on location
The Akela Crane 80 was used on the ABC Network Hit TV Show Wipeout. It was used to cover the obstacle course from start to finish. Click here to watch video!
About Big Shot Camera Cranes
The President of Big Shot Camera Cranes, Brian Gaetke has been operating Camera for 20 years and Jimmy Jibs for the past 15 years for various television and film productions. Gaetke was introduced to the Akela Crane by the Director of Fear Factor, Rupert Thompson, who had asked Gaetke if he could possibly operate one for the show. After getting his feet wet on a few big stunts he inquired about buying the Akelas. A 53ft Akela Jr was acquired and the following year two more Akelas were purchased and fabricated. Thus was the inception of Big Shot Camera Cranes. Since inception the camera cranes have been in use all over the world, and most likely on your next production!
Director of Photography for television programs, concerts, live broadcast events, commercials, and features.
Selected Credits include:
"Phoenix" with Ray Liota
Academy Awards
America's Funniest Home Videos
America's Most Wanted - Director of Photography,
12 Seasons.
AOL Network Live Concert Series; James Blunt,
Rod Stewart, Gretchen Wilson, etc.
Automobile Commercials: Dodge, Ford, Subaru
Bernie Mac
Bold And The Beautiful
Celine Dion variety show special for French TV
Dateline
Emmy Awards
ESPN US Poker Championships
Fear Factor, Seasons 2-6
Fox Superbowl Special
Fox Bowl Bash - Sugar Bowl
FOX TV Robbie Knievel Specials; Grand Canyon, Building to Building, Train Jump, The Intrepid Aircraft Carrier.
Gene Simmons "Family Jewels" Reality Show
Oprah Winfrey "Make The Connection" DVD
Rescue 911
Rock Star
ShowBox
Showtime Championship Boxing, 12 Seasons
Studio 60
Stunt Junkies
The World According to Jim
Young & The Restless; Gaetke was part of the Daytime Emmy Award winning technical team for 3 Emmys.
- Concert DVD's; Bon Jovi, Richard Marx, Tina Turner,
Tom Petty, Goo Goo Dolls, Big & Rich etc. - Music Videos; Trace Atkins, Tom Petty,
Alabama, etc. - Time Life Music DVD infomercial series
- Workout DVD's & Television Shows; Body by Jake, Carmen Electra, Tammy Lee Web, plus many more
Akela cranes
Our 86ft Akela Crane is one of the longest arms in the West Coast/Los Angeles area. Our Akela can be constructed to arm lengths of 45ft, 58ft, 72ft, 80ft and 86ft reach, and some custom sizes in between. The lens height...
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jimmy jibs
Complete with it’s own remote head, the Jimmy Jib can be constructed in various lengths from a 6 foot reach to 24 foot reach. The Jimmy Jib is configured to be operated by a single person who controls the...
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