David George Ellis

Hey Brad, I also have the Cinemonitor IIIA and so far I have had a good time with it. Depending on what type of rig setup you have, it may be a little on the light side. Something that a little dumbell and velcro can take care of. It also depends on the type of lighting environment you will be working in as well. I used it on a DVX100-A shoot in bright sunlight and it did very well. I then worked with it on a Aaton film shoot under God's Silk (an overcast day) with 1/2 pro-mist and ND 9 filters in front of the 5.6/8 split f-stopped lens shooting wheelchair lo-mode style and I had to struggle seeing the image. When we went WFO incidentally, I was able to see the image fine... Since I've grown so accustomed to the brighness of my green screen CRT, I have very high standards for LCD, but that's apples and oranges. I have a night film gig this weekend and intend on using it to see how it plays, but will keep my CRT handy in case $hit hits the fan.

Hey Tom, Not sure if what you got is better than what I'm posting, but when I was completing my insurance wishlist, I went to the B & H webstie and found this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...ku=33090&is=REG It's made by Matthews and looks a lot like the one I currently have. It's a Baby Junior with the 5/8" pin which fits most if not all of our docking brackets. Should do the job..... If you need the Junior stand or just a page which gives you all of their options check this out: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...dren&Q=&ci=1173 You should see a section with just wheeled stands in the first column and then they give you all the necessary specs. They also give you the manufacturer's # so you can cross-reference with other sites. Hope this helps. Good luck!! David

THANK YOU ALEC!!! Whew, I was worried about that. I guess I'm still green, yet trying to show some signs of ripening. I noticed this on that show this weekend. We shot on a DVX 100-A with anamorphic lenses. I utilized my practice cage in a "modified" state to get the weight up there. Two batteries on the bottom. It went very well. I basically shot all the way through to lunch and did not feel the fatigue I normally would have. After lunch, I shot all the way to the martini. I was able to work like a monster!!! They actually paid me extra for all the good work. Extra? Now that's appreciation. I feel like a more complete operator. Thank you for all your help last week. It's awesome to be able to make a call, fly around, drink martinis and eat buckwheat Soba with people such as yourself. Everybody, if given the choice, go with the Udon. Hope you had fun with the fam this weekend. Take care. David

Hey guys, I own a PRO I sled and I'm having an issue with the monitor. When I toggle the electronics for parallel circuitry, the monitor will draw power from only the monitor battery. I may be mistaken but, I thought parallel circuitry would comprise of running all batteries somewhat at an even draw. Also, on the video input/playback toggle, the monitor will do double duty on the video input switch. The playback switch will give me nada. I don't think it's a problem so far, just a curiosity if I should be concerned about. I'm located in NY and I'm looking to avoid shipping the rig out west to have this taken care of on the Eastside. More like inside my home. Thanks in advance everybody. David Ellis

