chris fawcett

What can I say but, I love you too Amando, and the next time I'm kidnapped by aliens, I'm gonna get them to stop by and pick you up too.

Lukas, I'll be shooting the new Alain Tanner feature under your bedroom window, not. Yes! I'll be at IBC. I look forward to seeing you again so soon. Chris

Hi Lukas, I don't think he has much to worry about if he can score a job that's outside my bedroom window. I'm fine thanks, and you? Coming to IBC? Chris

My twin's posture is not bad, but then every time I see him, he's looking at himself in a mirror.

I'm all in favour of out-of-body experiences, Erik, but not on duty. :blink:

Hi! Who's the Steadicam op that worked all afternoon on that cute bridge under my bedroom window yesterday, and didn't even stop by for dinner? Unfortunately, I was out all day anyway, and only heard about it on my return. If you're still around the city, the offer's still open. All the best, Chris

Hi Eric, I make the chest straps as tight as I can. If the discomfort lessens as you get used to it, then it's about right. if it increases, then back it off a notch. Sounds masochistic? I find that the looser the vest, the more likely I am to experience muscle pain in my back. Matt, I agree with you. The Flyer vest might indeed be improved, but I never once found it to be insufficient for flying Digibetas (and I mean 790s, not 970s) for hours on end. The total system weight of a Flyer (vest, arm, sled) + 790 weighs under 40 lbs. The system weight alone of an Ultra must approach that. All the best, Chris

Hi Philip, I should have explained better: the 5 extra pounds on the Clipper is spread about the sled. On a modified Archer (such as Lars Erik's), you can add that all 5 lbs at the very bottom, allowing you to shorten the sled somewhat. In theory, although you are looking at a less robust rig in the Archer, it will fly a heavier camera than the Clipper with a G-50. Lars Erik now uses a G-70 with his Archer sled to allow him to fly even heavier cameras. All the best, Chris

So it should fly perfectly on a modified Archer (being 5lbs lighter). Anyone tried? Chris

Hi Matt, The Flyer vest should be comfortable enough with that weight, even for long periods. I was wondering more if the vest needed adjusting for your frame, or if perhaps there was something in your form that was contributing to your discomfort. All the best, Chris

hi Soren, You don't need to spin 360s to check DB. It's fun, but not essential. Also, if you are using the lightweight aluminium Flyer stand, it won't like the weight being cantilevered out so far. Fly safe, Chris

Hi Eric, Why was the vest so uncomfortable? Post a pic, and let's see if we can figure it out. Chris

Hi Mark, The model I use is a Platypus. It easily clips on to the back of the vest. http://www.platypushydration.com/product_d...l.aspx?ProdID=5 Don't forget your earplugs too! All the best for your shoot, Chris

Hi Matt, I agree with Alec. It's a funky little rig, but it flies great. Will you make it to IBC this year? Chris

I always enjoyed maxing out my Flyer. Then I got a bigger rig, and guess what? I enjoy maxing it out too. Isn't that we we do? Good luck this weekend. Chris

Hi Guys, I am big into wicking t-shirts, except when flying. The reason is, I don't want the sweat wicking into my vest. Instead, I carry a supply of cotton t-shirts to change into. Not an elegant solution, I grant you. If you drink lots of water, you can stand a lot of heat. If I'm doing a live under lights, I'll clip a Camelback into my vest back so I can take a sip of water every few minutes. As in real life, it's important to drink ahead of your thirst. Don't wait until you are parched. Also, don't drink large amounts of chilled water. All the best, Chris

Hi Eric, Sorry, I'm a dumbass, I meant heatshrink, the stuff you put around cables. It comes in big sizes. That was a fair while ago, and unfortunately I have no photos that detail it. The heatshrink goes over the entire closed buckle, and seals it tight. You can no longer open it, though it comes off with a box cutter in a jiffy. I hope it works for you. Squeak softly and carry a big rig, Chris

Yes Eric, This problem bugged me until I got outsize shrink rap, and shrunk it around the two shoulder clips. That does the trick. The only drawback is that you have to make sure your "future ex-wife" is not watching from amongst the extras when you don and doff the vest. Very uncool, and totally un "Manual of Style." Fly Quietly, Chris

So you're saying it's better than a Basson?

Sure, Email me off forum, and we can meet up for a chat anytime. Chris

Hi Ed, It's a good plan to always quote a high rate, then offer a discount (because it's more than 3 days, because you like the project, whatever), so at least they understand they are getting it cheap. We all seem to be shy about talking about this, but since you ask a direct question, I think you should not quote less then £1,000 with assistant. I'm interested to hear what the rest of you think. Fly safe, Chris

Hi Lasse, There is some play in the hinge section, but it disappears entirely when under load. Enjoy your Archer. I have one, and love it. All the best, Chris

Gracias Tio, Nos vemos este verano espero. Hasta pronto

Thanks Dan, It's a beautiful dawn here in LA, and I'm off to set up the goodies now. I look forward to seeing you there. All the best, Chris

Thanks Erik, What about that lunch date? I'll be back in September. See you then, Chris