A Tour of SolidLine 1 – On-Location Production Semi

A Tour of SolidLine 1
By Michael Kromm, Creative Director
SolidLine Media

The SolidLine Media High Definition video production rig is a custom made 2008 Volvo powered ShowHauler. The 50-foot coach provides the SolidLine film crew with all of the amenities of home, but also enables a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment while traveling the vast roads of North America.

 

Taking you from the outside in, every detail is designed to provide first-class amenities while withstanding the rugged work environment of film and video production. The SolidLine Media semi is powered by the Volvo D16 engine, providing 500hp with onboard diesel fuel capacity of 150 US gallons allowing SolidLine to travel over 1,000 miles without stopping.

 

Moving slightly back behind the cab on the passenger side is the entrance to the on-location production facility and film crew living quarters. Automatic, illuminated stairs and illuminated door handles provide safety and class while inviting clients and guests into the coach. Underbody galvanized storage compartments which provide additional storage and a Weber grill for craft services. Directly above the passenger side of the HD video production semi are duel automatic sun shade awnings, ideal for craft service operations to set up. They also provide a great place for clients, crew, and talent to cool down and unwind during long filming days.

Additional exterior highlights include a 12Kw Diesel ultra quiet generator, automatic 4-leg hydraulic leveling system, and multiple floodlights providing a safe work environment for nighttime film and video productions.

 

Once onboard the SolidLine coach, you will immediately notice that the attention to detail was not forgotten, which is important as the SolidLine crew travels approximately 4,000 miles each month.

Such amenities include Amish crafted solid oak cabinets, leather upholstered couch seating, a dinette with booth seating, and air cushioned captain seats. The in-motion tracking satellite, High Definition flat panel television, audio and video entertainment center, and wireless internet allow SolidLine crew and clients the ability to view footage and stay in touch with the outside world while on production. The coach has central AC and heat and carries 200 gallons of fresh water. It also boasts a full kitchen with convection oven, microwave, duel burner stovetop, and a coffee maker. Five separate sleeping births and a private bathroom with shower are also onboard.

With all of these amenities and additional workspace for video production services, it’s a wonder how this state-of-the-art film and video production semi travels down the road.

 

Directly behind the work and living quarters at the rear of the high definition production semi is a 20-foot production garage, which allows SolidLine Media to also utilize this rig as a full service grip truck.

This ‘Crew Only’ portion of the coach houses all of SolidLine Media’s High Definition production cameras, camera support (including a 15-foot jib and dolly system), field audio, lighting, a 4-seat utility golf cart, and all of the grip and electric required to provide our clients with the full service High Definition video production services they expect.

 

Whether it’s Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or anywhere else across North America, the SolidLine Media High Definition production semi provides our clients and film crew with the necessary support and equipment required to get the premiere quality video production job right, the first time.

Check out a few High Definition video highlights of our grip truck semi driving around the country.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVtOmFoZCaI&hl=en&fs=1]

You can contact Michael Kromm at mkromm@solidlinemedia.com.

To Learn more about SolidLine Media, visit us online at www.solidlinemedia.com. Or call 312-939-8600.

Copyright 2009 SolidLine Media, a division of KV Media Group, Inc.