Cameras for Collins

I'm currently sitting in tech for the upcoming musical Floyd Collins, a production by Florida Players. The musical tells the tale of an explorer trapped in a Kentucky cave, the resulting media-frenzy, and the (literal) carnival that erupts above him.

This production requires two cameras - one for early motion pictures, one for film. The budget for both cameras was $10. The cameras aren't replicas of particular models. The goal was to create pieces that appeared to be primitive film technology, yet shiny and foreign compared to the wooden crates and ropes of the Kentucky camp.

Scrap lumber from the shop was utilized for the boxes (1/2" and 3/4"plywood, as well as 1/8" and 1/4" luan). Two cameras were scraped for lenses and buttons. Goodwill is a great resource. If you have enough lead time you can even request they save any broken cameras. And some similar stores don't sell donated film cameras.

The (implied) flash on the film camera is made from part of a VHS film camera and parts from a broken flashlight. In this case lighting designer will be providing the flash with a strobe.

The crank on the film camera was a bit tricky - it's made from a baton handle, spring, coat hangers, PVS, and a small amount of hardware.

Total cost of cameras = less than 4 hours in the shop, $8.50 in materials.

For more information on the production visit Florida Players.