WO2010058179A1

WO2010058179A1 - Body mountable camera support apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010058179A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nick Norman-Butler
Original assignee: Nick Norman-Butler
Priority date: 2008-11-21
Filing date: 2009-11-20
Publication date: 2010-05-27
Also published as: GB2465593A; GB0821359D0

Abstract

A body mountable camera support apparatus (10) comprises: a support vest (12), a rigid track system (14), a camera mounting unit (18) and a motor assembly (20). The rigid track system (14) is fixedly connected to the support vest (12) and has an elongate track which extends at least part way around the support vest (12). The camera mounting unit (18) is mounted on the track system (14) for movement along the elongate track and in operation is driven by the motor assembly (20). During use, the support vest (12) is mounted on the upper body of a subject and one or more cameras are connected to the camera mounting unit (18).

Description

BODY MOUNTABLE CAMERA SUPPORT APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a camera support apparatus for mounting one or more cameras on the upper body of a person, such that the cameras can be moved around the person. In particular, the present invention relates to a camera support apparatus for mounting one or more cameras on the body of a person in order to film that person.

During the filming or recording television programmes, feature films and music promos, a director will typically use a variety of different camera shots in order to achieve a particular stylistic effect. In one such type of shot, the camera is orbited around the subject of the filming in order to promote them as the centre of attention for the audience whilst also capturing a wider shot of the background of the subject so that the viewer can see more of the location and activity surrounding them.

Using existing equipment, this type of shot requires a camera operator to walk or run around the subject of the filming, manually moving the camera along with him. The camera operator may be holding the camera or may have the camera mounted on a harness which is strapped to his upper body. Alternatively, the camera may be mounted on a track which has been laid out around the subject on the floor or ceiling and moved around that track by the camera operator.

This type of filming technique has a number of limitations. The camera operator can only orbit the subject effectively when the subject remains relatively stationary or moves only slowly. If a track system is being used, the subject must also remain within the confines of the track. Furthermore, when the subject is walking or running, ascending or descending, it becomes difficult for the camera operator to continue orbiting them, particularly on uneven ground. Unless the subject is instructed to move in a strictly choreographed way, the camera operator will not be able to predict their exact movements and as a result may not be able to exactly follow the subject, or keep them as the focus in the centre of the shot. In addition, it may not be practical for the camera operator to follow the subject, for example, up stairs or into confined spaces. As a result, it is not typically possible to provide a sufficiently high quality and consistent orbiting shot of a moving subject.

It has been suggested to mount a motion picture or stills camera on the subject themselves so that the camera follows the subject as they move around. However, with existing mounting apparatuses, the camera remains in a static position relative to the subject during filming, so the director cannot obtain orbital shots and has insufficient flexibility in the movement of the camera.

It would be desirable to provide a novel apparatus and method which provides greater flexibility in the filming of a moving subject. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a novel method and apparatus which enables a camera to orbit the subject of the filming either in the studio or on location, when the subject is stationary, moving or in a confined space.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided: a body mountable camera support apparatus comprising: a support vest; a rigid track system fixedly connected to the support vest and having an elongate track extending at least part way around the support vest; a camera mounting unit mounted on the rigid track system for movement along the elongate track; and a motor assembly coupled to the camera mounting unit. In operation, the motor assembly drives the camera mounting unit along the elongate track so that the camera or cameras mounted on the support apparatus are moveable around the support vest and hence, in use, around the person wearing the support vest.

In use, the camera support apparatus of the present invention is worn on the upper body of a person and one or more cameras are mounted on the camera mounting unit so that the camera or cameras can move around that person during filming. The apparatus is suitable for use by a camera operator but is particularly adapted to be worn by the subject of the filming. Advantageously, the connection of the camera or cameras to the subject of the filming means that there is no longer a need for a camera operator to follow the subject, or for the subject to be confined to an area inside a camera track, as in the methods currently used. This gives the director of the filming much more flexibility in the shots that he can obtain, since the camera or cameras can move around the subject during filming even when the subject is moving around, or is within a confined space. If desired, two or more cameras may be mounted on the camera mounting unit. The use of multiple cameras may provide even further flexibility in the shots that can be obtained and may be used, for example, in the production or stereoscopic or 3D films.

