William Demeritt

That's what I get for now living in a PAL country.

:lol: well, in all fairness, NTSC really mostly (or used to mostly) cover North America and some of South/Central America. SECAM and PAL seem to control the rest of the world. But yea, since the ATSC conversion in 2009, TV's equipped with NTSC tuners seems to be on the decline. They all seem to go with ATSC coax connections for HD antenna, RGB composite connections or HDMI connections for HD.

I think only LCDTV's designed for broadcast monitoring come with HD-SDI connections. They wouldn't want people thinking there's a just-as-good-as-HDMI solution (that costs less) out there like HD-SDI. Then who would Monster sell $100 HDMI cables to!?

Being that I own a Modulus 2000, and have recently gone hunting for small, portable LCDTV's that still have an analog NTSC tuner built into them, the information was still kinda fresh in my mind.

By the way, if you're looking for a small, portable NTSC-capable LCDTV, check out the Viore 7" monitor. Costs less than $100, has a 90 minute built in LiON battery (I'm soon adding an AB mount and wiring for longer power), and I can confirm it receives signal from my Modulus 2000. The $400 price tag on the CAMOS inspired me to look elsewhere, and sure enough, options do exist.

Obviously it can't be predicted to the dollar, but I'd like an idea about what I might be able to get for it.

Really hard to determine, especially since the gear often reflects market factors: overall availability of similar or "within the same range" equipment, overall health of our market, demand of used gear, etc.

I think, since the Pilot costs less than what many people in this field spend on accessories or cables, you may want to look at it in a light of: how soon will the equipment be paid off, how soon will it start turning a profit, and now long beyond that will you be able to work.

Since you've mentioned your intentions of growing into a larger rig, I think the resale of a used Pilot will maybe give you enough cash to pay for a piece of a Bartech, an additional canister for a PRO arm, maybe a small collection of power cables for your future rig, etc. So, instead of getting starry eyes over selling the equipment at a good price, I think you should weigh the profitability of the equipment, the growth you'll experience, and the money you'll make that you can reinvest in the future rig.

I think the perfect goal would be to make so much money with the Pilot, and earn so many clients, that you can keep the Pilot around for smaller deals when you're not flying your hulking beast of a MK-V + AR rig.

I guess the moral of the story is: if you can't figure out what the resale value of the Pilot is (which I seriously doubt you can), then just expect to never sell it and determine how to make it profitable.

I would recommend you feel out the clientele you're generating, and let that guide your purchase decision. Personally, I wouldn't show up with at least a focus unit that I can trust and rely on. Maybe find some reviews of the Viewfactor unit and decide from there. However, remember the focus unit can grow with you as you grow, so if you buy a Bartech now, you can still use it down the road if/when you grow to a heavier rig.

I think the very briefest explanation I can offer is this: the camera outputs in HD-SDI (High Definition-Serial Digital Interface). Your Vizio's coaxial input (the F connector that you screw a coax cable or BNC to with a female BNC to male F connector) only reads an ATSC signal. Without going into it, your television cannot understand an HD-SDI input through that port, only an ATSC signal (from an HD antenna that receives ATSC signals over the air).

Alex, you know your market better than anyone, and one of the things they tell you at the workshop is "buy the equipment that fits your market." If you can find a used kit that suits you, go for it, after all it is a "buyer's market" right now. Take a look at all of the equipment available, but in the end, buy what makes sense to you.

Sure, some people make the strong investment up front and it works out, but I think the Steadicam Marketplace is full of rigs/kits offered by people whose big investment (despite their market, location, clients, availability of work) didn't work out for them.

I'll be happy to take the Dionic's and 5 Proformers (that work) off your hands. Should I contact you off forum to arrange pickup? Holidays have me back in town Tuesday, would be happy to come by and take them from you.

Some time ago there was a guy with a great ad, i think it was on mandy. I wish i saved that ad, it was funny as hell but oh so true.

I think maybe you mean this little gem:

http://www.wbd3.com/steadicamforum/dp-steadi_mandy1.pdf

I replied to the job with the following cover letter:

"Dear Boss,

Funniest posting on Mandy ever! Kudos!"

The guy who posted it turned out to be a cam op. Here's his reply to me:

"Thank you for replying to my mandy.com ad and thanks for getting it. You would not believe how many craigslist replies I got from people who thought it was serious. I thought for sure mandy would reject it. Anyway, I am meeting a lot of cool people through the ad which I did just to blow off some steam. Unfortunately, you are not who we are looking for at this time, but we will keep your resume on file for future nightmares. haha"

Hey now, two of my favorite films from 2010 were 3D and incredible reliant on story, pacing, characters you care about, high stakes and great life lessons: Piranha 3D and Jackass 3D. Oscar contenders for sure!!

