Phil Rhodes

Hi, On the odd occasion I operate (Usually just for tests) I'm a "Steadicam Logo On Master Socket Block Right Sides Up" person, which I believe is considered wrong by most people. Hohum. Phil

Hi, Hmm, thanks, you're the second person to posit that the batteries might have been knackered. I'll investigate this further. Phil

Don't make me check the DV tapes.... Phil

Hi, I believe I'm standing just behind camera in those shots, which of course with a face like mine is exactly where you want to be to avoid big lens bills. The more important hand in that shot is actually Mr. Fagan's, which is anchoring Ms. Moser's top in place... Phil

Hi, The Ultra sled is often listed complete with a battery system. One I've worked with recently includes four batteries and a charger, which would be fine - except that the charger could only handle one battery at once. This had me gnawing fingernails slightly, and all we were using was a 790 with some extra addon bits and pieces. Is it normal for the Ultra sled to supplied with a charger that can only charge one pack at once, or is this something that's been bought from a third party? If the former, this would worry me - I can't see it being adequate for a busy 35mm shoot. Phil

Hi, I know of two Masters, and Ultra and a Model 3 whose arm and vest connectors seem to be universally interchangeable (possibly haven't tried the Ultra arm in the Mk3 vest) I was aware of this issue and did make a point of checking it out. Phil

Hi, "The Matrix" is not an American movie? Financed by Americans, American cast, American directors and principal crew? Star Wars ditto? Lord of the Rings ditto? Phil

Hi, > Then release them in America and worldwide Americans will not watch foreign films. Ancient fact. The only caveat to this is that it must now be a prerequisite for Canadian actors to be able to sound like Americans. If it's any consolation, the long-talked-about (and possibly still vapourware) Red Dwarf movie has been mooted as shooting in Australia, because apparently they can't get a stage to do it on in the UK. I muffle my derisive laughter! Phil

Hi, Bad effects over very good acting: did a short (some Steadicam) during which the director was always enthusiastic about the fantastic effects he was going to be able to do, having caught the ear of someone at a startup effects house. He leapt around the location driving the actors into a frenzy of reaction to all this invisible hoopla, which would have been fine if the effects hadn't eventually turned out to suck like an open airlock. I mean, Microsoft Paint standard effects. Really, really bad. I believe it showed at a film festival in L.A., in which case I will be horribly embarrassed if anyone's seen it. Phil

Hi, > As Peter points out, Models 1-3 sleds were a very different animal in this regard. > High-maintenance, literally and figuratively. As I think I have made clear previously I am no fan of the model 3 sled, but someone I know has one whose electronics (Okay, as far as the monitor and power distro goes, it's not like we use the various video camera boards) still work perfectly. Vacuum-tube voltage doublers and suchlike over twenty years old. It's only one example but I know there are many 3/3A monitors out there in working order. Impressive. Phil