Eric Fletcher S.O.C.

Hey Nikk and Karlotomic,

 

Thanks for the pointers and such! well, i'm 19 and i'm finishing up my final year in college doing Film, Sound, and Video course. Been working on a couple of freelance jobs covering events and doing some shorts and stuff. I kinda life flying the rig with a drop time of a second or slightly more. Been practicing on it and such. Getting pretty used to the movement and such. One thing that i'm addicted to is whip panning. Just can't stop. LOL. Well yea, really apprecieate the pointers!! I've tons of stuff to learn from you guys man!! Thanks!! :)

 

Cheers,

Jimmy

BTW things like this belong in the new Steadicam Newbies Forum

Thanks!

Eric Fletcher

Okay Guys there's a new forum in town

Steadicam Newbies

If you a new guy or have a new guy type question let's us it.

Let's try to keep only Pro type questions and discussion on the rest of the forum. While we are at it let's try to lower the noise ratio on the forum. There are lots of operators that don't post here because of the crap....

Eric "I'm not grumpy, there's just a place for things" Fletcher

Yeah I'm the guy that knows all about the Alien Revolution....

I kinda life flying the rig with a drop time of a second or slightly more. Been practicing on it and such. Getting pretty used to the movement and such. One thing that i'm addicted to is whip panning. Just can't stop. LOL. Well yea, really apprecieate the pointers!! I've tons of stuff to learn from you guys man!! Thanks!! :)

One Second drop time??? That's not operating and the rig flys like garbage when you have a drop that short.

Learn to operate Neutral as in ZERO Drop time....

BTW There is a forum now for basic questions....

The BL5 :D Priceless, I love it!

Actually the PS Technik Evolution is called the BL5...

Rich,

The Nexus is VERY stiff, and at no time does any battery position compromise rigidity. In fact the Nexus HAS to be the most rigid sled available otherwise it will cause issues with the AR. The battery/Gyro Module pivots to change the Modules center of gravity and provide clearance for the operator when using the AR. (I tried to explain this to you at the show) The other thing that makes the Nexus base so nice is that the carry-through structure (What the masses attach too) are very light concentrating the weight at the extreme ends of those structures increasing inertia without increasing weight.

And having lived with that sled for the last week I can assure you that there is ZERO wear at the battery pivot and it is not problematic.

I'm sure that the operators that bought the sled this weekend will chime in, but I know that there's a lot of guys working on big shows and buying the Nexus that understand why the Nexus is "So Special"

Now, The Alien Revolution...

 

If you get the chance, try it. The few of us that tried it yesterday were a bit awed by it. There is a learning curve on it but once you get it, wow. As we all took turns trying it like kids in line at a water slide my mind was racing through dozens of applications for its use. Going from Hi to Lo mode in shot is the tip of the iceberg and I dont think that that is the best part. Imagine never having to think about you horizon again. Anyway I could go on but this is Eric Fletchers baby and maybe he is right to keep it low profile until he feels its completely ready. I might start saving my pennies now...

 

Chad Persons

Thanks for the Kind words Chad and I'm glad that you liked everything. I'd just like to clarify one thing.

Howard Smith and MK-V Build the Alien Revolution And Lynn Nicholson Licenses some of the technology for it. I just wanted to clear that up it's Howards and Lynn's Baby, I'm just Helping to bring it up. :D

Guys, this is supposed to be a "equipment classified" thread. Perhaps you could move this discussion over to the "useless bulshit for those who have nothing better to do" thread. (which I am afraid has become most of what is posted on this forum lately) Even Phil has gotten tired of it.

I second that.

In addition... even if we could speak about it... I'd like to know who's the "we" you are referencing when you asked, "Is it everything that we've been waiting for?"??

 

Whoever you are, you just registered today, this is your first post, and you write as if you are a seasoned operator.  Why hide behind a new alias?

<slowly stroking chin whiskers>

 

Curiouser and curiouser

 

</cheshire>

What that would make 12 accounts?

"I got your e-mail David, Thanks. I Will try to make it for Cinegear. I will be in Alabama the latter part of next week to resolve our camera protocol issues. If I can't make it to LA I'll send it to the address given.

