C/L:   Was there something special about your production that led you to request a Super PeeWee® IV?

DL:    We got one of the first two prototypes.   We requested it because we wanted to see what the new model IV was.  We had no idea what it was, although we heard if had roundy-round steering.

CL:    Had you seen a spec sheet on the equipment?

DL:    Not at all.  We asked them to bring a dolly by during lunch for a demo.  Then we said, "If it's ok with you, leave it."  We kept it for the whole shoot.

CL:    What did you learn about the unit that worked well?

DL:    There's a much more stable arm.   This is a tremendous improvement, even over the Super PeeWee III with the XOX Head

CL:    What kind of load was on the arm?

DL:    We had an Arriflex camera.  It is about the same payload and size as the Panavision camera.  Pretty much your standard camera package.  The arm on the IV was reinforced, allowing it to hold more, whereas before, it used to be a compromise.

CL:    So you were getting positive feedback from the DP or camera operator about that?

DL:    Yes.  We asked for the dolly again and we're getting it back for our next job.  Chapman is already putting on improvements to the XOX Head.  You're able to level it by hand and not use the wrench now.  A great improvement.

CL:    Is it faster to level now?

DL:    And easier.  You don't need a manual.  The operator can now reach down and level the camera.  They like to do that.  They like to tweak it a bit.  Now they can work from the operating position.  Nobody has to get the wrench out to go up or down.  This is a very nice improvement.  I also liked the roundy-round steering.  It's a very safe feature, one that gets you out of tight situations.  Regardless of whether you use it during a shot or not, it's a very nice addition  It will make a u-turn on a tailgate, if need be.  The PeeWee has generally been used as a second camera platform.  Everyone realized it was a compromise to some

Above: Michael Ballhaus behind the camera on the Chapman Hybrid camera dolly. Dwight LaVers and Pat Daly pictured in the background on set during the filming of the Wild Wild West.  Photo: Murray Close  © 1999, Warner Bros.

extent.  It's lighter and  smaller.  It gets you into smaller areas, but it wouldn't be your first choice for the primary camera. 

     Now, the Super PeeWee IV has become more comfortable for the operator.  It's become more stable for the camera and it can hold its own.  The only difference that I can see (compared to larger dollies) is that the seat isn't on the arm, but, as far as a smaller dolly, it surpassed what it used to be.

CL:    Did you feel anything different in moving the Super PeeWee IV?

DL:    If you want to get down to the basics, even the handle is nice.  It's got grips with thicker padding, making it easier to use.  The handle is also, I think, 2 inches higher.  This is nice for me.

CL:    Let me run through the list of new features here.  You get more booms per charge.  Is that important to you?

DL:    Always.  Maybe that is something you take for granted.  Once you have more, you never want to go back to anything less.

CL:    Did you take advantage of the lower lens height capability?

DL:    Constantly.  They rarely like to take the few minutes to go to the lowest mode.  They want everything now.  The Super PeeWee IV, with the new XOX Head, drops down into that intermediate Low Mode.   Nine out of ten times, that's suitable.  It is certainly low enough.  All it takes is 30 seconds to get it there.

CL:    In a photograph you can see that a fully configured Super PeeWee IV looks quite different.  Did you employ the walk around board package?

DL:    It's a nice assortment of front and side boards.  It takes a little while to get used to.  I normally wouldn't like that many pieces to  play with, but you have that beautiful Accessory Cart to go with the dolly.  I think that the cart is so important, because with  so many pieces of accessories, the cart has a specific place for each, with a labeled place to go.  You can see and know what you have and don't have.  It makes everything so accessible and easy to find.

CL:    Did other people on the crew want to check it out?

DL:    Oh sure.  Everyone seemed to notice the new cart.  And since we are always interested in taking care of the equipment, the waterproof cart cover was good to have.

CL:    To sum your feelings up, you requested the dolly for your next project.  Did you do this with enthusiasm?

DL:    Immediately.  We didn't want to lose it.  We wanted the same one.  We tagged it and it's coming back out with us.

CL:    What's the name of your new project?

DL:    It's an action, drama, thriller entitled End of Days, with Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Peter Hayams is both the director and the director of photography.  The Key Grip is Pat Daly and Best Boy is Tom West.  The Wild Wild West crew is back for End of Days.