Pedro: incredible useful post, I'm going to give this a second read tonight!

Looking around for some used Dionic 90's, price dependent on number of cycles or need for recell. I'm in the Los Angeles area. Thanks!

Greetings all, I'm working with a Movicam Compact today in Malibu at 3:00PM PST, and I'm wondering if anyone has a low mode bracket available to borrow? I probably need it through Friday, any leads on someone generous enough to loan it out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm located in North Hollywood, happy to swing by and pick it up from you. Otherwise, I can send production to come get it from you.

Feel free to give me a call if you have: 818-257-8794

I really like the idea of self made unions for different levels of operators, Or some sort of level based citification. How can I help? Before I am on eggs and pasta again! :- )

I'm working tomorrow, but give me a call sometime tomorrow night. I'd like to talk to you about some exciting goings-on with your LA brethren! Glad to hear things are looking up, brotha! Here's to not looking back at FL.

REALLY interesting article on the whole topic.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/744199---israelification-high-security-little-bother

Maybe we should have a welcome home BBQ for your Flyer, Brian?

Funny that you are all talking dollars, last time I walked in a store here they only took euro's.

And looking in that perspective it is a lot less.

Reality is that I actually do not make a lot of profit on these things.

I brought up cost as a final point because the preceding two points are more important to me. We weigh cost against usefulness and determine if what we perceive as excessive cost is worth it, considering the benefits.

- How does this device outperform the Alexa built-in iris rods?

- What does it do that those rods do not?

- How is it "ideal for handheld and Steadicam configurations"? (like I said, why is it ideal to mount the lens motors at a top-most point on the camera, raising the center of gravity further from my gimbal?)

To me, if there's a fatal flaw in the Arri Alexa that this device saves us from, then a 295 euro price tag is justified.

If this is just a backup device in the event the Alexa's iris rods, and my dovetail lens motor support rods, don't fit the bill, then the price is harder to justify.

I can appreciate that the individual making these has a dedication to quality and precision that rivals none, but I don't yet see the connection that makes me reach for my wallet.

I think I started looking at it in dollars, because that's where my currency is being converted from (at an additional fee).

Forgive me, I've only played with the Alexa once, but out of curiosity: why buy a motor bracket when the camera itself has built in iris rod support? In my recollection, the lower iris rods built into the Alexa body are in good position for motors, but still clear of the handles in handheld configuration.

As far as Steadicam, why replace lower iris rods with a top-mounted rod that raises the center of gravity for the whole configuration?

Also, as for the price, 295 euro or ~$408. I don't know much about machining prices, but let's compare: a 6inch arm post (anodized aluminum) from GPI costs ~$30, and your motor bracket is just under 5 inches. So, you mean the 3/8" 1/2" long socket cap screw plus the aluminum housing it with two small steel pins cost $365 for parts and labor? Since the parts would probably cost $15 max, that must be $350 worth of precision work.

I came from doing G&E, so I still take that kind of work whenever I'm free. It's nice to be on set in another capacity, keeps my perspective fresh when doing Steadicam.

Last night, I was browsing the internet in a post-Steadicam day daze (lots of lock offs, so my brain needed to soak some new info), and came across a newer technology called WHDI. Simply: HD wireless sharing (broadcasting/receiving) from an HDMI enabled source to an HDMI enabled receiver. Then, I discovered this company AMIMON's newly announced prototype for their "WHDI Stick".

http://www.whdi.org/News/showPR.php?pr_20101005

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/amimon-crams-1080p-wireless-streaming-into-its-whdi-stick-has-t/

Reviewing the technology, not just of this "stick" but also of the AMIMON chips themselves, which has a proposed 100 foot broadcast distance (I think they're assuming that's with walls and obstructions) and approx. 1ms of lag. The devices themselves seem to utilize dynamic frequency selection, so the chips themselves will already try to fight interference. Also, they seem to require 5 volts at 2 amps, and an estimated street price of the "stick" is $150 (nobody specifically says for a pair, or per stick, or price difference in tx or rx "sticks").

I'm sure it will require getting the actual devices for testing in our applications, but some operators have previously said that for their needs, wireless monitoring and video solutions need not go more than 100'.

Assuming you can build some custom wiring for your sled to power the device (LEMO to mini-USB with a voltage regulator to give 5v out), I'm wondering if this is a good solution in the near future.

