Jeff Muhlstock SOC

Anyone know of, or make a grip for a 2 inch post for use with low mode? Low profile a must. Knurrled, or rubber... Thanks, Jeff

Jason, I don?t really like to talk rates in here. I can tell you this: I typically will charge an additional 20% invoice fee on labor for non-union work. This is becoming more widely accepted and it is fair game, as we need to cover our own benefits. The rates you are quoting are substantially lower then what I charge, but rates are very individual, charge what you feel you and your package is worth. There will always be someone who charges less, that's the way it is. If you?re getting work solely on your price, then chances are the work isn?t going to be very rewarding. Again, I don?t mean to preach, this is just how I conduct myself. Good luck out there. Respectfully, Jeff

You realize by excepting these jobs, you are lowering your own standards and taking work away from AC's. Plenty has been written on this subject, and I for one, totally disagree with one man operating! However, if you must, many of the successful one man guys use the Stanton jimmy jib controls for focus and zoom. The nonsense about production not budgeting for a focus puller is BS. It?s just another tactic to save $$$$ and put it into someone else?s pocket. Take the job, and when one comes around that has a budget, they will call someone else. Don't be short sighted. Sorry to be so frank, but this subject drives me nuts. I work a lot in video (well over 400 shows), and have NEVER shown up without a focus puller. Because of this, I simply bring more to the table. It doesn?t happen over night, don?t look for a fast way to be successful, it takes time, be patient, follow the course and stake your ground, and it will come to you. Steadicam is not a get rich quick scam. Jeff

This was only for the old, non Chroiziel dove tails. I just replicated what the new ones have. Small screw heads in all 4 corners of the underside of the dovetail plate to prevent a tragic slide off. Jeff

For those that are interested, I thought I would share some thoughts about my new rig. It was finally time for a change after about 16 years of operating with a highly modified EFP. My old sled consisted of, custom electronics to accommodate 12/24 volts, a 3A center post, PRO D-box2, PRO Gimble, Arm, and Vest, Transvideo Monitor (Cine I), a variety of custom machined parts, etc. This rig handled everything from video, 16, 35, and even Imax, very modular, very simple and very hard to part with. I'm not, keeping it for back -up. But time for the change. I took about 8 months of equipment demos and research to come up with a combination rig which meets my individual needs. In keeping current and upgradeable, I thought it might be beneficial to be Alien ready, so this led me to MK-V. I was also very interested in the 4 stage post. After many trials and close examination with different sleds I began to feel that this post was the best for me. Stuck on a 2" inch post now created my next problem. I am, and always will have, a love affair with the PRO gimble. Unfortunately, PRO only makes it for 1 1/2" posts. Only 2 options here: MK-V or XCS. I flew both gimbles back to back and ended up with XCS, purely because I like the feel better. This was certainly the most difficult decision; I struggled with it for some time. Electronically, I had some choices, but after evaluating my needs for additional wiring for my live video work, I was most comfortable with MKV's nexus system. I actually utilize the AR wiring for my additional video feed and tally system. This took some custom work. Also, the Nexus allows me the most variety of configurations of battery positions and power needs. Very modular. I can fly any camera weight! As for my monitor, I have stayed with Transvideo, for now. The latest Ultra-Bright. I did a side by side comparison of the Hummingbird and CineMonitor 3. Although I felt Hummingbird was a slightly better, bigger and brighter image, the difference was marginal, not worth the trade off of size and weight... Hummingbird is just too big of a chasse for its screen size. Topstage, another tough choice. I ended up with Chroiziel. Howard recommended this and I took the leap of faith sight un-seen. Needles to say I love this topstage. Rock solid. And in a stroke of luck, it fits every dovetail I own. I just needed to tap 4 small screws around the borders for a safety catch. Batteries, Dionics. These are proving to be incredible. I haven?t had to charge on the set, I get through 12 hours with 1 battery change, amazing, really. I have been in the extreme cold and warm, they are performing great. I use a combo of 2 Dionics and 1 trim pack. For Video work I can use 1 or 2 Dionics, depending on my weight issues. The Nexus sled offers me many configurations of Monitor/Batteries for Dynamic Balance. This sled pans perfectly flat. Lastly, I am sticking to my PRO arm and Vest, no need to improve this! To sum it up, I have found a rig that is meeting all my needs. Operationally and technically, I am very happy. I always avoided low mode because of its limitations, now, I love it. I convert in about 4 minutes, and I can offer supper low in just another minute. I am totally enjoying the extendable 4 stage post. Total rigidity, dynamically sound, and sexy as hell. I want to thank Howard Smith and his folks at MK-V, Greg and Carol Bubb @ XCS, and George Paddock of PRO. All great manufacturers. You guys have set me up with my "All Star" rig, Thanks. I hope this info is helpful. Lots of choices out there enabling us to get the Rig that fits our needs. Pretty cool. All the Best Jeff

