Taking Control of Time on Set – Introducing Clock Con
Clocks are one of those props that seem simple until a production actually needs to control one.
For film and television, a clock may need to show exactly the same time across multiple takes. In theatre, the displayed time might need to change between scenes or even during a performance. For a time-lapse effect, the hands may need to move much faster than a conventional clock while still behaving in a controlled and repeatable way.
Over the years, we’ve been asked to create various bespoke clock-control systems for productions. That experience led us to ask a fairly obvious question:
Could we create one compact controller specifically designed to make controlling clocks on set much easier?
The result is Clock Con.
A Clock That Does What the Production Needs
Clock Con has been designed specifically for film, television, theatre and live production.
Rather than simply driving a conventional clock movement, the system gives independent control of the hour and minute hands.
This means the clock can operate normally in real time, but it can also be commanded to move to a completely different time whenever the production requires it.
For example, a clock could be showing 10:15 during one scene and then be instructed remotely to move to 4:30 for the next.
Once it reaches the new position, it can either:
remain fixed at that time; or
start running normally again from the newly selected time.
For continuity-critical filming, that makes it possible to reproduce the same clock position accurately for repeated takes.
Store the Times You Need
Productions often know in advance which clock positions are going to be required.
Clock Con can store predefined times so they can be recalled when required.
Instead of somebody having to physically reset a clock between takes or scenes, the required time can simply be selected and the controller moves the hands into position.
That could be particularly useful where the clock is difficult to access, integrated into scenery or positioned somewhere that would otherwise require crew intervention between takes.
Make Time Move Faster
There are also occasions where a clock needs to become part of the effect itself.
Clock Con can create accelerated time effects, moving the hands faster than real time while maintaining controlled movement.
That gives productions another option for showing the passage of time without requiring a separate mechanical effect or manually manipulating the clock.
Control It From a Web Browser
We didn't want Clock Con to require specialist control software just to change the time.
The controller therefore includes its own web-based interface.
From there, the operator can access stored positions and clock functions locally using a suitable connected device.
For a straightforward prop setup, that may be all the control that is required.
But for productions already using DMX, we wanted the clock to become part of the wider control system as well.
Radio DMX Control
Clock Con can also receive Radio DMX commands.
That means stored times and clock movements can be triggered alongside lighting, practical effects and other production cues.
In other words, rather than treating the clock as an isolated prop that needs somebody to manually reset it, it can effectively become another controllable device within the production.
A cue could potentially change the lighting, trigger a practical effect and set the clock to the correct position at the same time.
Designed to Disappear Behind the Clock
One of the challenges with any piece of prop electronics is fitting everything into the available space.
So rather than designing a large external controller, we've developed Clock Con around the clock movement itself.
The compact electronics sit directly behind the clock face, allowing the control system to disappear into the prop.
It's also designed to operate from a standard USB power bank.
That means the entire clock can potentially be completely self-contained, without a power cable or control cable running away from the prop.
The capacity of the power bank can simply be selected according to the required runtime and the space available inside the clock or set piece.
Making Clock Props Repeatable
As with many EMP products, Clock Con has come from seeing the same production problem appear repeatedly.
A conventional clock is designed to tell the time.
A production clock may need to:
show the same time repeatedly for continuity, jump instantly between scene times, remain frozen, continue running from a newly selected position, run faster than real time, or respond remotely as part of a larger cue.
Clock Con is our attempt to put all of those requirements into one compact system.
Its key capabilities include independent hour and minute-hand control, real-time operation, remote time setting, stored positions, hold functionality, accelerated movement, web-based control, Radio DMX and operation from a standard USB power bank.
Could Clock Con Help With Your Next Production?
We're developing Clock Con specifically around the requirements we see in film, television, theatre, live events and prop applications.
If you're working on a production that requires controllable clocks—or you've encountered a clock-related problem that isn't covered here—we'd be very interested to hear about it.
Get in touch with EMP Designs and tell us what you need your clock to do.
