Film and television productions can involve complicated lifting requirements. Locations can be challenging, access can be restricted and production schedules can leave little room for delays.
This is why technical recces are such an important part of planning a lifting operation.
A technical recce allows the lifting team to assess the location before equipment arrives on site. It helps identify potential challenges early and allows the right equipment, attachments and personnel to be selected for the job.
At Media Lifting Solutions, our experience across film, TV and live events means we understand the pressures production teams face. From the initial technical recce through to the final wrap, we provide practical lifting support tailored to each production.
What Is a Technical Recce?
A technical recce is an assessment of a production location before work begins.
For lifting operations, this means looking at everything that could affect the safe movement and positioning of equipment.
This can include:
- Site access and entry points
- Ground conditions
- Available working space
- Overhead restrictions
- Load requirements
- Required lifting height and reach
- Positioning of machinery
- Suitable lifting equipment
- Traffic and pedestrian routes
- Potential environmental restrictions
A detailed assessment gives the lifting team a much clearer understanding of what the job involves.
It also allows potential issues to be addressed before equipment and crew arrive on location.
Why Are Technical Recces Important?
Every production location is different.
A machine that works perfectly on one site may not be suitable for another. Access, ground conditions, available space and the required lifting capacity can all affect the equipment selection.
A technical recce helps establish these requirements before the lifting operation begins.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends that lifting operations are properly planned and organised, with appropriate resources and competent people involved.
For film and TV productions, this planning needs to fit around the wider production schedule.
Identifying problems during a recce is much easier than discovering them when machinery arrives on site.
Choosing the Right Lifting Equipment
One of the key purposes of a technical recce is determining which equipment will be suitable for the location and the lift.
Media Lifting Solutions provides a range of roto telehandlers, with machines ranging from 21m to 51m.
Different projects may require different reach capabilities, lifting capacities or attachments.
For other requirements, standard telehandlers can provide a practical solution for lifting and positioning equipment.
Where space is particularly restricted, spider cranes can offer a compact lifting solution for challenging locations.
The aim is not simply to provide the largest machine available. It is about selecting equipment that is suitable for the specific location and lifting requirements.
Planning Around Film & TV Locations
Film and television locations can present some unusual challenges.
A lifting operation might take place in a confined space, on uneven ground or in an area with limited vehicle access.
There may also be buildings, trees, overhead cables or other structures that need to be considered during planning.
Production equipment itself can create additional requirements.
Lighting rigs, cameras, truss, screens and special effects equipment may all need to be positioned accurately.
This is where specialist media attachments can provide additional flexibility.
From Technical Recce to Lift Plan
A technical recce is only one part of the planning process.
Once the location and lifting requirements have been assessed, the information gathered can be used to develop the appropriate lift plan and RAMS.
A lift plan can set out the details of the proposed lifting operation, including the equipment, load, lifting method and personnel involved.
The HSE’s LOLER guidance also highlights the importance of proper planning, supervision and safe execution of lifting operations.
For more complex projects, a contract lift can provide a fully managed lifting service, with responsibility for planning and organising the operation handled by the lifting contractor.
Experienced Lifting Personnel
The equipment is only one part of a successful lifting operation.
Having experienced personnel involved from the beginning can help ensure that practical considerations are taken into account during the planning process.
Media Lifting Solutions provides CPCS and NPORS qualified operatives, alongside experienced lifting professionals including appointed persons, lift supervisors and slinger signallers.
Our team combines lifting expertise with an understanding of film and TV production environments.
This means technical discussions can take place with the production team before machinery arrives on location.
Finding Problems Before They Become Problems
One of the biggest benefits of a technical recce is the opportunity to identify potential issues early.
A restricted access route may affect the size of machinery that can reach the location.
Ground conditions may influence where equipment can be positioned.
A building or overhead obstruction may affect the lifting radius.
A change in the required load may mean a different machine or attachment is needed.
Finding these issues during the planning stage gives the team time to develop an appropriate solution.
Specialist Lifting Support From Planning to Production
Technical recces provide an important link between the production requirements and the practicalities of carrying out a lift.
At Media Lifting Solutions, we support productions from the initial assessment through to the completed operation.
Our specialist lifting services include technical recces, lift plans, RAMS, contract lifts, specialist equipment and experienced lifting personnel.
Whether you are planning a large-scale film production, television shoot or live event, early lifting advice can help create a safer and more efficient operation.
Contact Media Lifting Solutions to discuss your upcoming production and arrange a technical recce.