By moving, or orbiting the camera or cameras by 360 degrees or more around the subject, a wide view of the background location and activity can be captured whilst retaining the subject in the centre of the shot. The subject may be filmed stationary or moving, either in a single location, or in a number of different locations with the orbital shots from different locations being edited together, for example, to show transitions through time or place. In this way, the use of the camera support apparatus of the present invention gives rise to new, stylistic effects which cannot be achieved using the filming methods of the prior art, as described above. The film produced using the apparatus will therefore have a unique style which has not been seen before by viewers.

The apparatus of the present invention allows the director to carry out filming without the involvement of a cameraman if he wishes to do so, since either the subject or the director can control the camera. This may be desirable, for example, in order to reduce the overall costs of the filming.

In the following description, the person wearing the camera support apparatus of the present invention will be referred to as the "subject", since they will typically be the subject of the filming. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus could also be worn by a camera operator who is using a camera to film somebody else.

In the camera support apparatus of the present invention, the camera mounting unit is driven along the elongate track by means of a motor assembly. Advantageously, the subject therefore does not need to manually control the camera or cameras at all but can move around and express themselves freely whilst the camera or cameras automatically orbit them. Unlike with the filming techniques of the prior art, the apparatus of the present invention also enables an orbiting shot of the subject to be taken in a relatively confined space. The use of a motor assembly ensures that the movement of the camera or cameras around the subject is smooth and consistent, with a constant speed if desired, and with the subject remaining the focus of the shot at all times.

The camera support apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use in conjunction with any type of camera or recording device, although the camera itself does not form part of the apparatus according to the invention. The camera may be a stills camera or any type of motion picture camera. Where two or more cameras are mounted on the apparatus, the cameras may be the same type or a different type. The camera or cameras to be used for the filming are releasably mounted on the camera mounting unit of the camera support apparatus prior to use. In order to minimise the weight of the apparatus, it may be preferable to separate the camera head from the recording device, so that only the camera head is mounted on the apparatus. The camera head and recording device can be connected using existing technology.

By "support vest" is meant any type of vest or harness suitable for securely mounting or strapping the camera support apparatus on the upper body of a person and for supporting the weight of the apparatus and camera or cameras during use so that that person can move freely and comfortably. Preferably, the support vest is a comfortable, sleeveless vest with rigid external parts formed of a thermosetting plastic or other suitable material. However, alternatively, the vest may be a type of harness, with straps securing the track system to the subject.

Preferably, the support vest is as light as possible and relatively tight fitting so that normal clothes can be worn over it, hiding it from camera view. Another advantage of the vest being as tight fitting as possible is that movement or slipping of the vest (and therefore the rigid track system) relative to the subject is minimised during use, when the subject is moving around. This helps to optimise the quality of the shot and retain the subject in the correct position relative to the camera or cameras.

Suitable support vests for use in the present invention are readily available and include, for example, those sold by Tiffen LLC for use with Steadicam® products, or the upper body armour commonly used in a variety of sports such as BMX riding. The track system of the camera support apparatus of the present invention provides an elongate track along which the camera mounting unit can move during use. Preferably, the elongate track is substantially horizontal when the apparatus is in place on the subject, so that the camera or cameras remain at a constant height relative to the subject during filming and so that it is easier to keep the track system balanced as the camera mounting unit moves.

Preferably, the track system is connected to the support vest such that when the support vest is being worn, the elongate track is positioned at approximately waist height of the subject or below, to avoid it being visible in the shot. In addition, the elongate track is preferably positioned at least a short distance away from the support vest, so that the camera or cameras can be mounted a convenient distance away from the upper body of the subject. Preferably, the track system is adjustably connected to the support vest so that its position can be varied depending on the person wearing the support apparatus and the shot required. If desired, the track system can be releasably connected to the support vest, so that the apparatus can be disassembled between uses.

In a preferred embodiment, the track system is connected to the support vest by means of two or more rigid brackets extending radially outwards from the support vest. Preferably, the brackets extend outwards at the front and back of the support vest, to allow the subject's arms to hang naturally at their sides when wearing the apparatus. The brackets are preferably adjustable in length so that the height of the track system and/or its distance from the subject can be varied as required. Alternatively or in addition, the angle of the brackets relative to the support vest may be adjustable for the same purpose.

