Stop-Motion Rigging Glossary

This list is not meant to exhaustive or authorative, and different regions often have different names for the same equipement. What follows are commonly used terms I’ve encountered on numerous Commerical, TV, and Film productions in North America.

Winder: A rack and pinion mechanism for linear motion. The winder is just the rack and pinion mechanism plus the gear rack. It doesn’t refer to the entire rigging system.

Ball Joint/Ball and Socket Joint: A rigging part consisting of two metal socket plates, a ball, and a screw for tensioning. There are single ball and double ball joints. Sizing gereally refers to the size of the ball used. A 3/8” ball and socket joint, uses a 3/8” ball.

Heavy Foot: A heavy weighted base that acts as a foundation for a rig. Term is popular in California.

Spike/Rig Plug: A split square post with a ball on it that inserts into a square hole. Tightening the screw causes the two halves to offset and tighten inside the hole.

Berkey System: A highly modular rigging system made and designed by Brian Berkey. Widely used for tabletop rigging and SFX photography, Berkey system parts are an excellent way to combine multiple rigging systems and mechanisms.

Linear Slide: An industrial part primarily used on CNC machines and 3D printers. Linear slides come in many shapes and sizes. In the stop-motion context they must be combined with a lead screw, a braking mechanism, or a stepper motor.