About us
Horst Burbulla developed the first telescopic camera crane while making his own film, “Liebe und Tod” (1985): he wanted the great shots of the classic movies and built the parts he needed himself. Production began in 1990 in Pilsen, and in 2005 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honoured him with an Academy Award of Merit for the invention. Today TECHNOCRANE s.r.o., founded in 2003, designs and builds telescopic and robotic camera cranes in Pilsen for film and TV productions around the world.
- 153rental companies in 55 countries
- Since 1990building cranes in Pilsen
- 750+systems delivered
- NAB 2025Product of the Year: Supertechno48
Made in Pilsen
A team of 60 people develops every Technocrane product in Pilsen, from the first sketch to the finished crane. All mechanical parts are manufactured in house.
Technology
Our cranes are developed as complete systems: mechanics, electronics and software come from one team. Absolute encoders on the Plus and Technodolly cranes send precise camera tracking data to Unreal Engine, MotionBuilder and other pipelines. Our Unreal Engine tracking plugin is available on GitHub, and the Orbiting, Planing, Targeting, Programming and Tracking functions are included with every programmable crane.
In their own words
“When I did make my – one and only – film, I wanted a camera crane capable of getting all those great shots of the classic movies. My film is now history but, in making it, I developed something completely new: the telescopic camera crane.” — Horst Burbulla
That invention has since become almost a necessity for today's filmmakers and television directors.
“…for the invention and continuing development of the Technocrane telescoping camera crane.” — Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, citation for Horst Burbulla, Scientific & Technical Awards, 12 February 2005
“The Technocrane has revolutionized the way directors approach complex camera movements. Its ability to achieve seamless, sweeping shots has become indispensable for modern filmmaking, allowing for greater creative freedom and visual storytelling.” — Film Tech Review, 2023
“In the world of film production, the Technocrane stands out as a game-changer. It’s not just about moving the camera; it’s about redefining the scope and scale of cinematic possibilities.” — Cinematography Today, 2022
Seen on screen
- Sinners (2025) – a Technodolly25 for the repeatable moves behind the twin shots of Michael B. Jordan.
- Echo (2024, Marvel Studios, Disney+) – a Supertechno50 for the stickball flashback in episode 2.
- Fox Sports NASCAR Race Hub (2024) – a permanent Technodolly25 in the virtual set.
- Artemis Fowl (2020) – a Supertechno75 on select days at Longcross Studios.
- Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace (2020) – a Supertechno30 for a full day of the concert film.
- Zero (2018) – a Technodolly for the VFX character Bauua.
- The Fate of the Furious (2017) – a Supertechno on the Iceland unit.
- The Martian (2015) – our Technodolly robotic camera system.
- Skyfall (2012) – a Supertechno100 for the wide night boat shot at Pinewood.
- The Borgias (2011–2013) – a Supertechno100 on the Showtime series.
Also credited. Technodolly operators and technicians appear in the camera-crew credits of Avatar: The Way of Water, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Spectre, Ready Player One, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ad Astra, The Rings of Power, The Queen’s Gambit and IT.
The Oscar statuette animation is based on “Oscar Trophy” by thegraphicsgeek, licensed under CC BY 4.0.