Wiring: $200 (estimating and being very liberal)

2x WHDI "Sticks": $300

Decimator 2: $495

AJA HA5 (HDMI to HD-SDI converter): $490

TOTAL COST: $1,485.00 (before tax, based on approximate values)

Price comparison of uncompressed HD transmission solutions:

WHDI Stick based solution: $1,485.00

Titan HD Wireless: $11,502.97 (more range of course)

CamWave: $5,298.00

Just thinking out loud, but it seems like an interesting possibility. What are your thoughts?

DISCLAIMER: I don't work for this company, nor am I in any way affiliated with this company.

That meeting is in the works with a few fellow operators, but you know how many PM's I got from my post? One... One single operator PM'd me who was interested in getting proactive. A gentleman who had just recently bought himself a Flyer. Process this information as you will.

I know the meeting you're referring to, but keep in mind, many of us have also had numerous meetings in the last 2 months.

Strange, I do recall having a PM conversation with you, but you wanted to keep the discussion online since our "circle" (which includes Brian and Jess) didn't include any "heavy hitters"? Meanwhile, I think we have over a dozen operators (some owners, some just operators) in frequent communication with each other, all quoting the same rates to the same producers, all sharing work when one of us is booked.

Maybe we're not doing EVERYTHING the "heavy hitters" do, but I'd say our tactics of frequent, open communication between fellow ops is serving us well.

I think Steadicam still is a small world, but the industry has grown significantly (vertically with bigger shows, and horizontally with more indie jobs). Our "small world" was bound to grow. Sure, our market is becoming saturated with overnight Steadicam owners, but in my opinion: what does that have to do with my business? My clients are happy with me, and I look forward to working with them again. The clients you want should know quality from garbage. If they just want the lowest bidder, then they'll get what they paid for.

Personally, I don't want to be the guy whose pissed off at everyone else for the way they run (or run down) their business. I want to be the guy clients want to go to because I've proven my worth. I'll stay competitive, but I still gotta bid jobs as what's right and fair. Too low? Don't take it. If they're pinching pennies for the bottom floor lowest bid, chances are they don't know what they're shopping for anyway.

I honestly think your cynicism is painting a VERY strong picture of you on the forums, one that may come back to haunt you. I haven't even met you yet, and I find myself battling a negative mental image of you. All the more reason why rates discussions, venting, frustrations, rants et al belong in person, over some libations and unhealthy food.

If you're frustrated, and believe me, we ALL are, give me/us a call. Let's go grab some wings and beers and talk this crap out. I got a list of over a dozen fellow ops who'd LOVE to commiserate over this!

Too heavy IMHO for us humans to be flying, especially in the world of "keep it rolling, back to one!"

That planet must have a moon called "Let's just shoot the rehearsal!"

You're going to have a lot of trouble flying a RED with a "large zoom" on a Flyer. Just the words "RED" and "large zoom" already sounds overweight for a Flyer.

You guys in NYC should really extend a hand to him. I actually know Kyle from college, and I know he's a good guy. He just made the move to NYC permanently, he's probably just trying to work the Craigslist circuit to get some more footage (on his back, unfortunately).

He's also a member here.

I'm trying to figure out just what he's trying to achieve here... maybe I'll ask him.

And by 50 replies do you mean 50 steadicam ops telling you that you are selling them out or something?

 

Thank you for the unfiltered input! It is actually quite helpful.

Read through Craigslist... lots of people reply to posts asking ridiculous rates with "Are you kidding me!?" Those are posted all the time. Now, imagine how many legit responses you'll get! Go give it a try, it's a strange blend of depressing and funny. "Of course I'll come fly Steadicam for 17 hours with no breaks for $250/day. I don't know you, I don't owe you anything, but you seem legit!"

I did end up getting payed a lot more than I think I normally do at my level, and did only have to work 4 hours, but needless to say I will never be so open about clients again.

...

Not the best start to my operating career.

Refer them to me if you don't want that job. I love saying things in person like: "No, the terms of my rental agreement clearly state that myself or another person I authorize are the only people to operate my equipment," and "Yes, you're still responsible for paying my invoice."

Did you get paid? Did you operate? Did you take something home more than just money (set experience, business experience, demo reel material, just one, all three)? I'd say that's a great way to start your operating career.

EDIT: Also, I'm sure someone, somewhere, has in fact worked for complete idiots.

With Craigslist, you'll learn (the hard way) all the things you need to ask and double check with certain types of productions which you'd probably just assume anywhere else (in the professional world). These things include:

• 12 hour day (or less)
  
• Production insurance (not just gear insurance, but injury insurance)
  
• Overtime agreements
  
• Reasonable payment terms
  
• Limitations of Steadicam or shots expected with Steadicam ("We need to jump from the fence...")
  
• Meals and craft services
  
• Expectations ("Can you help light when you're not shooting? We'd like to have an extra set of hands.")