Dave Wowchuk

Just checking to see if anyone has a Marell FBX for sale? The exchange rate for Euro to Canadian dollars is a killer, so I'm looking for a gently used one. Thanks! Dave

I was curious to find out who the operators were last night at the Academy Awards? I was very impressed with one shot in particular ... during Dolly Parton's song from TransAmerica, the operator walked down the aisle, down infront, stopped and zoomed in (steady like a dolly shot.) It made my wife say, "Honey, can you do that?" "Not yet." I replied with a frown on my face, "One day soon ... one day soon." Dave

If the bidding stays low, he might not get enough to pay for a candy bar (hehehehe.) One more example of "industry de-valuation." Brings new meaning to "will work for food." I love his comment "normal price elsewhere 3000 Euro, but not here." That's an understatement. Dave

I know we all wear "show black" for live concerts and events, but does anyone have a recommendation for what "brand" has worked best for you? Is it Nike Dri-Fit, Under Armor, etc etc.? Microfibre, cotton, blends? I hope this turns out to be a helpful thread (no pun intended.) Dave

Hi Andre, When writing a business plan, there are some key essentials required. 18 months ago I spent over 300 hours completing a 75 page business plan for my company - then it had to be reviewed and critiqued by analysts, bank execs, and other entrepreneurs. Here are the 6 key essentials: 1. Business Description: Your business name, type of organization, when it is planning to open, where it will be located and an outline of the services and/or products your company will offer. 2. Market Research: Primary & Secondary Sources - personal interviews, surveys, private research firms, business consultants, government statistics agencies, business resource centres. Your market research MUST verify a demand for your product/service and prove that customers will pay your price. 3. Marketing Plan: Competitive Analysis - identify and discuss yoru direct and indirect competition. How are you unique and how you are going to compete with them. What percentage of the market you hope to capture. Product, price, distribution, promotion & advertising. 4. Management:Who you are, the duties you will be performing and your experience & education that relates to the operation of the business. 5. Risk Assessment: Convince the reader that you have identified any major risks that could jeopardize the success of your business and have developed a contingency plan, in event that the risks should manifest themselves. 6. Financial Plan: state the dollar amount of the capital items and cash you are bringing into the business. State if you need or don't need financing. If you're purchasing equipment, state how you will purchase it. Include projected costs, financing sources, a forecasted cashflow, balance sheet and income statement. Sounds like a lot huh? It is ... plain and simple. If you want a business plan that becomes your business "Bible" and be a great tool to secure financing ? work hard at it, don't take any shortcuts, don't copy someone elses ... it has to come from you. Under scrutiny, a copied business plan might get rejected. Just a few tips, but there are some great books on how to write effective business plans. Your local bookstore should have them. Dave

I agree with Anthony. The course is only going to be as good as the operators running it. It doesn't matter whether you are using a Steadicam, Glidecam, or MK-V ... it's what you do with it that counts. If I was across the pond in Europe, and just starting out ... I'd be at Job's course in a heartbeat (but I already took the workshop in Rockport, sorry Job.) Dave

I've got a new Glidecam L7Pro LCD (without the sunshade) and did my first outdoor shoot last week (overcast skies, snow everywhere) and realized how desperately I needed a sunshade. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I could buy a sunshade, or what would be the best method & materials to make one from? I'd appreciate your comments. Dave

Many thanks for this info. I just ran into this situation today and was wondering the same thing. I love this forum ... Dave

(I actually have a few shots of some of the operators in the vest, but no closeups showing the detail of where the straps and buckles are located.) DW

I want to add a few straps with fastex buckles onto the sides of my vest (like one of the Steadicam vests have) to provide some extra stability between the chest and waist sections. If anyone has one of these vests, could you do me a favour and take one or two pictures of it (side profile) so I could show the person who will be doing the mod for me? I used this vest on during one of the workshops, but didn't find out which model of vest it was (it was with an Ultra Cine rig.) Dave

So what's the issue with the carbon fiber stuff? Can it not handle being torqued down on and ends up breaking? I'd sure like to find that out before I buy a set. DW

I actually found a company that has a set of rods & brackets for JVC, Panasonic, and Sony cameras as well as a Universal Plate for various video & film cameras. The rods can be universally used with each set of brackets. http://www.cavision.com/rods/rods.htm Price lists are available by e-mailing them directly. Dave

I contacted Greg at XCS, and their plate is 3.35" wide ... and the Glidecam Gold plate is 3.7" wide. Bummer. Dave

Hi Afton, I guess my hunt for posts wasn't that fruitful. Thanks for the info, I'll be contacting Brent today. Dave Wowchuk

When it comes to being hired as a day-player, I am very curious whether or not many of you have your own contracts? Or do the production companies that hire you have their own contracts? If I was to develop my own contract, what would you suggest are some of the essentials? Dave

Thanks for the replies. I ended up buying a brand new M-One . . . a much better choice IMHO. Many thanks to Don Wetzel of Palomar Engineering . . . what a guy! Dave

Hi everyone, When shooting video, what brand of camera brackets and support rod systems do you use? And who would be the best person to talk to about buying them? I need a solution for mounting my BFD & M-One to Sony & Hitachi video cameras, and Arri BL/SR1/SR3 film cameras. Thanks for your help!

Sold. (That was quick!)

I have an extra Modulus power cable for an EFP rig. It's pretty much brand new, and I don't need it. $40 and it's yours. Dave Wowchuk

I'm looking for a Heden M26P motor (or equivalent.) Looking to buy very soon. Thanks. Dave Wowchuk

Hi everyone, I was wondering what you all do for care and maintenance of your rigs? I'm sure many of you have some wisdom to pass on to other operators (and new operators such as myself.) Areas could include: - storage - cleaning - daily/montly/yearly checkups - preventative maintenance - when damage occurs/repairs Maybe you've come across some obscure items that help you keep your rig in top-shape that you wouldn't mind passing along. Thanks! Dave Wowchuk

For all you owner/operators out there, I was wondering how you transport your rigs? Single, large case . . . multiple, smaller cases? Pelican cases . . . Storm cases . . . Bags . . . custom built cases. I'd be interested to hear what you use. Dave Wowchuk

I'm looking for a new or very lightly used Modulus 3000 video transmitter. Send me a PM or e-mail of you'd like to sell yours. Thanks! Dave Wowchuk

Has anyone used the Coherent video transmitter system? I found it as I was doing a little more research. I don't think I was to spend $4,000USD on the CanaTrans, but the Coherent is around $3,000 (or if someone is selling their Modulus3000, I may be interested.) Dave Wowchuk

OK, I've got about $2K-$3K to spend on the video transmitter & receiver, but with all the stuff you guys are talking about I don't know what to buy. I've seen the Modulus 3000 in action, and wasn't too impressed with the results (even though it may be standard out there.) Any suggestions? Dave Wowchuk