Jessica Lopez

Matt M, My name is Jessica but don't sweat it, common mistake. I do plan on starting with a used rig. There is no way I could ever come up with the credit or funds to purchase a new one. I was just saying how nice it would be just to buy it all and break it in myself. Thanks for the response and advice. I am very determined to do what it takes to get to where I want to be in this business. Thanks again, Jess Lopez

Alec and others still reading this topic, Did Meg ever end up trying the rig? Did she have a chance to take a workshop? Just curious to see how far she got in the quest of Steadicam Operation in the past two years. It's actually pretty funny, I started reading the posts under newbies last week and today I noticed the two year time span on the posts. Ha! I find myself in the same position as Meg two years ago. I am currently going through all options possible to buy my first Steadicam/Pro rig. I have been patiently waiting for almost 2 years now. I took a workshop with Peter Abraham 3 years ago back home in Ohio. I fell in LOVE with the craft, style, technique and determination it takes to be a serious operator. Yeah I learned on Flyers and it's nothing compared to the big rigs. Last year I graduated from college and moved to LA to pursue editing and Steadicam. Well a year later, I completely lost all passion for editing and became even more determined to operate. I think I fell in love all over again with Steadicam when I tried on an EFP rig and the Ultra 2. I used to work at Tiffen for the first 8 months living in LA, now I am working at Panavision Hollywood which is such a great place to be. So here I am working 9-5 and steadily surviving in this crazy expensive city. I have no rig but I constantly try to absorb anything Steadicam around me. I want a rig (mostly a pro now that I was heavily advised to stay away from a masters). I have a little more debt to pay off and hopefully my credit will be good enough to finance a rig. If not my only other option is to get a co-signer but that is too much to ask of someone. So until I get my rig I will continue to prepare my mind and body and wait patiently for the next step of my life to begin. Some opportunities I have had: I have been so fortunate and greatful to have worked with a bunch of great guys in the business. I have assembled ultra 2 and flyers while working at Tiffen. I love assisting Peter Abraham with his workshops. I also helped with a workshop at AFI with Paul T., Erwin L., Dan S. and Jeff M. Did Steadicam demos last week with Peter, Chris and the guys at Tiffen. I have also been jumping into Kenji's Pro rig while he preps. Tomorrow I will assist the wonderful Robert Starling. I am a member of the Steadicam Guild and have met some amazing operators. I try to learn as much as possible from my place of employment. I just purchased a book on small business plans and hopefully that will shed some light as to how much I am in for. Only if I could get a loan for 80,000 USD. Then I would have a new Ultra or Pro, follow focus, transmitter, batteries and cables to start off with, but this is the real world and money doesn't grow on trees. Thanks to mom who has told me that all my life :)

priceless!

Good times on Saturday. Next time I see you guys we all have to do more jager bombs and Ron should leave the Lisigav at home. Thanks for the laughs!