William Sargent and his love of the Theater

As mentioned before, we wanted to highlight William Sargent's career as a performer. Soon, you will see some photographs from his TV, movie and stage performances. Here below (click on image to enlarge) is an article written about the Mini-Crab inventor in 1990 talking about one of his greatest passions...Live Theater!

Calling All Mini-Crab Owners!

Dear Mini-Crab owners, if you haven't done so already, please send us your dolly's serial number, a picture of you and your dolly along with your name and location. We're preparing to update the Sarkell Society list (posted below). Thank you!

Click on above membership list to enlarge.

The only requirement for membership into the SarKell Society, is the individual must be the owner of a Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. There are no dues or fees associated with this society.

If you're the owner of a Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly...register your dolly today by e-mailing your name, city/state, the dolly's serial number and your e-mail address to:

gregoryz@centurylink.net

William Sargent on Netflix

We'll be posting more on the acting side of William Sargent. We all know he invented the Mini-Crab Dolly, but most people aren't aware the father of the Mini-Crab Dolly was also an accomplished actor. 

For those who have Netflix, you can watch one of the many TV shows Mr. Sargent contributed to as an actor. The next time you're on Netflix, look for the Twilight Zone series. Netflix is currently streaming 100 of the original episodes. Once you open the series, go to episode #114, The episode is called 'Ninety Years without Slumber'. This was from Season 5, episode 12. William Sargent plays a psychiatrist by the name of Mel Avery. 

William Sargent and the Mini-Crab Dolly

In a future post, we will be taking a closer look at the acting career of William Sargent. Not only was William Sargent the genius designer and inventor of the Mini-Crab Dolly, he was also an accomplished actor, leaving his mark on both stage and screen. Soon, we will be posting awesome photos of Mr. Sargent in some of his memorable acting roles.

But first, here are two very rare business cards. Click on the above image to enlarge. The card on the left was printed as Mr. Sargent and Mr. Kelljchian (better known as SarKell or Sarkel as noted on the card) were preparing for the SMPTE show in Los Angeles (as seen in the photos below). This was when SarKell first unveiled the Mini-Crab to the Hollywood film community.

The card to the right was used by Mr. Sargent after a deal was struck with Berkey-Colortran. Mr. Sargent was retained as the Project Manager during the initial manufacturing and marketing of the new Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.

Here are a few pictures of the Mini-Crab prototype before being discovered by former Berkey-Colortran's President, Milt Forman.

A live shot of 'Sarkell", William Sargent on the left and his partner Robert Kelljchian on the right during a demonstration of the Mini-Crab Dolly in LA.

William Sargent, the designer/inventor of our favorite crab dolly with the actual 'Mini-Crab' prototype he built by hand in his Los Angeles apartment. It doesn't get any cooler than this, ladies and gentlemen.

Patent Number 3,297,337 - Camera Crab Dolly

The inception of our favorite crab dolly began right here with the following Patent Number 3,297,337.

Mr. Sargent's Patent Attorney's filed for the Mini-Crab's patent on May 3, 1965. The patent was granted on January 10, 1967. Click on any image to enlarge.

These are actual patent diagrams that William Sargent's Patent Attorney's drew for obtaining the patent. You can download and study the entire patent PDF (all 11 pages!) for the Mini-Crab Dolly at this link: http://www.google.com/patents/US3297337

The complexity of these drawings show just how brilliant William Sargent and his design truly is! The Mini-Crab is the Patek Philippe of dollies!

This diagram in particular shows the crabbing modes and how they are achieved by using the control that's located above the Mini-Crab's push bar.

For Sale! Camera Jib for the Colortran Mini-Crab

We have the perfect accessory for your Mini-Crab! It's the Camera Turret CT-300 Jib that's pictured above and throughout this blog. We used it extensively with Mini-Crab #157. It has the proper mounting adapter that would enable it to fit easily onto the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.

The CT-300 is made out of aircraft aluminum and still being made today.The Jib head automatically articulates with the vertical movement of the Jib.

For specs, go to: http://www.cameraturret.com/

This professional Jib package includes the following; 5' 3" center Jib Arm, 3' extension Jib Arm, Monitor Bracket, cables for standard Jib length, cables for extension Jib length, counterweights bar, a tool kit, the adapter to mount Jib onto your Mini-Crab Dolly or use with your own tripod.

If interested or for more info, e-mail me at:
zarykfamily@twc.com

How to make money with your Mini-Crab!

Recently, I received an email from Mark L., of Los Angeles asking how we were able to generate income with our Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly. You may have seen some older posts of my son Adam and I using our Mini-Crab for MMA fights, etc. Click on the older post tab at bottom of page.

I found the price list (below) that Adam and I used in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We also offered a Jib, using a Camera Turret Model 300 that we included in our grip package.

You can certainly tailor your price list to include the equipment you have and the type of grip service you wish to offer. Your market may be stronger than the Cleveland area. I hear Seattle, New York City and Miami have a lot of independent projects going on. Once you create your price list, be sure to send it to all the independent producers and ad agencies in your area. I'm hoping this may help to generate some work for you! Let me know of any other ideas we can share with our fellow Mini-Crab owners. Use your mouse and click on this price list to enlarge.