Long-term timelapse

The timelapse style that most people are familiar is that captured over the space of a few hours. We refer to these as 'short-term' captures (example) and, whilst we certainly such services, our specialty is the more difficult longer-term capture, ranging from a few weeks to several years long.

Filming continuously for several years without interruption isn't easy however through clever application of photo-voltaic and ultra-low power camera & computer technology we're able to make such filming projects possible. In the end it's well worth the effort. After all the engineering, logistics and post-processing work is done we're left with high-resolution footage that shows your project in a new light.

We've got the details under control

With several long-term timelapse projects under our belt, we've know what it takes to make sure long-term filming projects succeed.

• Filming in HD resolution to ensure best quality output (unlike low-resolution web-cam alternatives)
• Our IP-66 rated installations are built to weather (and even record) major storm events (rain, hail, wind)
• We bring our own safety harnesses, helmets and clothing to ensure we comply with site safety regs
• Designing our hardware to endure ambient-humidity and rain
• Optimising our enclosed cameras and computers for ultra-low power consumption
• Our installations are custom designed and made in australia
• We understand the legal issues around situating & operating unattended camera installations
• We operate with $20 million public liability insurance policy (registration of 'interested parties' is available)
• Our surveyors have industrial safety accreditation valid australia-wide
• Proven under australian conditions (from summer midday heat to winter pre-dawn cold)
• Protecting our installation's solar panels from bird roosting and nesting (bird droppings can critically reduce photovoltaic output)
• Designing our camera-housings to prevent insect infestation which may obscure lens or damage circuitry
• Situating our installations beyond reach of thieves, vandals & terrestrial wild-life
• Project-specific rigid steel tower to maintain camera position, declination and orientation to fine tolerances throughout multi-year project
• Ensuring rock-steady footage over several years despite buffeting (in some cases cyclonic) wind
• We understand how the varying relative trajectory of the sun throughout the seasons affects a year-round filming project
• We maintain our own data backups of all raw, processed and finished imagery

What is long-term timelapse used for?

Long-term timelapse footage is unique. Our clients typically commission such footage with a specific purpose in mind only to subsequently find several additional opportunities for it.

• Promotion through television news

  Long-term timelapse footage is unique and intrinsically interesting. The availability of HD timelapse sequences can encourage broadcasters to give construction and infrastructure projects far higher-profile and much wider exposure than they would otherwise receive.

• Promotion through online video

  Professionally produced long-term timelapse video stands out due to the generally lacklustre quality of most other online video. Promote your project on your own site or allow online news sites to use the footage to add visual interest to stories about your projects.

• Promotion in the field on smartphones

  Modern smartphones (Blackberry, iPhone, android etc) are very capable video players. Timelapse video on your staff's phones let's them show off their projects anytime, anywhere.

• Staff morale and public relations mid-project

  Releasing timelapse footage regularly throughout a long-term project can be a rallying point for staff to reflect upon the project has made over the proceeding months or years. The public can be shown the smooth and steady progress of long-term projects which appear never-ending.

• Environmental impact assessment

  Due to the nature of long-term timelapse video, the impact of long-term projects on the natural environment can be accurately tracked over time. Vegetation patterns and (often) animal movement patterns can be discerned due to the high-resolution of the final output.

• Archival and research

  Major construction projects are milestones in a society's history. Only poor fragments exist documenting the major projects of the past (imagine watching the Eiffel Tower or Empire State's construction). History will be kind to those with the foresight to film today's major projects.

• Recording extreme weather and other unpredictable events

  Any event appearing within a timelapse's frame will be captured, including unforeseen events. For example, the massive dust storm which swept eastern australia in september 2009 was captured by several of our operating cameras.

• Resolving insurance claims and contract disputes

  Long-term timelapse footage (with timestamped frames) allows easy and accurate determination of what happened and when. This can prove extremely useful in resolving contractual disputes such as insurance claims or sub-contractor disagreements.