Hey Leigh, That's exactly how it works. I would have gotten back to you sooner but been busy as a beaver. I just want to expand a little or a lot right now. I used to work at the Dime Savings Bank, Now Washington Mutual in NY and would get complaints about bounced checks and have to dig up what happened and as it turns out, there would be monies deducted from the account and the owner claims that he or she did not authorize the check be cashed. But wait a minute, aren't checks traceable to the owner? Yes, but if someone has certain vital information like addresses, passwords or pedigree information ie, date of birth, father's first name, mother's maiden, etc., thery are now able to order checks on your behalf. Hold on again. Won't the checks be sent to the address on file with customer services? Yes, but if they have your pedigree information, they are now able to change addresses and have checks mailed to a different address like an office where sometimes the letter carrier doesn't look to verify the recipient of said checks. He or she may ask for a signature, but in these cases of fraud, it may be hard to detect whom it was that signed for the checks unless Loss and Damage conducts a full on investigation where the letter carrier was brought into the office to be identify the one who signed for the checks. Usually, the bank doesn't want to go through with all of that. They will just give you a provisional credit, close your account and open a new one. Your identity theft could also be an inside job as well. Don't forget, ganstas work at the bank, too. I've seen so many people get the "supervised" walk out at the call center I used to work at because they thought they found a way around the system. But as always, it's almost impossible to fool the system. ALMOST. Some people risk their freedom to make a buck at your expense and hassle, but to them, it's an "I've got nothing, let me try to get something or die trying" risk. It always starts at the gatekeeeper position and works its way deeper. Front desk all the way to the back of the office. It's not just you, the customer that can get screwed. I have seen co-workers cannibalize themselves to get the latest Tommy Hilfiger gear. they type a name, find the SSN, go into another system and get their check card #, and charge, charge, charge. If they will do it to people they see everyday, whose to say they won't do it to you? Seems pretty long winded to explain what they do, but look at what we do. It's complicated to those who don't understand what we do. And these sons of bitches have eight hours a day to plan the next great heist. Sorry to take so much time, but the moral of all this is PLEASE do not give anyone any information that you know can be used to bone you. And be nice to your customer service representative. David

This is the correspondence "Mr. Paul Smith" has sent me: Hello, i saw your web page - Paddling http://www.steadicam-ops.com i want you to give me the following detailes about the Category 1. It present condition 2. a brief history, if there is any 3. your last offer 4.picture of the adds if there is any i await an urgent response. Regards Paul He then followed up after I nibbled on the bait: Goodday David George Ellis , Thanks for your Mailing About the Sales,Well i have just contact my Client who will be sending you the Canadan Check he said he have contact the Shipping Company that will be coming for the Pick up.I told him to send you cash i know that will be easy for you to have the fund he said he was Out of Cash now that is why he will be sending Check.So about the Shipper's said they will have to Pay for the Tax and since you said the Amount of the(Upgraded ) is $4500 with the tax i will be Paying you the $4500 with the tax i dont want any daley for the Shipping Company when they get to you.So my Client will be make a check of $7,000 out with your Name,When you have got the check and cash it you will have yoour selling Price and the $3000 to the Shipper's that will be coming for the Pick up i will send you the Name and Address where you will send ! the fund to and company will take a good care of the goods and i know i will ! ! get it safely.I will need this information to Make the Payment out. Name you want on the Check Address where you want the check to be send to... Your contact phone Home Work and cell. With all this information payment will be made Out asap, Thanks Again for your Mail.Hope to hear back from you Once Again asap. Paul! Sound Familiar, John? Bastards are out there indeed. We all now know this is not how it works in this sector of the industry. So pissed I wasted my time sending pics and getting my hopes up. I saw an archived posting of this happening b4 and got such a strong scent of BS, I damn near threw out my laptop. Well, not really throw, but wanted to reach into cyberspace and "FUCK SHIT UP." Good luck selling and caveats all around. David

Hey Nicholas, It's gonna hurt no matter what you do. I myself have never heard of additional back support being used although I haven't been around the block as many times as some of the others in this neighborhood. The one thing I may suggest is if there are any adjusments you can make to either the vest, sled or socket block, try playing with them in your downtime to possibly aid you in slowing the pain. I know you say you're relatively new to this game, but I'm not sure if you have taken a workshop or if you really know your rig cuz maybe you may need to just tweak something and make it feel more "natural." And it's possible your body just hasn't had the proper amount of time to get used to the added weight. But if you are feeling extreme pain or even worse, numbness, you need to readjust or retire. In my case, there's a break-in period when I put the rig on for the first time in the day. But once everything settles in, I can fly all day with a smile knowing I can shoot the piss out of what the director needs the piss shot out of. Maybe there is something you can find from Glidecam, or someone here will have better news for you. Hope this helps a little. Good luck. David

