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| This is the Harrison Center's karaoke elevator. I thought if I get stuck, I'll at least be able to entertain myself. |
Yes, this is a scissor lift in a passenger elevator; a bit crazy. There is maybe, almost, 1/2 inch of space on each side. It's for a commercial at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis, IN. We were shooting in the old classic basketball court and needed a scissor lift. I'm in this elevator, too, taking it up to the court. The only way to the court are steps or the elevator.
I was the gaffer, but everyone was busy and I had time to bring it in. I regretted it a bit. It was harder than I was expecting.
Of course, you are wondering; did I check the weight rating of the elevator? Of course, I was once a key grip and know about stuff like this. The elevator had a maximum load rating of 4000 pounds. The lift weighed a hefty 2700 pounds, plus my 200 pounds leaving a good safety margin of over 1000 pounds.
We do seemingly crazy things in this movie business.
PS: The AD said this was a "master class" in lift operating. A nice compliment. Like most union technicians, I am lift certified.