Vertical camera system · MAT
TowercamsTowercam rental
Overview
What it is.
A towercam is a telescoping camera column with a remote head on top. Our operator raises and lowers it remotely with foot pedals. We have MAT towercams in six sizes, from a mini that fits the tightest spots up to a full system that rises to 16 feet. Every one goes out with a remote head and the required technicians.
- Maker
- MAT
- Type
- Telescoping vertical camera system
- Max rise
- Up to 16'
- Sizes
- Six models
- Head
- Stabilized or non-stabilized remote head
- Operation
- Remote-operated column
Sizes
The six sizes
Pick the size by the room: how much height you have and how much rise the shot needs.
| Model | Min height | Max height | Lift speed | Payload | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towercam Mini | 20.7" (1' 9") | 46.95" (3' 11") | — | 150 lb | 25 lb |
| MAT Towercam XS | 30" (2' 6") | 54" (4' 6") | 3 ft/s | 120 lb | 77 lb |
| MAT Towercam XS+ | 32.38" (2' 8") | 83.75" (7') | ~3 ft/s | 120 lb | 120 lb |
| MAT Towercam 410 | 54" (4' 6") | 126" (10' 6") | ~3 ft/s | 130 lb | 120 lb |
| MAT Towercam Standard | 52" (4' 4") | 180" (15') | ~3 ft/s | 120 lb | 175 lb |
| MAT Twin Peek | 72" (6') | 192" (16') | ~3 ft/s | 120 lb | 200 lb |
Heights are the column only, from our CAD drawings. Add the remote head and base plate for total working height.
Use cases
Where we put them
Award shows & live TV
Rising wide shots that add scale without a crane, holding a clean position out of sight of the audience and the other cameras. We have run towercams on shows like the Grammys.
Hidden positions
The smaller sizes tuck into tight spots on set, like behind the drums or inside scenery, where a camera and operator can't fit.
Repeatable vertical moves
Paired with a stabilized remote head, a towercam gives a dependable rise that hits the same marks every take.
Pairs with
It pairs perfectly with
Stabilized Heads
Tops the column with an ARRI SRH-360 or FoMa Antares to take out shake on the rise.
Talon
The non-stabilized head that tops the column when the move doesn't need stabilizing.
AutoPods
Our low-profile telescopic lift for the smallest rises, easy to hide.
Agito
Add the Agito for horizontal moves across the same stage.
Jimmy Jib
The sweeping overhead move to go with the tower's rising wide.
FAQ
Common questions.
What is a towercam?
A towercam is a telescoping vertical camera column topped with a remote head. One of our operators raises and lowers it remotely with foot pedals for rising wide shots, working from a base far smaller than a crane needs for the same move.
How high does a towercam go?
Fluid Pictures towercams rise up to 16 feet, and come in six sizes so you can match the reach to the room.
What towercam sizes are available?
Six: the Towercam Mini, and the MAT Towercam XS, XS+, 410, Standard, and Twin Peek.
Do towercams come with a remote head?
Yes, and with an operator. The column takes a stabilized head — an ARRI SRH-360 or a FoMa Antares — or a Talon when the move doesn't need stabilizing.
How much does a towercam rental cost?
Towercam rental is quoted per production based on your dates, the model, and crew. Send your show dates for a quote.
What is the difference between a towercam and a camera crane?
Footprint. A towercam runs its move from a base not much bigger than the column itself, so it drops into a spot on set where a crane would never fit. A crane sweeps through an arc and needs the floor to do it. Many shows use both.
Book it
Which towercam fits your room?
Tell us the position, the height you have to work with, and what needs to be in frame at the top of the rise. We'll match one of the six sizes to it.