Hey Leigh, An untuaght friend of mine had operated once and when he got the footage, people told him it was good "handheld." Even that is questionable here. It's very commendable for you to go out and shoot what you can when you can if you can. I know you are practicing your desired art, but since you haven't taken a workshop, it's hard to pinpoint where YOU see yourself going wrong. While cute, there seems to be a few factors that are apparent here in your video. A few questions... Have you ever shadowed or befriended an operator who can at least give you crash-course tips? Do you have the rig in balance (static, dynamic, and droptime)? Was it windy out? How is your tilt/pan hand engaging the post? Do you have a gorilla or wussy grip? How are you walking? Do you swagger or duckwalk? How is the vest fitting you? Does the rig "float" when you stand still with no hands on it, or does it fly away or come crashing into you? Are you hunched over or standing straight up? Do you know how the fine adjustments work on the rig you were using? Have you taken a workshop yet? Like Mr. Fletcher said, going to a workshop will not teach you framing, and framing is all about knowing what the director wants to see in his/her shot. If you are just shooting wildly, you don't know where to push/pull walk/stand tilt/pan/roll. Without purpose there is no motivation. Unmotivated camera movement is distracting. Think of yourself as a part of the audience. In essence, you are "watching" the film you are making through the monitor. What do you want yourself to see? Once you know that, then you can attempt to capture it. I know going into and during every show there are quite a few mental checklists that I go through in my mind. From loading the car to buliding the rig, each shot I do, to wrapping out before the grips do, etc. That's how it is in every specialized profession. Going to the workshop and talking to other ops have taught me to make those checklists. Repetitions of good behavior will make you a better all-around operator. You can take the Murphy's approach and eventually be able to nail that cross 10 out of 10 times, but that's not the ultimate goal. You must first know the formula before you can deviate from it. The workshop will show you that behavioral formula. It works, trust me. Other than that, looks good for a first time user. Don't be discouraged, take a workshop and keep practicing. So far, the workshop has been the best investment I've made. It'll get worse before it gets better. Good luck. David P.S. Hey Job, is that Flat Eric in your avatar? I loved that video. Gotta Limewire that right now!!!!!!!!!!

Just opened a policy over at Dolle. Unfortunately, Robin is no longer there... Fortunately, Staci Ware is. I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with both while setting up my insurance. I was heading out to CA to do some possible tweaks on my 3A. Before I left, I spoke to Robin to start my policy. So helpful and sweet. Walked me through it all. I couldn't wait to get everything finalized when I got home. Well, things ended a little different from what I had imagined and I am now upgrading to a PRO I. After running from Laguna Niguel to start the loan, Santa Clarita to transport the rig, to Newbury Park to have it inspected by Whitehouse A/V, I thought the hard part was over. HELLLL NOOOO!!!!!!! I had to return to NY and run around Brooklyn from courthouse to County Clerk Office to get a Business Certificate, to the bank to open my business account, to the Dept of Finance to get my tax ID #, yadda yadda yadda. So I'm all set, right? HELLLL NOOOO!!!! Like you said, Mr. Grove. If you take out a loan to purchase a rig, you gotta have it insured. Not only that, but the lending organization must also be listed as a loss payee, so be sure to include that information to your agent wherever you get your policy. So after pain-stakingly compiling this two-page Excel spreadsheet of all my 3A parts and accessories, with serial #s and a replacement cost wishlist, I now had to add my "new" PRO rig to the policy b/c I'm still using my 3A. So I call Robin and to my dismay, I am told she no longer works there. Oh my, does this mean she left without even a Dear John letter and took her business with her? No. I get transferred over to Staci and she picks up right where Robin and I left off. Chit chat, fax paperwork, bing bang boom, I'm all set, right? Riiiiight. So now I am in the final funding stage with underwriting and should have the "new" rig sometime next week. I hope. In summation, kudos to Staci over at Walter P. Dolle. She is knowledgeable and full of sass. I love it!!! Give her a call, she's awesome. Just had to share my story. David BTW, I am selling my 3A package very soon...