Steve"

So is "Alabama" a euphemism for head up ones own a$$?

This guy is a serious piece of work. John did you look into any of those things we talked about?

Somewhere in the article is mentioned that it has NO optical viewvinder but they are looking ito that possibility. However, according to them that is another challenge that has yet to be tackled. In other words, it´s not so easy.

 

And with the recorder it´s a BIG animal to schlepp around, either on top or on the back. And it has the weight of a nice BL4 or such. Not very Steadi-Friendly yet.

 

when the recorder is on the top it´s just too high and the weight is all up there too, same when at the back, too long, with a nice Pana zoom ( a shorty) + clip-on mattebox it will be around 80-90 cms long (or more) and that´s about the same as the normal Panavised CineAlta. Which is TOO long in my opinion.

 

Basically for us Steadi-ops not an improvement in handling, only the image output is much better. (But than again, we already had that on FILM)

Wow you post could not be more wrong, you have obviously never seen it.

After a Long Talk with Al Mayer jr (Tech Director of Pananvision) he said that there will NO optical viewfinder. Two reason's why, the IR filter will get dust on it and we will photograph that dust and the other reason is that when that shutter is parked in the viewing position the villiage will not get an HD Image.

The Camera in Full on Steadicam mode is 26lbs which is at least 10 lbs lighter then the BL4. and the back mount recorder is PERFECT.

With Lens LMB and recoder your looking at a 24" long camera or the EXACT SAME SIZE as a Millennium...

For Steadi Ops it's a HUGE improvement and the image is QUITE good.

Rob I'm not sure where you got your information but I played with the camera and talked to Al Mayer Jr for about 1 hour between yesterday and today so I KNOW that my information is good.

since nobody has started a cinegear thread....

The Arri 235... Sexiest steadicam camera to ever be built $75Large gets you a Body that does 60FPS, 3 mags, a great viewfinder and the arricams IVS! steadicam mode with a 400 435 mag, a 27mm prime, low mode bracket and clip on matte box... 16lbs!!!

The Panavision Genesis HDCam Aside from the lack of NTSC Downconverter and the Funky dual 12/24 volt requirement the HD Cam/Recorder has FINALLY Gone prime time. Dan Kneece and I talked to Al Mayer about the lack of Downconverter and funky batt requirements and if you see this camera tomorrow PLEASE hammer on those two points. Having not flow it I will say from the looks and hand holding holding the camera this will fly much MUCH better then that freaking 900 Pig that we have been saddled with.

Walter Klassen... well folks I'm finally in the back mount camp, yup the Kustom Klassen vest that Walter built for me ROCKS. I hear that Rich Davis and a few others also tried it and really liked it. The new front system which allows you to change the tip of the belly plate really makes a HUGE difference in comfort.

MK-V Howard is showing the new Gimbal and 2" post. The Gimbal is probally the best gimbal that I have ever encountered. The new Monitor (a Hummingbird) is as Mr. Baldwin said "Pretty F**king cool" TOTALLY Daylight viewable. There are other things going Round at Howards but you will have to ask someone in the T-shirt with the interesting logo on the back....

Car Mounts also seem to be the big thing this year with some amazing things.

Now I must get sleep, tomorrows going to be a long and fun day, Hope too see lot's of you there.

Eric Fletcher

they, some of the guys who were already in the feild, were talking about that alien contraption a year ago at the workshop. Its pretty sweet stuff...I imagine its hellish to try and control the servos/steppers especially with 35 pounds out there...

 

I'm looking forward to see his design. Good luck MK-V!

Why would it be hellish? and what do you mean "with 35 pounds out there"?

If I could figure out how to post a picture here I would show you the check that i got one of these scammers to send me.

the ABSOLUTE WORST forgery that you could imagine.

No he didn't get the gear but I got the check.

Watch out, there are shady people out there

Eric

Check this out. It's listed on ebay. Talk about risking your life for meer penny's a day!

Where on ebay?

