HD video transmission is upon us… and there are more and more solutions available every day. The question bears asking… “Is the Steadicam Operator still responsible for transmitting video?” 20 years ago Steadicam was one of the only modes of operation that required being wireless. Today, not only are there new support options that warrant [...]
Tiffen historically has had a pretty bad rep when it came to service. Not to name names, but I think this had a lot to do with personel that was previously employed there. In the past few years, service has been handled by Michael Craigs, and service has improved dramatically. Turnaround on parts is quick, [...]
Let me begin by saying that most of what I’m about to write about could have been avoided if I had just read the damn manual! But who reads manuals anymore? I am a relatively new owner of my Ultra2 Sled. Bought it back in December of ’10, so I’m about 9 months in. On [...]
In lieu of a traditional blog entry I wanted to announce that I’m selling my Ultra Cine Package and upgrading to an Ultra2. For anyone interested, here are the details: Ultra (1) Cine Sled (great condition – recently serviced): – motorized stage – 2x remotes for stage (one for gimbal / one for grip or [...]
The AR from MK-V (AKA the Alien Revolution or the Auto-Leveling Revolution) has now been on the market for several years. Has it set fire to the industry? Unfortunately no. The AR is an accessory designed primarily for MK-Vs sled that actively maintains the camera’s horizon (roll axis) AND it also allows the sled to [...]
I often find myself on set with my $120,000 Steadicam package when a PA, Camera Intern or Extra asks me how much it all costs. After telling them, like clockwork, they usually tell me how they or a friend of theirs is building their own steadicam. I try to explain that there is a world [...]
That is the question! It’s very easy to get yourself in way over your head with loans. Salesmen will tell you “all you need to get is one job a month to pay for the rig.” Of course this isn’t exactly true. They aren’t taking into account the additional cost for accessories, maintenance, and of [...]
There’s no doubt that Steadicam was the driving force for the development of wireless lens and camera control systems. At that time there were no remote heads. Operators and assistants rode giant cranes… So there was no need for remote follow focus in that application. Handheld focus pulling could be done with a whip. So [...]
Let me count the ways! First, I’d have to go back to my initial experience with the rear mounted or back mounted harness. I was a young operator… Maybe 2 or 3 years in, and I was hired for a feature film. Like most low budget features, they opted to save money by using ancient [...]
When it comes to dress code, the film industry is one of the most lenient. On set you’ll see a huge range of clothing styles. This can be very liberating. Steadicam operators have a uniform of sorts… One that I used to subscribe to but have since deviated from. It basically includes cargo style shorts [...]
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