David Luckenbach

Yes, Panavision made a "Y" cable to power the Genesis on my MK-V.

I finally put the Genesis with deck mounted on my PRO Sled powered with Dionics and had no power issues, all worked well... So the problem seems to be the MK-V internal's? As mentioned with earlier posts.

I agree about flying the camera without the deck as described... but if you want to shoot above 24 fps. you have to fly the deck. David L.

Mark, I have used the Genesis on my the last 2 films and have had the same power issues using Dionics (when the recorders attached). I am very interested in a solution to the Genesis power draw? David L.

Selling GPI Pro - Monitor (module I) Has been used as a back up since 1997. Was checked out by GPI within the last 2 yrs and was up to specs. Asking $8,000. David Luckenbach luckenbach@mac.com cell 213.369.7077

Gorelock - 1.5" with CP Bracket and (3) 1.5" post clamps. Condition is used with scratches, dings and wear marks. Works very well. Asking SOLD David Luckenbach luckenbach@mac.com cell 213.369.7077

GPI Pro - Super Post with new Black Tube Case also have original White Case, Good Condition. Asking SOLD David Luckenbach luckenbach@mac.com cell 213.369.7077

GPI Pro - VZ Gimbal 1.5", 2 yrs old. Good Condition. Asking SOLD Contact: David Luckenbach luckenbach@mac.com cell: 213.369.7077

Thanks guys! This was a fun, challenging and very exhausting episode that shot for approx. 10 days. We were shooting 12 to 14 hr. a day with the steadicam and by day three I seriously had my doubts that I could hold up for the duration of the shoot, but after that day the fatigue factor seemed to level off. Getting in the VW van was a big challenge. Tommy Doherty the key grip built a wooden bench inside the van with a very slick surface for me to sit on. The plan was for me to sit down and then slide across into the car. The problem was, as soon as I took one foot off the ground my momentum would completely stop. To get the shot my Assistant Trevor Loomois had to stop pulling focus at the point of entering the car and literally push me into the van, then he would jump in. Yes it was very tight and I did have to bend a little and lower my head to enter. On the first take the actor who was driving popped the clutch which sent me flying right at Gillian Anderson, I stopped myself by extending my left arm ( I operate"goofy") and grabbing the seat back behind her. Initially I was very worried because a few days prior to shooting this part of the sequence I confidently stated ?It shouldn?t be a problem to get into the van?.

My research on the web indicates that if I'm an independent contractor and they do not assume responsibility for insurance, if I get injured there's no limit to how much I can sue them for whereas if they do accept responsibility, damages are limited by the insurance. I'm no lawyer but this is a argument I get from prod. when I want to work as a 'Loan-out' under my Corp. and they don't want me to. If you are a employee, you are covered by workmen's comp. (Which is their insurance) and if injured it covers their liability. If you are a independent contractor you will not be covered by workmen's comp. and if hurt working on their prod. they have no liability insurance to protect them. You can sue. They are taking a big risk here to avoid paying payroll taxes on their employees.

David, I never thought of one hand operating in this kind of shots. Is it speed related? What is the advantage for you having one hand free on stairs? Best Benjamin <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The time it's helpful to me is when I can grab the railing or banister with my free hand, especially when climbing backward. If it were not possible to grab something I wouldn't do it. I should have been more specific earlier. David L.

Sebastian, Sounds like you did fine...As you found out as you pick up speed, at some point you need to let go of the arm and just hold the sled with one hand and swing the other. Or you really can't get going very fast. The trick is trying to keep a light touch during a time of straining. Not that easy... Also, you need to look where your going more often then usual so you spend less time viewing the monitor, you learn to hold the frame you have and/or "Parallax" the shot at the same time and glance down when your able to check the monitor...As you slow down there is a point when you will feel comfortable about grabbing the arm again and settling into a regular operating position...Running can be very disconcerting for any operator. If a mishap should happen it is very difficult if not impossible to correct once your up to speed, mass takes over and mass wins. I have done many running shots; I know it's not always possible or desirable to hard mount the rig on a dolly or cart. But with care and caution you can do it well and safely...I know I'm over stating the obvious here but if you do know your going to be running try to get the lightest camera you can...And as mentioned in other posts, if your day consists of a lot of running and it's possible to get the shot by hard mounting the rig on to something, try to line that up... Also, the "One Hand Operating" method works well for going up or down stairs. Try it next time if you haven?t already. All the best! David Luckenbach

The charger has been given away....Best of luck to all! David Luckenbach

Sorry this should have been posted in the "For Sale" Topics..... The charger has been given away...... Best of luck! David Luckenbach

I have an older Gimbal that's been sitting around as a back up for way to long. It fits a 1.5 " center post like my GPI PRO. It's would be good for a back up or if someone is putting together a rig. Asking $1,500. us e-mail me at : luckenbach@earthlink.net Thank's David Luckenbach

THIS HAS BEEN SOLD. THANKS I've just replaced my PRO Model II Donkey Box so it's for sale. It comes with the Preston mounting bracket. asking $1,800. us Thanks David Luckenbach luckenbach@earthlink.net

I've operated Steadicam once hard mounted inside of a helicopter and would not do it again. I was the operator on the show and also doing the steadicam. We had the helicopter to shuttle crew and equipment up to a ridge for filming. The director wanted to do a POV from the air and add flying space drones in post. The director, DP and I thought the steadicam might be the way to go. As it turned out I feel I could have done just as good a job hand-held if not better without all of the time for rigging with steadicam. As we all know what makes the steadicam work so well is the fact that it likes to stay in the plane that it's on. Couple this with the fact that a slow flying helicopter likes to bounce around a lot especially in the mountains. It became a wrestling match between my rig and me, trying to keep it from bouncing off the floor or ceiling. I grabbed on so tight trying to operate it just became a hand-held shot. All my Best!

I've fallen a number of times during my career and I must say I never had a choice on which way to fall other then to "Go With It". Your reflex action will take over and it will happen very fast. During all of my falls I was moving very fast. Once I stepped on the boom mans foot who was behind me, it had a domino effect and about 3 of us went down. no one was hurt and the equip. was fine. Yes, I should of had more room but we all needed more room. Another was when I was running backward through a narrow hall around a corner and through a sliding wooden door while leading the running actor. I tripped while turning through the doorway. Everyone jumps up and gets very concerned trying to help you. I'm sure it looks terrible, like a train wreck, from their position. Again, no one hurt, equip. fine. Ego Damage Once I was running on a gravel road following a actor, my right foot slipped off to the side and it pitched me forward. Not good! I was now off balance falling forward at a dead run. I tried to counter by pulling the rig in towards me but it had other things in mind like pulling me down onto the road. It won! Yes, I should have run slower more in control, But I didn't. The shot was designed to be fast and frantic. No one was hurt but the equipment was not so fine. Self confidence was slighly battered As you get more experience you will push yourself to do more and more difficult shots. You will be asked to do diffcult shots, you will accept the risks and take the falls and you will probably enjoy every minute. But you can limit your chances of falling by: Making sure your pathway is clear of anything that might trip you up, Try to get a 1/2 speed rehearsal, Ware appropriate foot gear, use a spotter if you can (some times when your moving very fast a spotter may become ineffective or worse a hinderance.) and last of all speak-up if you see a problem with the shot that makes it precarious. Good Luck

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