Hey Meg, I had no idea how long my post was to turn out. I'm sorry for taking so much space. It's funny how things happen to fall into place. Every specialized department in filmmaking has its price to pay for equipment. it just so happens ours is one that gets some of the most fascinating looks. I've got a pretty up-to-date 3A. One of the cool aspects of my rig is its history. Although I don't have a complete family tree, I can honestly say all the components combined have been flown by at least 5-7 operators on both coasts of this nation. And everyone I have come into immediate contact with are nothing less than stand-up good guys. You don't get that from buying "spic and span" new gear. You get a "Thank you for your business" and "Good luck with that." There will be some advancements tech support from new shite, but I believe I have been given an expertly generated core of advice and personal support. At this early stage of my operating career, a lot of the jobs I've been getting so far were from people I have worked with for little to nothing as a grip/electric. It has become an example of pyramid tactics. Work with 20, two of those refer you and you work with 40 more. four of those refer you and... I get calls with referrals by people I don't remember, but remembered me. :blink: Those guys remember my attitude and dedication to do a good job even though they knew it wasn't my aspiration to be an excellent Key Grip or Gaffer. That comes with being an operator. No slackers in this profession. If you do go into the business as a Production Assistant and truly love Steadicam, get dirty. Get gully. Get into really liking being on set and like said before, the camera department. There You also get to interact with different Steadicam operators that come on. Oh yeah, don't forget G&E. Some of those guys are also working on other shows as Keys and Gaffers and even Directors of Photography. Let them know of your aspirations and that you are just starting out and if you play well together, you may get considered for future work, or at least they'll keep you in mind. What? This thread was about getting your first rig? Not the journal I just wrote? MY BAD!! Or is it MY BAG, for those of you in the Boston area. Wierd story Mr. McDonnell and I heard once. So I digress again. I happened to be fortunate to have a savings and was planning to use it for film school and I happened to fall in love with a girl that invited me to Spain and she ended up working on movie there and I happened to be hired on as set photographer/videographer and started buggin' out with some of the crew. One of whom, happened to be the Steadicam operator. We have remained in contact ever since. Well he was upgrading and was looking to sell his old gear. I believe I was one of the first he made the offer to. And he said the same thing I read here. You gotta make sure this is what you WANT TO DO. Take a WORKSHOP FIRST!!! If you feel afterwards you want this, then take your time and don't rush to buy any piece of crap. Ask me if you see something And I'll be as honest and straightforward with you. Check out sites like SteadicamForum.com and Landaucamera.com. I agreed to purchase his gear and like a few days later, I got a call that someone was selling his sled at an unbeliveable discount. "Dude, If you wanna get into this, don't rush. But don't bullshit and pussyfoot either," was the roughly translated advice I got that day. So I drove from South Central (Long Island, that is), To LA and basically spent my first year in college education in about three days. Arm, sled, vest, gimbal, follow focus, gamlbing and strippers in Vegas came out to @ $24,100.00 USD, and only spent $200.00 USD of that in Vegas. And I never looked back. Got a practice cage, went to the workshop fully geared to at least practice and then got some of the other necessary accessories days before my first gig. So far, it has cost me around $40,000.00 USD including travelling b/t coasts, gear, workshop and hotels, but I didn't have to take a loan. God Bless those who have. Sorry for being long-winded again. I just wanted to give you my naive wisdom about this topic and while being a "Newbie" is still fresh in my mind, it may or may not serve of some usable resouce to you and others in my station. One more thing for those who read this and say, "Ah he's just another jackass who threw his money in to this and went balls-deep without the struggle of working in the business and figuring out what he wanted." I say you're right, with the exception of the fact I was ready to throw my mone into a 2-3 year fundamentalist training camp called school and decided instead to act on the impulse of an opportunity that comes with just as many rewards as it does challenges. I witnessed that the first day I saw a Steadicam and have gravitated toward it since. Again, sorry for being long about this post. I love this tool as much as everyone else on the board and I thank you all for taking the time and patience to read my side of the coin.