The elongate track extends at least part way around the support vest so that in use, the camera mounting unit can move around the subject to obtain an orbiting shot. The track system may comprise a single piece of track, or may be formed of a plurality of connected pieces of track. The elongate track may include straight portions of track, curved portions of track, or both. However, preferably the elongate track curves around the support vest so that the movement of the camera mounting unit along the track is as smooth as possible. The elongate track may extend around only a part of the support vest, but most preferably the elongate track comprises an annular track extending 360 degrees around the support vest. The track thereby forms a closed loop around the subject, so that in use a camera mounted to the apparatus can orbit on an endless path all the way around the subject, capturing a shot of the entire background.

Particularly preferably, the track system comprises a substantially horizontal, annular track which is connected to the support vest so that when the camera support apparatus is being worn, the subject is in the centre of the circular track. This arrangement ensures that the subject remains in centre frame at all times, even when they are moving. The track system is preferably formed of a rail of some type, one of the surfaces of which provides the elongate track along which the camera mounting unit moves during use. The camera mounting unit may be mounted to move along the outside of the rail, for example, along the top or side of the rail. More preferably, the rail defines an elongate channel or passage within which the camera mounting unit is moveable, such that the camera mounting unit is at least partially enclosed inside the rail.

In a first preferred embodiment, the track system is formed of a rail having a U-shaped transverse cross section. The camera mounting unit is mounted within the channel formed by the U-shaped cross section and is moveable along the bottom thereof. The side walls of the U- shaped channel help to define the path of the camera mounting unit and retain it within the channel of the rail.

In a second preferred embodiment, the track system comprises a hollow rail, or pipe, inside which the camera mounting unit moves during use. The hollow rail must be at least partially open at the top or side to allow for the camera or a camera arm to extend from the camera mounting unit and move around the track, but otherwise fully encloses the camera mounting unit within the track system. The hollow rail may be of any suitable transverse cross section, including but not limited to a rectangular or circular cross section. The use of a hollow rail may be advantageous if it is not desired to disassemble the apparatus by separating the camera mounting unit from the track system, since the camera mounting unit is retained within the rail and is protected from dirt and damage to a certain extent.

The track system must be formed of a material which is sufficiently rigid that it does not bend or buckle when subjected to the weight of the camera or cameras on the camera mounting unit moving around it. Suitable materials include but are not limited to metal, plastic and composite materials such as fibreglass.

The camera mounting unit of the apparatus of the present invention is mounted on the track system in such a way that it remains securely in place on the track but is moveable around the track upon activation of the motor assembly. Preferably, the camera mounting unit is mounted such that it slides along the track system, although it is also conceivable that the camera mounting unit could be mounted such that it moves in some other way along the track system, for example, by rolling or turning.

A number of suitable arrangements for slidably mounting the camera mounting unit on the track system in this way are available and would be readily devised by the skilled person. In preferred examples, the track system comprises an elongate channel or passage in which the camera mounting unit is provided so that it can move around a track within the channel or passage. In an alternative arrangement, the camera mounting unit could comprise a U- or C- shaped part adapted to fit around the outside of the track system, or part thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the track system comprises an annular U-shaped channel and the camera mounting unit comprises a ring or annulus mounted within the channel. The ring sits within the channel and is able to rotate in either direction in the horizontal plane. The ring is provided with an attachment point, as described below, to which a camera or magic arm can be clamped. The ring may be substantially flat, or may be formed of a hollow tube having, for example, a rectangular or circular transverse cross section. A circular cross section may be advantageous to reduce the area of the surface in contact with the track system, thereby reducing the friction between the contacting surfaces of the camera mounting unit and the track system as the camera mounting unit moves.

