Frederic Chamberland

Hi everyone, Last week, I did my first "crane and walk" shot and everything went great. My big question was what do you guys do to secure you to the crane while you are up there? We had a Giraffe crane set at 18' and the grips built a nice railing with aluminum tubing so I could rest my lower back while on the crane. I am not afraid of heights (as a camera assistant, they always put me in the highest cranes and roof edges and just love it) but I felt "uncomfortable" having a full rig with a 535 on at 15' in the air with no safety so I asked the grips to put their lighest technician with me on the crane so he could be attached securely and hold on to my vest while I was operating. The crane technician told me I was lucky to have just the shortest version of the crane so he could easily put 500lbs on it (me, the rig and the other grip) . As soon as we hit the ground, I was stepping off and start walking towards the actors. Of course, someone else was taking my spot on the crane while stepping off, but I was wondering if I could have done it another way. They offered a safety harness that they would have unclipped at the bottom of the crane but I said to myself this option would be too complicated and I had to step off the crane relativly fast. So there, how do you guys do it in LA? Many thanks! (by the way, I felt VERY comfortable having someone with me in the air and felt that was the best option at the time, the shot is great, can't wait to see it on my website, wich is under construction, I'll keep you posted...) Frederic Chamberland steadicam@videotron.ca

Hi, As a camera assistant, I use and abuse of the 3 VP's on every set I work with DP Pierre Gill, CSC. He loves them ... On a dolly! I have never seen anyone trying to go hand held with them or even think of steadicam with VP's... They surely "breath" a lot , far less than a 25-250 Angenieux, but much more than a what you could expect from a "variable" prime... Again, you would have to "whip" that follow focus very rapidly to notice it but it is definetly there. As for working with steadicam....You need a bridge for every VP, even the VP1 (shortest). So here goes a VERY HEAVY lense with bridge and both rods and 3 motors... In my opinion, it is as ridiculous as putting a 1000' mag on a steadicam: It can be technicaly done but at a price your knees won't agree. And I assume using filters will be a hassle. Look at the size of that front element... And don't forget to "unlock" the zooms on the lens before damaging it. This little locking knob is so fast to forget for a DP or anyone trying to zoom when locked. Great piece of equipment , just not steadicam friendly. Good deal too, enjoy! Frederic Chamberland steadicam@videotron.ca

Hi, I tested the titan last year and I have to admit I was a bit disapointed. The image is clear and crisp as long as both units (sender and receiver) are "seing" each other. but when the signal is lost, it just goes completly blank for a second or two..... We , as operators, have to go around these walls and objects that interfere with the Titan... On the other hand , the modulus is simple , reliable, a real workhorse. The signal can be sometimes a bit noisy but a shark fin antenna (from CIT also) will be a good investment. And the issue of sending the signal to everyone with a TV (modulus) or just to video village (sender-receiver solution adopted by Transvideo) is also to consider. On set today, everyone wants an image, the dolly pusher, the soud guy, the make up artist, the producer...The modulus for me is not an option, it is the only solution. I also have a CineAsst sender ( www.cineasst.com ) that is a one channel sender. At half the price of a Modulus, it does a great job. Pros: Compact and does not heat up like the modulus, Great backup unit. Cons: Single channel; Sometimes (rarely) it will get some outside interference and you are stuck on that channel you first chose. I would go for the modulus, no doubt about it. Frederic Chamberland

Hi, also try this, simple and efficient. And great service from Lentequip: http://www.lentequip.com/products/videosplitter.html Frederic Chamberland steadicam@videotron.ca

Hi, Just looking around if anyone has a PDL lying around they want to get rid of.... Just throwing a bottle at sea.... Thanks! Frederic "bubbleboy" Chamberland

Hi, I have had my Artemis Cine-Hd for 16 months now and still love it. Look into 2003 forum under "Artemis" . You will find posts on my opinion of the system. Pros and cons. Happy flying! Frederic Chamberland steadicam@videotron.ca