Robert Starling SOC

Happy Birthday Erwin! See you this weekend !

Hi Nathan, I was in almost your exact position when I bought my first rig which was a Flyer. I ended up upgrading to a full-sized rig within two months. Luckily Tiffen treated me super good on the trade. If you have not already done so, you should take a workshop with someone like Peter Abraham even before you buy a rig. My other suggestion is to keep an eye out for a good quality used rig from a reputable source. Spread the word and let people know (including Frank and Peter at Tiffen) that you are looking for something used since they are always talking to people who are looking to upgrade. That is how I bought my third rig through a word-of-mouth sale that enabled me to move up one more notch. Good luck!

After digging around a bit I see that Dan Kneece is also credited for Steadicam on it.

I just found a behind the scenes for the new IMAX presentation Wired To Win, about the brain's ability to push a cyclist through the pain and suffering of racing the Tour de France. The nine minute clip has a at least two shots of who I believe to be Larry McConkey operating and at least one shot of him stepping off a crane. There are lots of other IMAX production shots as well in the photo gallery section. Link to IMAX behind the scenes The original film followed Tyler Hamilton and his now infamous feat of racing with a broken collarbone through the 2003 TDF and winning Stage 16 in a 142 km solo breakaway. The following year he was busted for blood doping in the Olympics and the Tour of Spain.

Thanks for posting the video Charles! I noticed Ted's t-shirts in the film were cycling company shirts so I guess he was a cyclist too. It's a small world but two weeks ago I was riding with a local group of racers in Rockland, Maine when one of the riders asked what I do for a living. He replied that one of his best friend's late brother was a Steadicam operator. His friend is Jack Churchill. I explained I never knew Ted but would love to meet Jack. He called Jack on the spot and we had lunch the next day and then that same night a totally chance meeting at the local sushi restaurant where I met his wife and duaghter sharing sushi and sake. We didn't discuss Ted at all but on the way out of the restaurant Jack pointed out a photo montage on the wall that Ted had shot. It's a small world to say the least.

Hi EJ: I have an S Corporation that owns all my equipment and it is covered by our own production package insurance policy. I rent out lots of other equipment such as camera and audio packages as well. However, I always request/require a Certificate of Insurance from the client. So far, only one company stalled and then never provided a Cert and that was MTV Networks. I'm not in LA though banging it out with and relying on the studios for the majority of my work. It seems like the writing is on the wall amongst the larger studios who probably have entire departments dedicated to "Risk Management" whose sole purpose and mission is to mitigate, avoid and pass-on liability / risk to someone else (us if possible). We're a relatively small group of specialists in the scheme of things which can work either for or against us. Spreading the word as Bill has done is an awesome start but whether this is solved long-term really boils down to the rest of us developing and maintaining solid business practices. Our job is not Steadicam Operator or Camera Operator; our job is to run a small business which like any other business has to include networking, marketing, negotiating, accounting and protecting our businesses from risk. Right? Only if we run a successful business in all respects can we survive to do what we want to do and that is operate our rigs and cameras; and one day retire with enough money to enjoy our lives. When MTV didn't provide the cert I needed at the shoot, I really should have just said no and walked, but I knew I was covered by my own policy (they didn't) and I didn't want to be jerk about it. In retrospect, had something happened to me such as what happened to Bill with his injury and now his show, the studios would have no problem being jerks as they were then and are with him now. All of this may be good topics for an SOC or Steadicam Guild meeting; have a specialist in from various areas of business such as insurance, accounting, negotiating so we get clear concise information from a professional. Making these available online to members as video clips would be a great membership tool as well. This is something I would pitch in to help organize. All the best!

Well, I'm not in the UK but I have about 6-8 IDX li_ions; some work, some don't but I don't have a charger. Something else I have is an NP1 to V-mount adapter for NP1s. Not sure this would work or interest you but if it does contact me off the board. Thanks!

