The video is a fascinating peek behind the curtain to see the crane in action, as well as some of the production schedule of a show like SNL, with rehearsals and tests, and how they make those regular classic camera moves the show’s famous for. It’s a lot of work, and it all has to be done to a strict schedule while bouncing from set to set, dodging the live studio audience, the rest of the crew, as well as the talent who will be appearing on-camera. The Electra requires a small dedicated crew to use, including a driver, somebody to control the arm, somebody to sit at the top and control the camera, along with other assistants. It needs to be able to do dolly moves, trucking moves, high and low shots, and the Chapman Electra can do them all with relative ease. Originally added by the original director Dave Wilson, to help emphasise the live atmosphere of the show. See the video here of Solange’s performance of Cranes In The Sky on Saturday Night Live. The song is the first single she released from her new album A Seat At The Table. The Chapman Electra Crane has been used on SNL for so long that it’s practically one of the cast, providing a big chunk of the show’s “personality” through its consistent use in the SNL studio over the past several decades. Solange sang Cranes In The Sky on this week’s SNL.

Cranes in the sky snl