So I did a little experiment and I found out that in the Newbies section, one cannot post file attachments to either new posts nor replies. So Tim, if you can hear me, do you think you or the one you delegate that responsibility to can fix that? Until I get a website, David

Thank you guys, Unfortunately, I am a fool again. I didn't realize I had to scroll over a little bit in order to see the options to edit posts. Sneaky little icons!!! :ph34r: As far as webspace for pics are concerned, thank you Jason for the kind offer. I just might take you up on that. Then again, maybe I should have a site to have my own selfish autonomy and not infringe upon some other dog's hydrant. And Tim, thank you for your chiming in to prevent further aggravation as well. >> edit<< OK, so now I have mastered the art of finding the edit icon. Now I see I can post a file attachment to this reply, but I couldn't do that to another thread before. :( I'm so confused. Are ther certain restrictions to adding files depending on the forum you're posting to? I was trying to do it in the "Newbies" section FYI. Thanks again, David

P.S. I also need to know how we can edit our posts and replies. Or was that disabled circa that "NewSteadicam" guy doing his damaging deletes. Son of a... I guess for now I gotta measure twice and cut once until we come up with a remedy. <_<

I am trying to figure out how I can import pictures I have on my hard drive and drop it either in a reply I'm posting or create a link to take you to that picture. I see I can upload a picture when I begin a topic, but I don't see that in the reply section. I know it sounds way off topic, but it will help me and my newbie comrades with some stuff I've been able to document on my up the ladder of learning... Thanks for the help, David

It was my pleasure, Ozzie. My arm actually got paid more than I did gripping on the shoot!! :o Good luck on the arm situation. I was just paying it forward for all the wisdom I've received from guys like Peter, Alec, BJ, Ruben... The list goes on and on without trying to brown-nose or twist arms. Pardon the pun. It just happened to be fate we met under such circumstances. Helluva way to break the ice, don't you say? Pardon again. Not only that, but it was interesting that we both know Edgar Cabral. What an awesome group of people I have had the honor of meeting in my early career as an operator. I want to thank you all for encouraging me to do well and succeed in the work of our kind like most of the guys I've met on each show as well as those on this forum. Just taking the time to air out my gratitude. And to all the vendors who not only help make us do good, but also help make us look good as well. I won't let you down!!! :blink: David

Thank you gentlemen. I figure that since my shots are mostly point-blank tracking shots, there may be no real necessity for the adapter, eh? Shucks. Just when I thought I may be able to get some gear on production's dime... I Can't propogate a lie.

Hey guys, I did a search but I could not find anything regarding this. I have a show coming up and I was looking for some advice on flying this camera. I know its weight is an issue b/c I have 3A, but I got my practice cage. And that if follow focus is used, I need to inform production to get an adapter kit. Is there something else I should be aware about this pokkalokkadokka? Thanks for all advice David

I happened to fall onto this sword of a thread wondering what all multiple "FREE JOHN'S SLED" avatars were about. Then out of fear of being an interloper, I hesitated to ask what the end result turned out to be. After finding that four months have gone by and no sled, I was disappointed. Then I saw that Byro used Steadi D as a "voter", I was down right pissed!! :angry: How could you Steve? And how could you?

Nikk, I can't tell you for sure if any of the vendors mentioned above do that. :( However, I would start with Mr. Rush at Tiffen since that was what you inquired about on this thread. His info's up there and he may point you in the right direction. I would also check with all manufacturers and distrbutors that give you the "warm and fuzzy" that compete with the PRO Vid. Personally, I believe the seasoned members of our community would know more on these tricks of the trade :ph34r: .

