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Bo Hallen

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  1. Bo Hallen
    Janice and everyone else, Thank you all for your advice and support. I suppose it will take time to prove to people how serious I am. I am serious and this is what I want to do. I can probably swing for the Zephyr or Actioncam's RebelPro? I am talking about $10-$12K. Sure, I wish I could afford an Ultra2 or Clipper or even Archer. But I don't think I am ready for that yet. Right now, I want a substantial rig, but more importantly, I just want a rig period, so I can start flying.\ I am a practical learner. Yes, I already own the Operator's handbook and have read it about 50 times. Yeah, there is a workshop in Whitesburg, GA for about $3,500. And I know there are other alternative, more affordable workshops out there. But I want to own a decent rig and start flying as soon as possible.
  2. Bo Hallen
    Janice, Thank you for your advice. I realize that everyone must start somewhere and you have to invest time, hard work, and money to make something of yourself in this business. I realize there are options I cannot dismiss. I am thinking of asking my brother for a small loan. And I am 100% serious about this. I suppose that is a testament that can only be proven over the course of time. I don't recall ever talking about giving up. I am a light hearted, easy going guy, but I take my job and Steadicam operating in this industry very seriously. I got on this site to ask for help and advice on any topics involving Steadicam. The more I try to inquire the more I think I should just stop asking and just do something. Actions speak louder than words. I get mixed messages, or at least that's how I interpret them. Some say, start off small there's no point in buying a big rig if you don't have skill and clients yet. Others say you will look like a joke and will never be taken seriously unless you have a big rig. Others say, you aren't willing to buy a big rig then you have no business being on this forum. And some say, forget everything we have to say and just figure it out for yourself.
  3. Bo Hallen
    Thank you all for your advice and support! I appreciate all the feedback. I had considered getting a loan for a bigger rig, but I believe I could swing for a Scout or a Zephyr, to "get practice". The Tiffen workshop this fall is $3,500. That's the Premium workshop with all the big rigs and with Garrett, Chris, and Jerry. Sounds awesome and I know it would be a life changing experience. $3,500 is money I do not have. Well, it is possible to come up with that money, but that would make it that much harder to purchase a "starter rig".
  4. Bo Hallen
    Hey everyone, I am new to this arena. I just want to establish that. I tend to ask a lot of questions, sometimes annoying questions about obvious things. These questions may seem obvious to a seasoned operator but this is how I learn, by asking dumb questions. Like this: How does an unestablished operator become a better operator? I thought this meant purchasing a smaller, affordable rig like a Pilot or Scout to practice with? I don't mean to purchase such a rig and then go directly to work on big shows. But that is what it seems like. This is a professional's forum and I appreciate being welcome to interact with all of the seasoned pros in this wonderful community. But how am I supposed to learn from you without asking obvious questions? To be taken seriously and not damage my fragile reputation, do I need to take out a loan from the bank and spend $30K - $50K on a real rig like the Ultra 2 or MK1?? Even though I have no experience whatsoever? That is the vibe I seem to be getting. When I mention the Pilot or Zephyr, if I sound like an amateur, it is because I am just that. I am just getting started on union shows as a grip trying to make a living and support my daughter. The Steadicam dream is very real for me but I am a little confused about how to approach these matters without seeming amateurish? Yes, I plan on taking a workshop. Yes, I know this is professional gear and the gear is a tool in which we use to perform a craft, so it must be the right tool. But I have to start somewhere, right? I have been reading a lot of posts for about a month now, and most of the what I am reading is buy a real rig, even though you have no experience operating. So I am supposed to invest $30K - $50K on a tool of which I have no experience to even be taken seriously on this forum? I am just trying to get to know you all better. Please forgive me for asking dumb questions. This is how I learn from you. : )
  5. Bo Hallen
    Thank you Victor! The HD Pilot is roughly twice as much as the SD system. Is my more affordable option to purchase an SD rig, then buy an HD monitor?? Or is the HD Pilot system my only option??
  6. Bo Hallen
    Has anyone operated with or own a GH4? I am considering purchasing Pilot SD system. I am unsure how to connect GH4 to monitor? I know, all the typical dslr headaches, lol. I am brand new to this forum but am serious about operating. Should I buy SD rig and use an HD monitor? Then buy an hdmi - sdi converter box? Can you connect sdi in (BNC) to composite? Also, the GH4 camera has NTSC, PAL, and a 24 Hz "Cinema" frequency, through which is the only frequency capable of Cinematic 4K. According to the gh4 manual, when system frequency is set to 24 Hz (which mine is all the time) playback on a composite monitor is impossible? I would love to be informed about how to properly connect a DSLR to a SD monitor or HD monitor
  7. Bo Hallen
    Emmanuel, Thank you for your comments! I appreciate the fact that the Pilot behaves like a bigger rig, when proper weights are added to bottom or top stage. Which is more important to me than the look of the rig. I have read that the GH4, which I own, does have a composite signal out but only works for playing back clips. I wonder if I should purchase an hdmi - composite converter box or hdmi - sdi ?? And if I do get a converter box, how should I mount it on the top stage???