Hey Dan: I have an 11 pound "Mike O'Shea" version that I use to fly smaller cameras like the HVX and can ship it and the various screws to you today to either LA or your destination. You're more than welcome to use it but I leave for the East Coast tomorrow (Wed) morning so I'll need to ship today. It's no problem since I have other shipping to do and I won't need it back until the 11th. Call my cell 702 810-5707

Hi Maurice, having just bought my third rig in nine months I can relate to just about every post and opinion all these great ops have offered you. Almost every one of these guys have helped me in small and large ways get my Steadicam operator career started on the right footings. Thanks to each and every one of you! Up to last year my 27 year career as a camera operator consisted primarily of jib, aerial and underwater with video / HD. When one of my jibs got stolen last year a friend said "why don't you take a look at Steadicam". I had no idea it would become SteadiCrack for me and reinvgorate my enthusiasm in operating. Last August I started with a Flyer and a workshop, in October I lucked into an open spot at an SOA workshop and immediately realized that #1 I was hooked, but also that if I wanted to be competitive and fly the cameras I normally fly on the jib, I'd have to step up beyond the Flyer. I traded the Flyer and bought a Clipper 2 that week... and committed to daily practice and marketing. My previous contacts were a great help getting work but I had avoided investing in remote focus, cabling, wireless transmitter and other AKS. Then one day about four months ago the phone rang and I got on as Steadicam / B camera for an HBO series...starting in like two days. Thankfully I had just met Will Arnot while he was here on a big feature shoot and he loaned / rented me his Bartech kit until I could get one and a bunch of other ops helped as well. Like Erwin says in so many words, you've got to have the tools to solve the problems. Now that I have most of my basic tools and AKS, that same call would have not evoked quite so much panic. Remember to budget for ALL the parts and pieces you'll need to offer your services at a competitive level. On almost every job they've asked me what rig do I own; though I don't really think they know the differences so much but they want to hear something familiar. I've also invested in two other workshops... yes, four workshops; probably the best money I've spent in the nine months. The purchase of rig #3 came about as I knew I wanted to move up to film jobs and would either need to convert my existing rig to 24v or buy a 24v rig. I also wanted a multi-section post to go higher and lower; a request I had from a Director just two weeks ago to go high-mode. A former SOA classmate was interested in my C2 so I sold it and stepped up to the C24 which gave me both. There is no way I want to turn down a film job when and if that call comes (and it will one day). I want to be prepared and confident, not scrambling for parts; that was a terrible feeling. This is probably an oversimplification but as Steadicam Operators it's a close knit family. Albeit disfunctional at times. Within the family there are a few bloodlines in the way of product loyalties which becomes a family within the family so to speak. I fell into the Steadicam brand side because I truly did not know of the other brands. None-the-less, Tiffen has been a good alliance, they have treated me very very well and in many ways I couldn't have gotten this far without their support; specifically the support of Peter Abraham. To be fair, I took a two-day PRO workshop earlier this month to get a different POV and they're a great group too. Their equipment is totally top drawer and I've heard their customer service is as well. In retrospect, I might have went PRO but I have still have no regrets with Steadicam at all. Then there are the hybrid rigs with a mix-match of parts that give that operator his or her best scenario and comfort level for their style or type of work. The point I'm trying to get to here is whatever you buy, you have to assess and place a value on the intangible aspect beyond just the physical equipment and it's performance. It's a great group of people and most any operator here will do just about anything to help a fellow operator out. I'd send, drive, deliver, loan whatever/anything in my kit or the whole kit to most of these guys but if they have PRO or something else, there's not much I can do if the parts are not compatible. In LA there are a lot of PRO and Steadicam rigs so there's a large support base, but here Vegas all I know of is my Steadicam, a Pro-Vid, an XCS Ultimate and a MK-V. You should look at the support from other ops you might have in your area and the ease of access/service from the manufacturer. Once you go to one brand or another, it can be costly to switch just in cables alone. Sorry to go so long on this and I hope it helps you.