Thank you, I'll do my best I feel very blessed to have a rig with so much history and the hands of numerous professionals flying uncountable times with it. Most inspiring to me. I'm pretty sure all the parts of my III A have been some the first parts its previous owners have had. There's something about that. Nothing like used cars, regardless of the salesman. And believe me, I've had those, too. Hey Nikk, If you are looking to finance a rig, but can't afford it brand new, maybe you want to see if there are demo rigs each respective vendor offers and they might help you with that.

Hey Nikk, You gotta do what you gotta do. If you plan to finance one, I would recomend speaking to Frank Rush about your potential needs. He is the Sales and Marketing Manager from Tiffen. I met him at the workshop in Chester Springs, PA. Really nice guy as we all are :) I don't know if you checked out the website and got a number but here's the one I got from him. Office 205-980-8629 Cell 205-229-5572 Email frush@tiffen.com. If you speak to him, tell him I say hi. He may or may not remember me, however, I was the only "Hermano Colorado" there. By the way, to answer a previous question you had, I own a III A sled w/a PRO post, modified J-box and internalized wiring with a III A arm and gimbal. Pretty nice for old school. Someday I will have pics.... Good luck and happy shopping!!!

Thank you, TJ. You're right. And in addition, there was a little pin underneath to hold it in even more. 8 minutes and a massage later, she was out, flipped over and I put it right back in. Good girl :rolleyes: I still haven't tested the vest yet as I am in the middle of moving from L.I., but tonight I will check it out. P.S. Thank you again so much Jennifer and Walter for taking the time to call me and help troubleshoot my issue.

Yeah hi, I'm David and I'm not a newbie :unsure: . I don't have a problem, but, uh my friend does. So when I, he bought a Klassen F/X vest he spent a lazy Sunday afternoon and evening trying to figure out how to reverse the configuration of either his arm or his vest. OK, OK, it's me. I was told by a buddy to reverse one of the two, but neither seem willing to give in. I will call to find out, but so the rest of my fellow pledges never have to suffer this horrifyingly helpless, alone moment, I put this question to you, my wise sages of the clan. What does one who shoots regular-foot do in order to get his arm to fit into the socket block of the Klassen vest?

Hmmm, I think that if your claim goes undisputed and you are the only one, that's one tear in the bucket. If there is one more, let's take it to the stage. Through understanding, we create. And by creating boundaries, we now know what precedents need breaking. It's good to know that there is no real prejudice in our arena (as far as I know), but what about the other side of that deal memo? David "Don't worry, Ruben, I'll save someone special for you" Ellis P.S. I know I should search this but, how does one become a member of the Guild and is it a good idea?

Thanks Mitch. I know I can always count on your refreshing cynicism in opposition to turning the other cheek... It's always so, walk-off homerun-ish. So far I have been greeted with the "Oh, so there are black operators" look from production, and from the gripologist point of view it's the ,"What are you still doing here with us?" look. I gotta get my foot in someone's door ;) This is all an interesting self-perspective moment for me. Just as Mr. Sutton has brouht up the topic of black people breaking boundaries in the filmmaking process, I have begun to delve into the delightful world of the Blaxploitation era. My my, have we ALL come a long way. Most recent viewings; The Black 6; Dolomite in The Human Tornado. Both masterpieces in my mind. All other recomendations I would appreciate as a side note. One of the things I love about grips is they usually have the most knowledge on vague references to films I would watch if the movie wasn't so far under my radar. It just goes to show what immense times we as a world face, and how everything in the past takes so long to evolve away from to reach a satisfactory level of societal homeostasis. I'm not here to get on my soap box (it now comes in liquid form), but it is a beautiful thing when I am part of a predominately white male sector of the industry, and all that I have come into contact with is fraternal goodness. From my first contact with Mr. McDonnell to Alec and Mitch and the workshop, dot dot dot. All of them, white dudes. But I love them like my own. More to say, gotta work. For now, ALL YOUR WHITE WOMEN ARE BELONG TO US.