chrisgosch

i mostly work in film but tonight I did a show at the Gibson Ampitheater at Universal and it was quite a difficult job. They called at the last minute and though I got the rate I usually get (1800/10) they didn't bring on an assitant though I requested one. I had to pull focus and zoom and that was a bit*h I WON"T be doing that again. But one of the major problems I ran into was the length of the shots. I was up on average 20 minutes and had less than 1 minute breaks before another 20 minutes. I may sound like a woose but I usually do 3-5 minute shots on Music Videos and commercials (though it seems like I do many takes and shots). Is there any technique live operators use to conserve on energy? My back is killing me and as to the focus I have no idea how good it was since we were shooting HD I tried to stay wider to help but it seemed like the director wanted slow zooms with every steadi move. It seems like live performance guys earn their money and I'm gonna ask for more next time. (and I'll never take it again without an assistant.)

Has anyone had any tingling or nerve problems in there legs with the Klassan or DSD Vests? I tried out an Action Cam back mounted Vest for one week on a job two years ago and since then I have had an on again off again tingling in my right leg (I am a goofy footed operator) where the pressure from the vest was. I tried Klassen's vest at Cinegear and it felt much more comfortable than my front mounted vest. But I would love some feedback on longterm use. I am ready to buy a Klassan vest and would love to order before the price increase. I wish I made it to the parties this past week but of course I got a job working both days and wrapped too late. Thanks, Christopher Gosch

I seem to be finding that a good newbie rate is $500 for 12 hours though there are quite a few operators that are working for less. I have ove $60,000 in my system and I hate working for less than I made as an AC. Lets try to set a low limit with so we aren't undercutting each other. Just my .02 :P

Hi, Is there any source for the J7 Zooms? I seem to be getting more video gigs and could use one. I have been mounting my microforce to my handle but it is too big. thanks, Christopher Gosch

I never had the tingly feeling until I tried out the Action products FM vest. After using it for a shoot last March 2003 for 3 days using a BLIV and a SRII, I started to have the slight numbness and tingly feelings others are talking about during extended shots. This has continued to occur with my front mounted vest on my right leg (I work with the rig mounted off my left side and the camera on my right.) This numbness has continued even when I am not working or just working as a operator and stand on my feet for extended periods of time. Recently I was examined by an orthopedic surgeon and he said the nerve had been pinced and possibly damaged by the constant high pressure from the weight of the system. I described what the steadicam did and he was suprised that anyone would continously subject themselves to the stress it places on our bodies (please!) He suggested time off and a redistribution of the weight load if I wanted to continue doing the job. I did have a month without work and I added several pads to the lower straps. This has helped. On the last several jobs I switched to flying the rig on the left and that has eliminated the pain on the right leg though I have had a little trouble adapting to flying the rig on my left. On a music video this past weekend I flew the rig on my right for 30 takes (3.5 minutes each) and had no trouble with my leg going numb (Moviecam Compact with steadimags and 100% video) so I think giving it a month to heal and readjusting my front mounted vest with additional padding has made the difference. The fact that this problem developed immeditately after using the Action Products vest has scared me away from the FM vests. I know the DSD vest is much more expensive and custom fit but seeing these posts with the same problems leads me to believe this needs to be researched and a real solution created. On a similar subject I have wanted to add a ski buckle fastner to the vest and would appreciate any help in sourcing a good one. Thanks and any replies are greatly appreciated.