C-47
A C-47 is an essential tool on most film and television sets. Its uses are numerous. It is often regarded by film and television professionals as the most important piece of equipment on set. Also known as 47s, CP47s, bullets, ammo, pegs. [1]
Design
In the late 19th century, David M. Smith developed the design of the C-47 to be two interlocking wooden prongs in between a wedged spring. The lever action this created added to the C-47's gripping strength.
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| First C-47 used in early 1900s |
Years later, this design was improved by Solon E. Moore who created a coiled fulcrum which wrapped around the wooden prongs, holding them together and thus increasing the rate of strength.
Today, C-47s are manufactured with stainless steel coils that prevent rust and decay, a key attribute when used outdoors.
Origin
There are many disputed origin stories about the C-47, but the one that is confirmed by all to be untrue is of famous director George Méliés fashioning the first C-47 from a block of wood while filming "A Trip to the Moon" in 1902.
According to lore, Méliés whittled the entire time of production and created the C-47 at the exact time it was needed to fasten a drop cloth along the back of the set. The story has been refuted by many who knew Méliés personally.
Other rumors are below:
Douglas C-47 Skytrain
During World War II, the C-47 Skytrain was a versatile and essential aircraft used for troop transport. The C-47 was rumored to be named after the Skytrain to honor it's versatility during the war and make the comparison with the C-47's versatility on set. [2]
Patent Number
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| C-47 from set of "The Village" (2004) |
C-47 is often thought of as the patent number that was used when the first C-47 was created by David M. Smith. Smith applied for the patent in 1854 after creating the C-47. There has been no such patent found. [3]
Hollywood
In an effort to provide as many C-47s on a set, it was common practice for productions to find mundane, yet important sounding names for essential tools on a film set. This practice would fool studios into allowing the bulk purchase of these items. The C-47 was given this name for this very purpose. [4]
Uses
Set Design
C-47s are used to keep cloth backdrops from falling. They help fasten fabricated works of art on the walls during period dramas. They are used by set designers to clip notes on sets warning crews of a "hot set."
Grip and Electric
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| C-47s in action |
Members of the crew that are known as G&E often will have a stash of C-47s attached to their clothing ready at a moment's notice. Uses for G&E include: electrical cords that need to be kept out o sight, blackout paper on windows, filters and gels on lights.
Film Editing
Film editors, using a linear editing machine (or flatbed editor) for editing film, will use C-47s to hang strips of film from above to keep track of splices and cuts during the process of editing.
Other Uses
Laundry Drying
The C-47 has been adapted by people for home use as well. People will hang their wet clothes on a piece or rope. which is suspended between two fixed points, known as a clothesline.
Resources
1. ^ "It's a C-47" http://www.scoutingny.com/. Retrieved 2014-07-15.2. ^ "It's a C-47" http://www.scoutingny.com/. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
3. ^ "It's a C-47" http://www.scoutingny.com/. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
4. ^ "It's a C-47" http://www.scoutingny.com/. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
