging

  • The shot benefits from a locked-off camera position once framing is set

  The Repositioner replaces much of the piping and speed-rail typically required for shock-arm mounting and allows the camera to be repositioned faster and with less crew involvement than traditional methods. It’s an ideal solution when budgets are tight and the shot does not require in-camera vertical motion.

  Choose the ChaseJib™ High-Speed Variant when:

  • You need a deliberate vertical move during the shot

  • You want dynamic camera motion without the footprint of a full arm-car package

  • You have a small number of hero shots where an arm car would be difficult to justify

  The High-Speed ChaseJib™ offers a practical, lower-overhead alternative to an arm car when the production can’t support the cost, logistics, or permitting that typically comes with one. Because the ChaseJib™ operates in a street-legal configuration, it often avoids the need for police lockups or street closures — factors that can quickly drive up costs on even simple shots.

• You have a limited number of moving shots

• You need fast setup and repositioning

• Budget, schedule, or permitting constraints make an arm car impractical

• The shot benefits from vertical adjustment or a controlled in-camera move

• You want to remain street-legal and avoid full street closures when possible

• Your shot requires high speed with a fast camera car.

• The shot requires long reach, complex compound moves, or continuous dynamic motion

• Payloads and offsets exceed compact mounting solutions

• The production scale supports the crew, permits, and logistics required

• Lock-off shots with no in-camera movement required

• You expect to change camera positions and lens heights during the day

• Quick changeovers between positions are needed

• Manual repositioning of the shock arm would slow the shoot

• Budget or schedule doesn’t justify extensive vehicle rigging

• You need a deliberate vertical move during the take

• You have a small number of hero shots that benefit from motion

• An arm car is impractical or difficult to justify

• A fast-moving camera car is required for the shot

• The shot calls for long reach or complex compound motion

• Payloads or offsets exceed compact mounting solutions

• Continuous dynamic movement is required

• The budget supports street closures and police coordination