SeanHoward

Hey man, I know that it can sometimes seem daunting and impossible. I hope you find the space to approach this as an exciting and challenging and rewarding path. It's not easy. But it's worth it. But I want to dispell one myth you propogated. "No one shoots film here". Two pretty big Hollywood dudes have their studios there and both DEMAND that they be allowed to shoot and operate there. I will leave it to you to find out who they both are if you don't already know. And the entire game comes down to one thing. Who you know. Keep going until you get onto more sets. Screw Hollywood or how big the sets are. Just get on sets and make friends. Pays off down the road. And be the guy that always carries that last load of equipment or stands on fire watch without complaining. Sean

I chose the Running Rig over the Glidecam because I really didn't want to deal with a non-fully articulated arm. There are a few things to get used to if you have every done a workshop and flown a full rig, but for the money, I've been extremely happy. Also, the ability to fly a camera up to 30 pounds or so was a major factor as I am flying Super 16 film along with a lot of smaller DV cameras. note: The running rig is gonna require extra weights on the top of the stage as well as attached to the bottom of your batteries in order to handle a light mini dv camera. Expect to be spending some time tweaking your system regardless of how you go. Get to know some good metal workers now. ;) Get the hard case if you go with the Running Rig. Also, contact the manufacturers as I was able to swing a bit of a deal as they don't move too many Running Rigs in the greater scheme of things. Sean

The mini is a sweet rig for light camera like the DVX100. It's an actual vest and arm situation. The JR is more of a handheld device that takes some of the shakiness out. It allows for some neat moves, but doesn't handle walking or running nearly as well, IMO. It all comes down to the look you are going for and your budget. A lot of places stock the JR, so you can try it out. And there are generally a few places in most large cities that will stock a Mini as well so you may be able to try it out and compare. Sean

Thanks Mitch, Was totally unaware this beast existed. I'm going to follow up and see if the cameras I'm likely to be using are compatible with the in-lens servo control option. What do people think of the Seitz packages? Have an opportunity for a used Seitz package and am unable to find much on the web about these units. Sean

Hey Anthony! Great to hear from you and thanks for the advice. I've only used a Preston assisting another operator. Was afraid I'd have to spend more on a follow focus than I did on a rig. ;) Hope things are rocking for you in LA! Things are just starting to pick up again up here in TO. Thank god. :blink: Sean

Hey all, First, a thanks to Erwin for his amazing site. That links page is my salvation. Now if only I had a few more zero's in my checking account... ;) I am just getting up and running with a starter rig after a year of sitting on the sidelines after taking the SOA steadicam course in Philly. It's a lower end rig, but I just can't put off getting in a rig any longer. What I'm lacking now is a follow focus unit. Price is a concern at the moment. And follow focus devices tend to be the topic of much heated debate. And while I would kill for a Preston, my budget does not currently allow for it. Looking to operate with DVC, Mini DV and some Super 16 cameras. So, my question is two fold: Does anyone know of a decent used FF on sale out there? And what are some of the factors to consider when looking at a lower priced Seitz or BFD etc. solution? Sean <dreaming that I'm find with a temporary solution while I get up to speed on the corporate drek jobs> Howard