The camera mounting unit is adapted to have one or more cameras removably attached to it. In order that the apparatus of the present invention can be used with existing cameras and attachments, the camera mounting unit should include an attachment point which is adapted such that it is compatible with existing cameras or camera arms. The camera or camera arm may be connected to the camera mounting unit using conventional fixing means such as clamps, bolts, screws or any combination thereof. Typically, a camera or camera arm will have an existing clamp, which can preferably be clamped directly to the attachment point. One example of a suitable attachment point would be a protrusion extending from a surface of the camera mounting unit, to which a conventional clamp can be attached. The protrusion may be, for example, substantially rectangular or may widen towards the outer end to ensure a more secure clamping of the camera or cameras to the attachment point. Furthermore, the protrusion may have high friction surfaces to prevent any slipping of the clamp during filming.

A camera may be connected directly to the camera mounting unit but is preferably connected indirectly by means of an adjustable support arm, of the type commonly used for mounting cameras. Such adjustable support arms are well known and typically comprise a clamp at one end, a central pivot point and a unit for attaching the camera at the opposed end. One example of a suitable support arm is the "magic" arm.

Where two or more cameras are mounted on the apparatus, the cameras may be connected using the same or different support arms.

Using an adjustable support arm, a camera can be mounted at eye level at a distance away from both the subject and the track system. The adjustable support arm also gives improved flexibility in the position and angle at which the camera is mounted and can provide shock absorption to minimise any wobble of the camera as the subject moves. Once in position, the adjustable support arm and any other moveable parts can be tightened such that the assembly as a whole remains rigid during use. In certain embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable support arm may be incorporated at the attachment point of the camera mounting unit, but typically the adjustable arm will be separate from the apparatus of the present invention.

Under certain circumstances, it may be desired to fix or lock the camera mounting unit in place on the track. The camera support apparatus may therefore optionally be provided with one or more clamps or locking devices to hold the camera mounting unit at a fixed position along the track.

If the camera support apparatus is being worn by the subject of the filming, the camera or cameras may be connected to the camera mounting unit such that the lens is pointing inwards at the subject and remains pointing inwards as the camera mounting unit moves along the track system. Clearly, if the camera support apparatus is instead being worn by the camera operator for the purposes of filming someone else, the camera can be mounted with the lens pointing away from the operator, towards the subject of the filming.

In order to keep the track system and the camera mounting unit in a horizontal position during operation, the apparatus preferably further comprises means for the attachment of a counter balance at a position substantially opposed to the position at which the camera or cameras will be mounted. The counter balance should be substantially equal in weight to the camera to be supported on the apparatus and is moveably mounted on the track system such that its movement is coupled to the movement of the camera mounting unit. This coupling is to ensure that during use the counter balance remains opposed to the camera at all times.

In the preferred embodiment described above in which the camera mounting unit comprises a ring having an attachment point for one or more cameras or adjustable arms, the ring may further include a second, opposed attachment point for attaching an appropriate weight to act as a counter balance. The second attachment point may take one of the forms described above with reference to the first attachment point and the attachment points may be the same or a different form. The counter balance preferably extends in a downwards direction from the track system such that it remains out of view during filming. It may be connected to the track system by means of an adjustable arm, in the same way as the camera, or simply by means of a hook hanging down from the attachment point. The counter balance may take any suitable form, for example, one or more cooking weights.

As described above, the camera or cameras may each be connected to the apparatus of the present invention by means of an adjustable support arm, which will typically incorporate shock absorption means and/or stabilising means. However, the apparatus may incorporate additional shock absorption means and/or stabilising means to ensure smooth filming of the subject as they move and to mitigate the bounce invoked by bipedal movement. Suitable shock absorption means or stabilising means may be incorporated in the camera mounting unit and additionally or alternatively between the camera mounting unit and the track system and/or between the track system and the support vest. It is common to use shock absorption and stabilising means in camera equipment and suitable means would well known to the skilled person. Reference is made to the teaching of US-A-4,017,168, US-A-4, 156,512, US-A- 4,208,028 and US-A-4, 394, 075. Suitable components for use with the camera supporting apparatus of the present invention may be available from MK-V®, Glidecam ® or Steadicam®.

Each camera may be mounted onto the adjustable support arm or the camera mounting unit by means of a rotatable head which can preferably rotate in three dimensions. Through the rotation of the rotatable head, the camera can be pivoted or rotated such that the lens can be pointed in any direction, allowing for 360 degree filming. The rotatable head will typically be battery powered and is preferably wirelessly controlled. In addition, suitable rotatable heads are available which can be programmed so that they can perform, for example, identical, repeated movements. Where two or more cameras are each mounted on rotatatable heads, the rotatable heads can be synchronised with each other.

