Nicholas M. Chopp

I think it looks kinda cool, myself. *grin*

"Flying a helicopter is one of the single most unnatural experiences of your life. It is a design that, by all rights, shouldn't fly at all." Dr. Steven L Reagles, Professor (former CI on multiple fixed and rotary wing aircraft) It's just a recipe for disaster, particularly the situation Wyer outlined. Just dangerous all around.

Indeed... The gear is just a tool.

I don't know about the UK, but there's a company here in MN, Labelworks. They do some top-notch work.

Looking forward to it, Will. :)

Indeed, I'm curious too. I like the new look. (Great show, and one of my roommate's is a HUGE, OBSESSIVE fan) What's the history of the format with West Wing? I was watching some of season one, and it looks so drastically different from some of the later stuff. (Lighting's a lot flatter, there's some massive diffusion going on, etc.)

I think any Director who is planning on having aerial footage from a manned chopper should be required to have spent a bit of time IN a chopper, doing some of the positively insane things they ask for.

Yikes. Looks like a blast to me. :-) We just got 16 inches of snow in a day here in Minnesota. Maybe I'll hop on a snowmobile or something and shoot some stuff. :D

Mohab, Welcome to steadicamforum.com. I think you'll find many of the ops here ARE also DPs. I don't think you lose any respect as an OP, and it certainly increases your marketability. Similarly, I don't see how also being a DP could negatively affect your operating - if anything, it will help.

Congratulations on your first shoot - I know what you mean. My first day in a Steadicam was a 14 hour day, so I was a bit sore too. <grin> (2 hour break, other than that, continous shooting)

Are you a good camera op already? Are you a good DP? Can you control light, do you know how to direct others? Are you in good shape, physically? If so, you might be ready. Personally, I bought a Steadicam V-8, and it's been a hell of a learning experience for me. I've been running it for a year now, and while yes, it's cheap, it's not that great, and it's certainly not up for true Steadicam work, it's taught me a LOT about the fundamentals. I haven't gone to any workshops, although I hope to have the opportunity to do so down the road. Basically, I'd say - go for it. If you really want to make it happen, you will.

Yes, I would assume. As to running off the little LCD on the camera - blech. I've been stuck operating goofy for a few weeks now - LCD went down and haven't been able to get a new one yet. Driving me NUTS.

In the undying words of Ted Churchill: "With the careful and sensitive use of sand paper, steel wool and the common file it is possible to make the vest, arm, and camera platform look like they and you have come through many a trying but triumphant encounter. Look at any rental Steadicam and you will quickly determine scrapes, marks, and wear points occur. Emulate them exactly. But don't overwork the front of the monitor or sled, as it implies an undue amount of contact with foreign objects such as walls, doors, the ground and (God forbid!) the faces of talent." Don't paint. <grin>

What camera? I'd be VERY interested to see some of the footage. :-)

In the phrase used by many of the good former Norwegians of Minnesota - Oofdah.

"Do I detect another reason to hold our breath 'till NAB?" <sigh> The first time in three years I won't be there, and it just HAD to be this year. Arg.

It's much more likely that they're DSLR cameras, not 35mm. That is one SWEET setup. Can't imagine what a bear it'd be to run, though. Their results look pretty damn awesome.

Been watching Band of Brothers again this week, some great work in this series.

Damn. And all this time I've been holding it wrong. I wish someone would've told me. On the other hand, I don't think I'll ever make fun of a VariZoom or Glidecam advertisement again...

Cheap transmitters = useless. For ANYTHING at all related to professional film and video production.

Heh. Well, this provided me with my entertainment for the morning. Critical thinking doesn't seem to be Filmania's strong point - if he's a newbie just supporting this wonderful new product, how does he know all this about the demo video, etc.? I shot the seller of the "support system" an e-mail on eBay last night, here's my e-mail. <<How does your XL1S weigh 26 pounds? The XL1S weighs only 6 lbs, WITH battery. Why are you using a Glidecam sled, as opposed to maching one yourself?>> Now, here's the REALLY funny part. He forgot to cut out the part from his other equally brilliant assosciate, Derek Wong. <<--- Derek Wong <dhwongbb@gmail.com> wrote: This is one of the Jerk from Steadicamforum.com, please give him a good explanation then.>> Then, his (Arthur To) response to me. <<did you knwo the xl1s was upgradable? you can add stuff to it, its a very customizable camera. you can add more than a battery..... for example you can add a ma200 (a shoulder pad), and u can add anton bouer batteries, and P+S techniks, and matte boxes, follow focuses, lcd monitors.... the list goes on THATS how you get to 26 lbs. if you dont want obvious answers, dont ask obvious questions.>> I feel so dumb. Shot down by a skilled by a "film equipment guru". I think I'm going to look into these new Anton Bouer batteries. And I do have to wonder, what kind of a drop time do you get on that rig with a 26 pound XL1S? With the counterweights provided by the Glidecam 4000, I would think it would have to be somewhere in the NEGATIVE range... Oh, and Arthur\Derek\Whoever You Are - dishonest marketing will always come back to bite you in the ass. Consider cleaning up your act and trying to go legit. You'll get a lot more respect, and a lot less attitude from the professionals who see through the bull. I think I'd more compare it to either spending at least a few grand on a Honda - or $900 on a used Yugo from a questionable dealer; it might work, but it most likely, just won't.

Gee, I wonder if filmania IS the person selling this complete and utter pile. Take it somewhere else. Oh, and gotta love how he has the camera aligned to the sled. <raises eyebrow> And his XL1S weights an amazing 26 pounds. Could've sworn the XL series clocked in about 6 and a half pounds...

WD-40? *grin* Quiz: Anyone know what the WD stands for, WITHOUT looking it up on the Internet?

Anyone know who's flying the ESPN2 College Dunk contest right now? I keep seeing quick shots of the guy running it - looks like an SK to me. Damn good op.

Getting the system balanced correctly is 90% of the fight for a new op. Are you in LA or NYC, where you can find an experienced op to help you out with this?