$800/day for that piece of cr*p!!!! get real

Hey everybody,

Just a quick note that I wanted everyone to see before Cinegear. When I was at NAB this year I had a chance to play with the NEW MK-V V2 Gimbal and I have to say it's the best Gimbal that I have EVER Flown. SUPER smooth, zero friction and ZERO play in ANY axis. Very nice tool free adjuster and it's designed for a 2" post so it's universal.

Howard and his team have really done their homework and built something special with this new Gimbal.

The usual disclaimer "I don't work for Howard but DAMN this is a NICE gimbal"

Eric Fletcher

Let's go Karting at Dromo1....

Maybe I should warn you all, I used to drive race cars for a living and I taught for Skip Barber Racing school and a few others.....

Hi Eric

 

Will this film still be on around Cinegear as I would love to see it?

Sounds like my kind of movie.

 

Hope it is - fancy seeing it again?

 

See you soon

Howard

I'll check on Monday and if it is we will have to go.

See ya then

Eric

Hi Jerry

 

How are you?

 

All I can say is when we tested it and showed at NAB this year outside in the midday sun, we had no problems and a stunning picture all the time. We encouraged ops to try and loose the picture outside, most of the responses I can not print! but they were all very possitive.

You are very welcome to come to our both at Cinegear and try one for your self, it will be nice to see you, will you be on the Tiffen stand again this year?

 

Looking forward to seeing you

All the best

Howard J Smith MK-V

www.mk-v.com

howard@mk-v.com

I'm a die-hard Green screen guy, But after seeing Howards Monitor at NAB all I have to say is WOW. That monitor rocks. Much better then anything to come along before it.

Take a look at it at Cinegear you will be impressed.

Eric Fletcher

Okay, just got back from the 2:20 matinee.

 

Screamingly funny! I embarassed myself a couple of times... didn't actually spit-take my pepsi, but laughed pretty loud at some jokes that hit uncomfortably close to home.

 

 

Farce is difficult, because there's the danger of just playing it for the yucks, Three's Company style. Maintaining versimillitude as events in the story get nutso (cruising for rock with Barbie-priceless) is a skillful achievement.

 

Two thumbs up, 4 stars, whatever....... I really enjoyed it.

Thanks Fred,

At times it was a difficult show to operate since the actors would just go off from time to time and really get screamingly funny.

Hopefully when the DVD is released in August it will have some of the out-takes along with the "Dick" reel (Fred will get this joke)

Again glad that you liked it, It was fun to do with a even more fun Director/Writer (Who used to be a staff writer for "The Simpsons" and the inspration for the bus driver on said show)

Eric

Right around the corner.

 

I'll see it tomorrow.

 

Who's yer friend? :D

Let me know what you think. :rolleyes:

Hey guys if your looking to kill 90 min and laugh you might want to go and check out a film that I operatred last year called "Seeing Other People" We shot it in 18 days on HD and even though they printed it on the wrong stock it's not bad work. Oh and there is more Steadicam in it then you think!

It's showing (in LA) at the Laemmle Fairfax and the Academy 6. It's been out since the 7th of may so for an indie it's not a bad run (Up until today we were in 8 theaters)

Seeing Other People trailer and website

Hi Eric

 

How are you?

Don't worry - I think you will like it! - it is better for the 'fuller' figure chaps like ourselfs..

 

Also in response to 'Carpo' - gnespolo - sorry mate, I have been very busy - we have all new 2" 2 stage posts, 2" 4 stage posts and a new focus system + plus the Nexus and V2" and MK-V/Hummingbird to name but a few - :D

 

Looking forward to seeing you all at Cinegear

 

All the best and thanks for the interest

 

Howard J Smith MK-V

www.mk-v.com

Looking forward to seeing all the toys. Hit me on the e-mail with your schedule for the show

What is so cool about that!

 

are we all going to get more jobs?

 

 

get our rates doubled?

 

There is one thing for sure. all of us will be spending more thousands on it

 

and renting it for nothing.

When it's time you will see.

For features and Serie work you pretty much going to have to buy it since it will do the impossible shot

Hi Eric,

 

my goof. I checked with Walter, he's definitely planning on bringing something to CineGear for you to try.

 

cheers

 

Jennifer

I'm looking forward to that! Rich Davis should also try it.