In order to ensure smooth and easy movement of the camera mounting unit along the track system, it is preferable to minimise the friction between the contacting surfaces of the track system and the camera mounting unit. This may be at least partially achieved through the use of relatively low friction materials on the contacting surfaces. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention may further comprise friction reducing means for facilitating the movement of the camera mounting unit along the track system. The friction reducing means may include, for example, a plurality of ball bearings mounted on one of the contacting surfaces such that the ball bearings rotate as the camera mounting unit is moved. Alternatively, or in addition the friction reducing means may include one or more rollers on one of the contacting surfaces, to assist the sliding or rolling of the camera mounting unit along the track.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention in which the camera mounting unit is a ring mounted within an annular channel of the track system, as described above, a plurality of ball bearings are preferably provided at the bottom of the channel. The ring sits on top of the ball bearings and each ball bearing is preferably fixed in place by means of a pin. As the ring is moved around within the channel, the ball bearings spin about the pin, thereby facilitating the rotation of the ring.

The motor assembly of the camera support apparatus of the present invention comprises an electrical motor for driving the camera mounting unit along or around the track system. The motor assembly may be mounted on the rigid track assembly or alternatively may be mounted on the camera mounting unit. The motor assembly is coupled in some way to the camera mounting unit such that the rotation of the motor is transferred to the camera mounting unit, causing it to move along the elongate track. This can be achieved in a number of ways, which would be known to the skilled person. The rotation of the motor is preferably transferred to the camera mounting unit by means of a low resistance gear assembly which forms part of the motor assembly and engages with a surface of the camera mounting unit.

In one preferred embodiment, the motor assembly is mounted on the track system and comprises a gear wheel which rotates in a horizontal plane when the motor is switched on. The camera mounting unit of this embodiment comprises a ring, as described above, the inner surface of which has a plurality of teeth extending all the way around, which mesh, or engage with the teeth of the gear wheel. In use, the rotation of the gear wheel therefore brings about a corresponding rotation of the ring on which the camera is mounted.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the coupling of the motor assembly to the camera mounting unit could be achieved in a number of other ways which may not require the use of a gear wheel. For example, engagement between the motor assembly and the camera mounting unit may be through the engagement of one or more wheels or rollers with a high friction surface.

Any suitable type of electrical motor may be used in the motor assembly and the motor assembly will further comprise a power source, such as a battery, for powering the motor during use of the apparatus.

Preferably, the motor assembly is controllable by means of a remote control. This advantageously allows the movement of the camera mounting unit to be controlled by a person other than the person wearing the apparatus, such as the director or a camera operator. Therefore, whilst the camera or cameras are mounted on the subject for improved flexibility and movement thereof, the control of the camera shot and the filming can remain with those who are trained and experienced in filming.

The motor assembly is preferably capable of driving the camera mounting unit in both directions along the elongate track such that the camera can orbit the subject in an anticlockwise or clockwise direction.

With the use of a motor, the camera mounting unit may be driven along the elongate track at a constant speed. For example, with an annular track system, the camera or cameras can be set up to orbit the subject at a constant number of revolutions per minute. This results in a consistent shot and may also be beneficial for editing of the film, for example, so that a shot taken at one location can be seamlessly matched with a shot at a different location.

If desired, the motor assembly can include a variable speed motor having two or more speed settings, such that the camera mounting unit can be moved at varying speeds around the subject. The motor may be switchable between two or more discrete speed settings, such that the camera can be moved at different, constant speeds. Alternatively, the motor may have continuous speed control, so that the speed can be gradually and continuously increased or decreased, or "ramped", during filming to provide a novel stylistic effect. The speed may be continuously variable using, for example, a dial control.

The controls for switching the motor direction or altering the speed may be mounted in a convenient position on the track system for use by the subject during filming, or alternatively may be remote from the apparatus, so that the movement of the camera or cameras can be wirelessly controlled by the operator or director, as described above.