Hi Chris, yes I used it on a casino job the day before NAB as Erwin mentioned. I first used it the week before that at the Lake Arrowhead workshop and knew right away it would be the perfect for long shots. We did the whole day mounted to the CineRover with some shots in the casino at least 1000 feet or more. It's a relatively simple chariot style chair that breaks down to fit even in a small import sized car and assembles just as easily. I found it very stable to get on and off of and it's CG is such that I never felt like I was anywhere close to tipping over. You can set it up with two dually swivel wheels in the back or one single swivle set in the center rear. The other thing I like about it is that once you are seated and leaning your chest against the ample pad, there are two back rests that slide in from the rear sides at an angle that keep you centered. They have a few versions of it including at least one with a comm system and rear mount monitor for the dolly grips.

Hi Lee, welcome to the Forum from a fellow Las Vegan. Are you new to Vegas or a hidden treasure? It's a pretty small production community here and I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you, or maybe I'm just getting old and my memory is fading as fast as my hairline. This is off-topic so feel free to shoot me an email, PM or call. My cell is on my web site at LasVegasSteadicam.com

My new rig came with two PowerCubes. The rest of my batteries are IDX E10's. Rather than put the new PowerCubes into regular rotation with my other batteries and start the wear of cycling them, I was thinking it may be prudent to shelve them and only use them for special jobs where there are high amperage requirements. I think those jobs/cameras are going to be few and far between here in the Las Vegas market which seems to consist of F900 and Varicam work.... or until such time our Governer outlaws all the migrant Steadicam operators in LA from coming over here to shoot all the nice film jobs :rolleyes: or I begin to move myself up the food chain and get more experience. What would you do... about the batteries that is. Thanks!

Hi Ryan, the logo is a graphic at this point so I'm not sure it's a font persea. I'm sure there are similar fonts out there though. If you're going to use the STEADICAM logo it's a registered trademark of The Tiffen Company and something you should ask permission to use first. They allowed me to use it on my web site, film book ad and business card but there are specific conditions that go along with it's use and how to use it. Contact Frank Rush at Tiffen if that is what you want to do.

......and here we are 2.5 months after the announcement and when I put myself on the list for one and it's still not shipping yet. The last I heard two weeks ago was that there are still firmware issues to work out that may take "a week or ......" pretty much exactly as it was written to me from CIT. Meanwhile, I'll continue helping Geraldo Rivera look for Al Capone's Secret Vault. :rolleyes:

It looks like you have a snap-on toroid on the ARCHOS and another cable; were you having some form of interference issue?

Hi Colin: I had a similar if not identical issue with a Varicam last Sunday. My sled batteries (two IDX 10) were showing 60-80% but I was getting low battery alarms on the camera. Even the camera LED battery indicator was showing low battery but it never shut off. I figured it was some sort of setting but I did not have time to find it buried in the menu. It made the Director very nervous so I just swapped batteries more frequently. I later spoke with Steve Fracol who explained what was happening and where to make the changes. Normally I bring a manual for every camera I work with but I forgot on this job. Shame on me! Maybe I'll download them to my TREO phone and just keep them with me all the time. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a library here on the forum where people can upload manuals to the various equipment we use?

The two-day Flyer courses by Tiffen are a great place to start; they are well run and affordable. The SOA and Tiffen week-long courses are without a doubt the most comprehensive and very organized but they'll cost you. All the classed fill up very quickly and there limited space; you should not hesitate once you find one that works for budget and schedule. Most have a waiting list to get in.

Hi Mark, I'm not sure where you are located but I recently had Terry West in Redondo Beach install a 1x4 VAC-Brick DA internally in my Steadicam sled. The DA was under $125 USD and Terry did a very professional install for a very reasonable price. The only buffered DA output on my sled prior to that was built into the monitor / frameline generator output so with every device I plugged in, the monitor dimmed accordingly. Now, with Terry's fine craftsmanship I have four outputs from my sled plus the one from my monitor; enough to handle a miniDV, ARCHOS, Transmitter and the monitor, plus an extra with framelines if I want it. Email or message me directly if you want Terry's contact information.