  8. Bo Hallen
    Thanks Nils, I am currently looking into a Pilot AB mount system. I would prefer Scout with the 18 lb payload, but Pilot is more within my current budget. I suppose after some time operating I could save up for a big rig, but for the time being, I usually only operate on small, low budget indies and documentaries, mostly with my own GH4, I believe the Pilot is the best move. I appreciate your input! : )
  9. Bo Hallen
    Has anyone heard of EEMOV??? Are they legit?? http://www.eemov-usa.com/en/shop/camera-stabilizer-system/sobercam-hawk-xt-kit
  10. Bo Hallen
    I completely understand that bigger is better. If I could, I would not hesitate to purchase a Zephyr. Even without that much experience operating. However, for the time being, I believe it is feasible to purchase the Pilot System to fly mainly my own personal GH4. The camera itself is barely over a pound. I already use battery grip and will trick it out with rods, mattebox, etc. to gain as much weight as I can. With all the lighter cameras coming out anyways, I feel I would be able to fly a few cameras. Of course not the Red or Alexa. My ultimate goal would be to own a full size rig like the Shadow or Clipper. And of course, work on the bigger union shows lol. But I don't see that in the imminent future. So for now I will probably just get the Pilot system and fly, fly, fly... and take a workshop. In time, I would love to own a Zephyr. I just thought it more realistic to scrape together 2 - 3 grand, with my $3,000 budget for a Scout right now, than to sell my car and probably all of my gear, to get a Zephyr.
  11. Bo Hallen
    And I will shut up about the pilot vest now lol. I am sure it is a great system. It's just, at first glance, it looks cheap and flimsy. But I am sure they have engineered it in such a way to provide the proper capabilities it says it lives up to.
  12. Bo Hallen
    Right, I understand. The post is different. I have no doubt the pilot arm is excellent and lives up to Tiffen's standards. I have read that the Pilot/Merlin vest is not metal, but plastic. I have read that it is easily bendable. The folks at Steadicam claims their vest to be extremely comfortable and very versatile. I have just a few concerns, like the lack of buckles and all velcro. Can all that velcro be a problem for audio? Will the vest last or will the plastic break? I suppose even the most rugged of vests have a limit? Also, I own a GH4. There is an AV out on the camera and, of course, the all loving micro hdmi port. The AV out should work if I run the provided rca cable to the post? And at the bottom of post can't I connect that RCA cable right to their monitor? Or would I have to use a RCA to BNC barrel? I love GH4 but at the end of the day it is still a dslr (dslm if you wanna be that specific). Lacking SDI out
  13. Bo Hallen
    Is the Arm Vest specific for Pilot? I heard Garrett Brown say in one of his videos that there is a specific Pilot Arm and Vest that IS NOT the same as the Merlin Vest and Arm. Is that true?
  14. Bo Hallen
    Good day, I am considering buying the pilot. However, the vest (which looks very flimsy and cheap) and arm look somewhat mysterious. Should I buy the sled only and go for a cheaper arm and vest like Glide Gear 6001? Or buy a used flyer vest and arm? Or even a chinese knockoff arm and vest? Any suggestions?
  15. Bo Hallen
    Hey Lars, Yes, I am brand new to the forum. I have been reading posts for a while now but only recently created my own account lol. $6K is really way above my budget. I am actually just starting out. (Operating Steadicam, I mean). I am a grip/gaffer on most of shows. The only times I really have the pleasure of operating is on super low budget indies that I usually operate for free. However, I am merely trying to gain experience operating and flying a rig. Hence, the glidecam hd2000. I bought that when I didn't know any better and was just starting out. It is great, but there is no cables running through the post for monitor & anton bauer. I supposed it is feasible for me to consolidate $ 6,000.00, if I was aiming for the scout. But I would prefer to spend half that, $3 K. That's not to say eventually, after I have had more jobs and experience I would like to operate a zephyr. Ultimately, I would like to be considered a REAL steadicam op, with MK1, Shadow, Clipper, something like that. Preston follow focus, wireless transmitters, the whole nine. But until then I just wanna fly something. If I become real anxious, I suppose I could buy the pilot.
  16. Bo Hallen
    Hello, I am a novice in the Steadicam arena but would love to ultimately own REAL (40K-60K Equipment). Right now I fly my GH4 with battery grip & Rokinon 14mm on my Glidecam HD-2000 with GlideGear's Vest & Arm. The payload is 2-6 lbs. I am ready for a real rig. I have been eyeballing the Pilot for a long time, as well as the Scout. Then I had this phase where I was mainly concerned with Came-TV's chinese knockoffs. Knowing they were probably crap, I still heavily considered buying one of their rigs. Not to fly on set right away, just to practice framing, horizon control, etc. However, after spending frivolously on Camera, Lenses, Cages, and Rigs over the past two years I want to really take my time before I purchase a Steadicam Rig. I have been told there are more rigs out there than Tiffen's. I have seen MKV, GPI pro, ActionCam, Movcam's and Sachtler's Artemis's websites. There was another brand named EEMOV??? Has anyone heard of these rigs? Are they decent?? Bottom line is I am caught between Pilot SD Sled only with AB mount. I feel like the Vest and Arm that comes with pilot is just not worth buying, when I can purchase a cheaper vest/arm from one of these chinese knockoffs (Laing, Wondlan) and still fly the Pilot. That is one conflict. The other is should I just forget flying the pilot and look for a Scout. I know I am always going to want to add more weight to the rig. There are a lot more compact cameras today but I still would like to eventually fly a heavier rig. If I buy the pilot should I buy the whole system with Pilot Arm and Pilot vest? Or should I just buy pilot sled and maybe a less expensive vest and arm? Or should I buy this less expensive arm and vest and buy EEMOV's EG-11 sled?? Or should I see about selling some of my current gear, save up, and purchase the complete Scout system?? --Thanks for your input
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