The camera support apparatus of the present invention may be a single unit but is preferably a modular apparatus, in which the different components are separable from each other and may be connected together or assembled prior to use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of the camera support apparatus described above comprising: mounting the support vest on the upper body of a subject; connecting one or more cameras to the camera mounting unit; filming using the one or more cameras, wherein during filming the camera mounting unit is driven along the elongate track of the rigid track system by means of the motor assembly.

In certain uses of the camera support apparatus, at least one camera is pointed inwards at the subject so that in operation the subject is being filmed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of filming using the camera support apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, as described above, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) mounting the camera support apparatus on the upper body of the subject; (ii) mounting a camera on the camera mounting unit of the camera support apparatus; and

(iii) filming using the camera

During step (iii) of the method the camera mounting unit is driven along the elongate track of the rigid track system of the camera support apparatus by means of the motor assembly, such that the one or more cameras move around the subject, as described above.

The one or more cameras may be positioned with the lens pointing away from the subject such that the scene around the subject is filmed. Alternatively, the one or more cameras may be positioned with the lens pointing inwards, in order to film the subject themselves. During filming, the one or more cameras are preferably rotatable between these two positions.

Preferably, the rigid track system of the camera support apparatus comprises an annular track extending around the subject such that in step (iii) the one or more cameras can orbit the subject by 360 degrees or more. Preferably, the motor assembly is controlled remotely by an operator during step (iii) in order to control the movement of the camera mounting unit and the camera attached thereto around the subject, as described above. Particularly preferably, at least one of the speed, direction and degree of rotation of the one or more cameras around the subject may be controlled.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a film made using the method of the third aspect of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a camera support apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the track system of the support apparatus of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.

The camera support apparatus 10 of Figures 1 to 3 comprises a support vest 12, a track system 14 extending around the support vest 12 and defining an annular channel 16, an annular camera mounting unit 18 within the annular channel 16 and a motor assembly 20 mounted on the inside of the track system 14. In use, the apparatus 10 is worn by the subject of the filming, with the support vest 12 mounted on their upper body and the track system 14 extending around them. A motion picture camera (not shown) is mounted on the camera mounting unit 16 by means of an adjustable arm (not shown), with the camera positioned at approximately eye-level and pointing inwards at the subject.

The support vest 12 is a sleeveless vest, including front and back rigid body plates, formed of moulded thermoplastic material. The vest 12 includes one or more straps connecting the body plates, so that the vest 12 can be tightened around the body to prevent movement of the track system 16 during filming. Once the support vest 12 is fixed in place on the upper body of the subject, normal clothes can be worn over the top without the vest affecting the external appearance of the subject.

The track system 14 is connected to the support vest 12 by means of two pairs of substantially opposed rigid brackets 22 extending outwardly and downwardly from the bottom of the support vest 12 such that the track system 14 is positioned at approximately waist height. The two pairs of brackets 22 are provided at the front and rear of the support vest, as shown in Figure 3. The track system 14 is formed of an annular, or circular, rail which extends in a horizontal plane around the support vest 12, so that the subject is positioned in the centre of the track 14. The rail has a U-shaped transverse cross-section which provides an annular channel 16, approximately 10 cm deep and between 5 and 6 cm wide, the opening of which is on the top side of the rail. Figure 1 shows the apparatus 10 with the front half of the circular rail removed, so that the details of the apparatus can be seen more clearly.

A single row of ball bearings 24 is provided in the bottom of the annular channel 16. Each ball bearing 24 is fixed in place by means of a horizontal pin 26 extending between the side walls of the channel and through the centre of the ball bearing 24. The ball bearings are each free to revolve around their central pin.

The annular camera mounting unit 18 comprises a circular ring 28 which rests on top of the ball bearings 24, in the bottom of the annular channel 16. The ring 28 is formed of hollow piping having a circular transverse cross section, to minimise the contact between the ring and the ball bearings. The ring 28 remains substantially horizontal during use, but is free to rotate in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction within the annular channel 16, about a vertical axis extending through the centre of the apparatus 10. The ball bearings 24 facilitate the rotation of the ring 28.

