The Access Tripod

A Clear Demand

Currently, no wheelchair accessible tripod for use with a digital video camera exists in the public domain. Wheelchair users are struggling to fit themselves to non-mobile standard tripods or they are having to direct a non-disabled facilitator to achieve the shots they want.

The primary problem with a standard tripod is that its legs block the wheelchair user from drawing close enough for accurate operation of the camera. Non-tripod, hand-held camera operation is also a problem preventing the wheelchair user form moving freely once hands are occupied with camera operation. Where tripods have been designed for wheelchair-users, they are generally for use with still cameras and so do not allow for the camera to be moved within a shot (i.e. pan, tilt, movement in space). The Access Tripod will tackle these problems.

Since publicising the project, numerous people have expressed their interest, including wheelchair-users from around the world, both recreational and professional camera operators. The Access Tripod is in demand.

Here's what they say:

The possibility of filming and moving simultaneously is an attractive one. Also, being able to have tripod-steadiness in a tight space - for instance in a jazz club where I film - would be marvellous. Wheelchair plus ordinary tripod takes too much floor space in a crowd - so this is one instance where The Access Tripod would really work for me, and help improve the quality of my filming.
Jaihn K Rose, Wheelchair-Using Imagician

I am a media undergraduate in my final year, and something along the lines of The Access Tripod would have been invaluable for the practical filming units that I had to undertake. My inability to easily and quickly move a standard tripod, or hold the camera for any hand held shots, meant my work displayed a fairly static, 'set-up' quality. The Access Tripod would allow wheelchair users like myself more spontaneity and naturality.

The Access Tripod will be of great use to somebody such as myself, a wheelchair user, as I wish to set up my own production company, and such equipment will allow me to be at the very hub of operations.
Mark Womersley, Media Undergraduate

The access tripod sounds an excellent piece of kit that should give us new points of view from camera-people, directors and filmmakers who must otherwise make their films secondhand. I wish the project good success.
Jane Dauncey, Drama Producer

As a 'fee free' community film making project run by disabled people, Learn...Camera...Action! believe that the successful development of the Access Tripod, would represent a major technical breakthrough, enabling many more disabled people to participate in film making, photo animation and many other digital communication and learning opportunities. We urge funders who support the principle of an inclusive society to support this important innovation.
Alan J Braley, Project Manager

The Access Tripod is a magnificent step forward for the practical process of filmmaking for disabled people. An excellent practical advancement which will enhance the range and capacity of the disabled filmmaker's skills and
options. What is amazing is that it has not been made already - but it is being now.
Dr Paul Darke, Artist and Academic

I think the Access Tripod is a brilliant idea. I have been managing a digital video project with seven people who use wheelchairs, and something like that would have been incredibly useful. Certainly some members who
found holding a camera two difficult or were unable to keep it steady would have been tremendously empowered by such a device. We are in the process of setting up Phase 2 of the Shoot Your Mouth Off project and would be extremely interested in the next stage of development of the Access Tripod. Good Luck.
Karen Sheader, Secretary, Shoot Your Mouth Off

Working with a static tripod from a wheelchair is a complete pain. Wouldn't it have been great if , instead of struggling with this three legged monster, I could rent (or borrow) an Access Tripod.

Imagining a neat little camera head, attached directly to my wheelchair. Positioned at about chest height it would allow me to comfortably look in the finder and operate all the controls. To get a new angle I could just spin my chair around and continue shooting immediately.

Day dreaming about all of the added value features that could be incorporated into this device. One could frame up, then lock off the head before rolling off to capture a wonderfully smooth tracking shot. It could have height adjustment, a mini Steadicam arm or even joy stick control.

The possibilities are endless, the technology is available.
Joe Bruton, Visual Effects Cameraman

We welcome the innovation of the Access Tripod. We see it as a great step forward in making video production truly accessible to everyone. We look forward to using it in our new Somerset Media Centre opening this Autumn.
Somerset Film and Video Ltd.

I look forward to being able to use a camera myself without having to 'get someone else to do it'. Thank you.
Angel Garden, Disabled Filmmaker.

• Introduction
• A Clear Demand
• Project Brief

 

This page last modified: 23 Apr 2008