Ahhhh yes! Living and working in a town full of Vegas show girls!!! Don't bother looking Jim, there is not a BFD in this photo.

Hi Dan, after being diagnosed with melanoma six years ago I pretty much became a sunscreen and protection nut. It's not a diagnosis you'd ever want to hear so I suggest you get over the looking stylish part. Three major sunburns (blisters) in your lifetime increase your chances of skin cancer by 50%. Men are primarily prone to skin cancer on the neck and torso, while women are more prone to arms and legs. However, you can get it on the bottoms of your feet as well. I urge everyone here to learn what the ABC's are for skin cancer symptoms. It usually isn't a big hairy mole; mine was little more than a flat 4mm "sunfreckle" that my physician blew off as such for five years! It left a six inch scar on where... my neck where it meets my chest. The big brim hat is great, they're dorky but so are stitches, IV's and hospital gowns. Go online and search out the various SPF rated sunwear and clothing; kayak and canoe shops or places like REI are a great place to start. Most of it is vented well and they look like a Columbia hiking shirt. Not all are created equal though so do your homework. On the super dork side the old Legionairs cap with long back and side flaps works well but the farther you get away from a camel the dorkier you look. They're easier when operating a camera than the big floppy hats though. I finally found a suncreen product that works and it works perfectly for camera ops. It's completely unscented, is water based and so far for me has never caused a breakout or skin allergy... and I use a lot of it. The great thing is it's not oily / greasy and you don't smell like a pina-colada; unless of course Jim Bartell spills his drink on you. :o Coppertone - Oil Free - Waterproof Sunblock Lotion is available in SPFs 8, 15, 30 and 45. Available at any CVS / Walgreens and most grocers. My preference is the SPF 15 and to reapply often but I also take measures to cover up or stay shaded. The SPF 30 is industrial but a little thicker and takes a few more rubs to get it worked in. Neither leave a pasty look but I still use a dry towel to sort of wipe down after application. Don't forget your ears! Carmex lip balm is good too and don't forget to get a good pair of REAL UV protected sunglasses. Check your skin, your partner's and your friends and don't be afraid to say something; you could very well save their life. Off my soapbox now....... Enjoy your project!

Hi Kim, most ops seem to be more than happy to let someone try their rig in the right situation. Where are you located? You can also take a two day Steadicam Flyer workshop through Tiffen that is only about $500.00. Not cheap but even if you decide not to get a rig, you'll be in a better position as an AC when there is a Steadicam rig on-set and it's something to add to your resume. Investing in your knowledge and career is rarely a bad investment. All the best!

Here's an interesting though maybe not entirely accurate link for the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of labor statistics as it relates to the occupation of camera operators and editors for film and TV. snippet: "Other camera operators sit on cranes and follow the action while crane operators move them into position. Steadicam operators mount a harness and carry the camera on their shoulders to provide a clear picture while they move about the action." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos091.htm

8:00 p.m. Tuesday Hofbrauhaus - Corner of Paradise and Harmon across from The Hard Rock Casino The convention center is on Paradise. When you walk out of the convention center, go left or south about 2 miles. Take a taxi. Spread the word

Amando, I'm very sorry to hear of your father's illness and understand your frustration. Keep the the faith and try to find a support group in your area; for your father, you and your family. If you can find a Spanish language copy of the book by Lance Armstrong "It's Not About The Bike", I highly recommend you give a copy to your father and one for yourself to read. Best wishes and regards,

Dan, I have some extra Anvil style cases that would be fine for a vest and maybe an extra Storm/Peli case if you can't find anything in LA. You could grab one when you're here in Vegas next week.