As shown in Figure 3, the ring is provided with a row of teeth extending all the way around the inner surface thereof, the purpose of which will be described below. The ring is provided with a first attachment point 30 for clamping a camera to the ring 28, preferably by means of a magic arm. An identical second attachment point 32 is provided opposite the first attachment point 30 for clamping a counter balance to the ring. The counter balance should have a weight which is as close as possible to the weight of the camera, so that the ring remains horizontal during filming. Both attachment points 30 and 32 are formed by a small post extending upwards from the top surface of the ring 28.

The motor assembly 20 is mounted on the inside of the annular rail of the track system 14 and comprises a radio controlled electric motor, a rechargeable battery for powering the motor and a gear wheel 34 connected to the motor. The gear wheel 34 is positioned substantially horizontally and extends a small distance into the annular channel so that the teeth of the gear wheel 34 engage or mesh with the teeth on the inner surface of the ring 28. When the motor is switched on, the rotation of the motor brings about the rotation of the gear wheel 34 which, in turn, causes the ring 28 to rotate within the annular channel. By switching the motor on and off, and by altering its speed and direction, the movement of the camera around the subject can be controlled. The motor controls are provided on a remote control, which may be operated by the director or a cameraman located a short distance away from the subject.

Claims

1. A body mountable camera support apparatus comprising: a support vest; a rigid track system fixedly connected to the support vest and having an elongate track which extends at least part way around the support vest; a camera mounting unit mounted on the track system for movement along the elongate track; and a motor assembly coupled to the camera mounting unit such that in operation, the motor assembly drives the camera mounting unit along the elongate track.

2. A camera support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the elongate track is an annular track extending 360 degrees around the support vest.

3. A camera support apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the elongate track is provided within an annular channel and wherein the camera mounting unit is mounted within the annular channel for movement therein.

4. A camera support apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the camera mounting unit comprises a ring mounted within the annular channel of the track system for rotational movement therein.

5. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising friction reducing means for facilitating the movement of the camera mounting unit along the elongate track.

6. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the motor assembly is mounted on the track system or the camera mounting unit.

7. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the camera mounting unit is moveable in a forward and reverse direction along the elongate track.

8. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the motor assembly includes a variable speed motor having two or more speed settings.

9. A camera support apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the speed of the motor is continuously variable between a minimum value and a maximum value.

10. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the motor assembly comprises a gear assembly which, in use, engages a surface of the camera mounting unit.

11. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a remote control unit for remotely activating and controlling the motor assembly during use.

12. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising means for the attachment of a counterbalance weight, moveably mounted on the track system such that the movement thereof is coupled to that of the camera mounting unit.

13. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the track system is connected to the support vest by means of two or more adjustable brackets extending radially from the support vest.

14. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising shock absorption means.

15. A camera support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the camera mounting unit comprises an adjustable support arm for adjustably mounting a camera.

16. Use of the camera support apparatus of any preceding claim comprising: mounting the support vest on the upper body of a subject; connecting one or more cameras to the camera mounting unit; filming using the one or more cameras, wherein during filming the camera mounting unit is driven along the elongate track of the rigid track system by means the motor assembly.

17. Use according to claim 16 wherein the camera is pointed inwards at the subject such that the subject is filmed.

18. A method of filming using the camera support apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) mounting the camera support apparatus on the upper body of a subject;

(ii) mounting one or more cameras on the camera mounting unit of the camera support apparatus; and

(iii) filming using the one or more cameras wherein during step (iii) the camera mounting unit is driven along the elongate track of the elongate track of the rigid track system of the camera support apparatus by means of the motor assembly, such that the one or more cameras move around the subject.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the camera is positioned such that the subject is filmed during step (iii).

20. A method according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the rigid track system of the camera support apparatus comprises an annular track extending around the subject such that in step (iii) the one or more cameras can orbit the subject by 360 degrees or more.

21. A method according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the motor assembly is controlled remotely by an operator during step (iii) in order to control the movement of the camera mounting unit and the one or more cameras attached thereto around the subject.

22. A method according to claim 21 comprising controlling at least one of the speed, direction and degree of rotation of the one or more cameras around the subject.

23. A film made using the method of any of claims 18 to 22.

24. A camera support apparatus substantially as described with reference to the accompanying figures.