Kris Torch Wilson

Lots of chiming in here by guys who don't know what they are talking about. Drew Jansen did the pretape. Dave and Tore the main show, hard wired.

If anyone knows of a camera department that could put a college junior to work over the summer, please pm me. Hard worker, smart, and comes from a good bloodline. Because the Mouse has rules, said student is unable to work for his old man.

I didn't realize my Ultra 2 is not set up for Live TV. Please advise as to what I need to do to so that I might continue on the live show I've been using said sled on for the past few years!

Full size rig, add a fall = broken back. Think this through!

I wasn't operating steadi but the lesson is the same. standing on the skids of a copter hand held shooting the pilot through the front window. Pilot was really fighting to keep us balanced. We were about 50 feet off the deck. After we set down, we both agreed that was about the stupidest thing either of us had ever done. With regards to firearms: I'm pretty well versed in the handling and use of firearms. I refused to do a shot that required the firearm to be pointed in my direction, until I had inspected it. The prop master was clearly offended. I explained that it had nothing to do with him, but with my own "paranoia" and that any offense or delay was clearly on my shoulders. It was unloaded. We did the shot several times, but that gun was always in my eye line. The next time, before we shot, the prop master presented the weapon to me before it went on the set. I thanked him for his courtesy and all went well. If you are not comfortable handling a firearm but are uncomfortable with one on set, politely ask the prop master or armorer to show you that it's unloaded and safe. If you play to his/her "expertise" no feelings should be hurt. Take responsibility for your own safety. As you get a little older, you will come to appreciate the fact that you are not invincible.

Absolutely worth training. If the phsical space prohibits you from swinging the arm across, then you don't have much choice. For example, I operate goofy but want to hug a wall or stair railing on my left. I must switch arm sides, and then wish I had practiced more!

No worries Louis. It was a follow up that got my panties in a bunch. It and my intentionally offensive post have been appropriately deleted. This nation just went through a bitter election and it should be noted that millions of folks stand on both sides. This forum has for the most part been non political and I hope will continue to be a place that we communicate about our profession. There are plenty of places to go if one wants to discuss politics.

Fair enough

Thank you Moderators. I still think Luis' post could use an edit.

There was a rumor that Mohawk was no longer making their lightweight flexible fiber cable. That is false. They will indeed make one (or more) to order. I placed an order this morning and am looking at a couple of weeks turn around. Here's the info: Mary Gozdur mary.gozdur@mohawk-cable.com 1-800-422-9961 Part # FL4591800x (x represents feet, so if you want a 5 footer it would be FL45918005) Price $685 Torch (This message was not intended to imply any malicious rumor, but merely clearing up some questions)

I just went through this drill with Disney. My show is pretty unique so I had to bend over pretty far to make it happen. I will gladly discuss the details privately. They ask for three competitive bids so I passed along the most expensive from the list on the steadicam operators list. If you need to do the same, DO NOT use my name, my deal is not applicable for day playing or even a multiple week season.

At first glance you're going to think, oops what's he thinking. But then it all makes sense. Funny stuff tonight.

"EVERY job I've ever worked, big or small, has always supplied an insurance cert. The only exception may have been once or twice " Sorry Nick I can't resist.

Steadicam operators' profits are excessive.

Robert, I just spoke with the House Band guys here and they are very happy with that credit union. Garrett and I use First Entertainment Credit Union and have been very pleased with them. First Entertainment has a handful of locations here in L.A. and may be able to work with a credit union over there as well. As for credit unions in general, I couldn't be more pleased. The personal attention I receive is great and the rates are very competitive. Kris

Cool

Is adding picture in picture an option? Once I got used to it on my Ultra Bright I love feeding program return into it and throwing my secondary monitor into the case. I can already hear Eric and the other film guys screaming. Frankly I don't give a shit about loosing a corner of my screen. I'm quite comfortable with my Live TV Hack lifestyle. Kris

Michael, Just about everyone I work with here in the U.S. mounts a small 6" or 7" monitor on top of the lens very similar to the Ipad set up. I get the impression you don't think that would work. It works great and weighs a fraction of a mirror and monitor. Yes, there is a limit to distance away from talent, but when do you really expect to be more than a few meters away from them? And unless the talent is right on top of you there is minimal eye line issues. Save the back and your money for wine and women. Here is the one I use. http://www.lcd4video.com/products/LCD4Video-7%22-LCD-Monitor.html Kris

Exactly my reaction. Cabled on a show like this is just crazy. Actually there was no reason to go wireless. We had 7 handhelds and 2 steadis. The utility guys do a hell of a job keeping cable management under control. If you haven't worked with professional utility guys then you probably just don't get it. These guys are our right hands and we work as a team. The way the stage was set up just didn't warrant the cost of wireless, not to mention the antennae sticking up issues. I hate to throw the old fellow under the bus, but getting caught in that cross shot was a mental error. We went to a clip right after that and he had plenty of time to repo to the floor then. Had nothing to do with being wired. I would suggest fatigue came into play. By the time we do the show, everyone is exhausted. Rehearsals start on Wed. We get out Sat night around 11p after a full day of rehearsing followed by a full Dress. Come in day of show on little sleep and do another full run through. THAT is the crazy part. For the most part the show is choreographed chaos. We have it worked out right up until the winner stands up. If they walk straight up everything is cool. It's the multiple winner times when we generally get caught on camera. Just 2 cents worth from someone that was there. Kris

Especially handheld with an improperly balanced rig! Yikes. A couple more glasses of wine and then we're going to have a lesson in camera operation.

You can make a relatively small investment and save your hearing. Here is the link to the folks who made my 'in ears' http://www.mylivewires.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=75 I don't bother with a wireless, I just mate the wire with tape to my fiber jumper. It s so light and flexible, I don't even know it is there. Ask the maintenance guy on your show for a broken headset, If you don't know how to solder, ask him to add a female mini stereo plug hanging out of the 5 pin xlr. Take the mic with a few inches of wire and have him solder that in as well. Velcro mic to back of camera. Bam, you're in business. Sorry to bust your balls Chris, but in 27 years in this business, I have always owned my own headset. Kris

Nice job John. Did you all notice how many T-shirts said 'Producer?' And I thought our show was top heavy!

Utility guys told me they weighed the rig at over 90 lbs. They also reported that one of the ops tore a calf muscle and another walked away from James Cameron who asked for his business card. Good times.

Tomas, The Stanton/JimmyJib zoom/focus controller is widely used here in Los Angeles by us TV guys. The cable is stiff and sucks and the handle is big and bulky. I've heard of guys rewiring with smaller, more flexible cable. That being said, it works well and I'm happy with the two I own. Except for the workshop a few years ago, I have never operated with my hand directly on the rig, but on the zoom handle so I'm used to it. The focus function works as advertised but the motor and mount on the lens itself is a bit wanky. Might be worth upgrading to a higher end motor if you have the dough. Kris