Horizontal extension arm for light stands, bolted to a C-stand. Allows lateral positioning of fixtures directly over the subject.
Technical Details
Standard side arms measure between 60 and 150 centimeters in length with a tube diameter of 16 or 28 millimeters. Load capacity varies between 3 and 15 kilograms depending on the material, with aluminum constructions weighing approximately 800 grams and carbon variants 450 grams. High-quality models feature locking screws (Grip Head) with a torque of 25-35 Nm. Telescopic versions offer a length adjustment ratio of 1:2.5.
History & Development
The first side arms originated in 1935 at Warner Bros. Studios as a response to the spatial limitations of the then-current soundstages. Chief Lighting Technician Harold Rosson developed the concept for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to position Fresnel spotlights outside the camera's field of view. Matthews Studio Equipment standardized the currently common dimensions in 1952. Carbon side arms only emerged in 2008 with the RED camera revolution, when lighter rigging solutions were in demand.
Practical Use in Film
In "Blade Runner 2049," Roger Deakins used side arms for precise edge lighting in apartment scenes without stands obstructing the frame. In automotive commercials, they enable the positioning of LED panels above vehicles without a boom operator. The typical workflow involves mounting on a C-stand, followed by attaching the light fixture and balancing with sandbags. Disadvantages include increased susceptibility to wind during exterior shoots and loss of stability at maximum extension.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to a boom arm (Boom Pole), the side arm operates statically without an operator. While Magic Arms offer articulation, they can only carry a maximum of 2.5 kilograms compared to the side arm's 15 kilograms. Modern camera cranes with integrated light mounts are increasingly replacing the classic side arm configuration in elaborate productions. For low-budget shoots, side arms remain the preferred choice due to their price-performance ratio (starting at 45 Euros) compared to motorized pan-tilt systems (starting at 2,800 Euros).