HOW TO CARRY STICKS WITHOUT SMACKING EVERYONE
In film and video production, sticks refer to key support equipment like tripods, boom poles, and C-stands. These tools are essential for stabilizing cameras, managing microphones, and supporting lighting, making their safe handling a priority on set. Failing to manage sticks properly can cause minor accidents or lead to damaged equipment and injured crew. When you skillfully carry sticks, you help keep the production running smoothly and reduce costly delays. Understanding safe stick transportation is just as important as learning to use the camera itself.
PRE-PLANNING EQUIPMENT MOVEMENT
Efficient movement with sticks starts before any shooting takes place. During pre-production, assess the layout of your location and map out the best routes for carrying tripods and other gear. Assign specific crew members to take responsibility for equipment handling, so everyone knows who is moving what and when. Planning prevents chaos during busy periods and leaves less room for confusion or mishaps.
By planning ahead, you streamline both setup and breakdown and help keep walkways clear.
PROPER TECHNIQUE FOR CARRYING STICKS
Carrying tripods, boom poles, and C-stands involves proper technique to avoid injury and keep the set safe. When moving a tripod, grip the center column with your dominant hand while supporting the legs with your other hand to keep everything stable. For C-stands and boom poles, always hold them close to your body with one hand near the weight-bearing point and the other farther along the length for balance. Slow, deliberate steps will give you better control, especially when passing other crew members or navigating around equipment. If you must move through crowded areas, try sliding sideways to narrow your profile and reduce the risk of bumping into someone.
COMMUNICATION ON A BUSY SET
Communication is one of the most important aspects of carrying sticks safely on a busy set. Always give clear verbal warnings—such as “Sticks coming through!”—as you move, so people nearby are aware and can make room. Production assistants or the 1st Assistant Director often coordinate the flow of equipment, relaying information either in person or via walkie-talkie. To further enhance safety, your team might develop simple hand signals for particularly loud or visually busy environments. In short, clear communication eliminates surprises and helps avoid accidents.
ETIQUETTE AND CONSIDERATE STICK HANDLING
Being considerate and professional when handling sticks fosters a safer, more effective set. Make eye contact, move steadily, and keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid sweeping sticks into people’s paths. Respect personal space and watch for trip hazards, especially in dimly lit areas. Encourage your crew to maintain tidy equipment zones so sticks don’t end up scattered on the floor.
Small gestures, such as waiting for someone to pass before entering a tight space, show respect and reinforce a collaborative, safety-conscious environment.
ESSENTIAL GUIDELINES FOR SAFE STICK HANDLING
Careful pre-planning of walking routes
Assigning clear responsibilities for equipment transport
Using proper carrying techniques for each type of gear
Providing advance verbal or visual signals
Remaining aware of your environment and others’ movements
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
Real-world examples highlight why safe stick handling is no trivial matter. On one set, a camera assistant’s careless sweep of a C-stand triggered a domino effect, knocking over lights and delaying the shoot for hours. Conversely, an organized crew avoided such chaos by reviewing floor plans, identifying bottlenecks, and rehearsing equipment routes before the first shot. These teams assigned a dedicated point person for moving sticks and updated the crew as layouts changed throughout the day. Learning from these experiences can help prevent costly damage and protect your teammates from injury.