What exactly are you saying about the cinetape, that because you don't need it, it should be taken off? In the days of no rehearsals and therefore no marks, any edge you can give your AC is one that makes us all look better. Joshua Harrison I am only saying that if your sled is totally maxed out, you might consider striping it down to the bare essentials. Don?t turn this into an AC argument, that's a different board. Obviously, it is an individual decision that is based on the individual AC and operator and what the work of the day looks like. I am not saying "you" don?t need it. There are AC's who don?t ever use it, by the way. Some of the greats... Respectfully, Jeff

Hey Chris, I have not used this monster yet, but a few thoughts in order to eliminate some crap: Time code is very easy to generate off camera and transmit via a very lite weight wireless mic set-up, like a comtek. I have done this many times, works like a charm. Downconverter? is it built in? or can you supply one? I use The AJA, again small and light. Cinetape, well thats an AC issue. The Diontics will run anything, I have 6 (I normally use 2 and a trimpac, and I barely need a charger on set. They run forever. Good luck, let us know how it goes. Jeff

Could someone recomend a good rental source for a UHF TV tuner with a diversity antena system here in New York? Thanks, Jeff

I am leaning toward Thermodyne

Hey Chad, Happy new year, old post here, but I am in a dilemma on how to ship my new sled. I am simply to long for Pelican or Storm, the 29" interior just wont make it and the gun cases are to slim. Any thoughts on what I should consider? Does Storm make anything larger? Without pulling apart the rig, I am at 32". At the end of the day I just want to drop it in and fly off, you understand... I have her parked currently in a hard mesh case, but it?s really not strong enough for the airlines. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Jeff

Merry Christmaka.... Whishing you all a great holiday.. Anyway, I am looking for a monitor spigot that conforms to a standard 1/4 x 20 thread or hole for that matter. In other words, I would like the abiltiy to slap on a cheap LCD back up monitor onto my MKV monitor arm (without changing my current monitor assmebly). I cuess I could always machine this, but I think someone might make this thing. It would look like a spigot with a seperate part that pivots and conects to the monitor. Jeff

Very sexy, if its under 5 grand, as bright as transvideo, and weighs less then 3.5lbs, I'll take one. Jeff

3A Gimbal for sale, totally updated by Brant Fagen. Make an offer.

Interesting topic, I have used the same demo reel for the past 10 years, it is a 10 minute shot from an Indy I shot. It runs just over 10 minutes without a cut (super 16mm). To date, I feel it is the most rewarding work I have ever done. You cant hide flaws in a long complicated shot, it really is the best way to demonstrate ones ability. I support it with a lenghty credit list, plenty of star power. It is certainly easier then cutting a compilation tape which doesnt really show your work. Credits can be seen on paper, your work and style will be noticed in a well executed shot. As always, just my opinion. good luck, Jeff

I would guess, you might get about $2500 at best. Check with Whitehouse. If it still works, I would keep it as back up, or rental unit. Jeff

Having seen a jib come crumbling down over an audience several years ago, I would be supprised that you would not have insurance allready, swinging these arms over people has a degree of risk. With that said, typically the production company must show you there insurance for gear rented, additionally they must carry it for permits and such, so yes this is strange that they would ask you, but I can understand why. Its my understanding, from my friends who own JIBS, that both Producyion company and Individuals carry Liability Insurance. Regardless of what happens with this job, you should seriously look into coverage anyway, god forbid an accident. Jeff

J-7 new cost about $500, the Zoe 3 which is far better costs about $600. As for used, what ever you can get, I think its become pretty worthless.

So what is the bottom line on price here? Transvideo? $$ Humingbird? $$ Blackbird? $$

I always added rubber bumpers on my old EFP arm, this helped a bit. Larger bumpers then the ones supplied. Jeff

The Best news is, its behind you. I am sure you wont be falling again any time soon. We all learn the hard way. I still have a scare on my elbow from a full speed run wipe out about 15 years ago. I think its the only way to truely understand ones perameters. Glad your ok, PS, get a better spotter. Always wear pads on run shots. PSS, Avoid run shots... hard mount (just kidding, sort of) Jeff

Thanks guys for your thoughts. I find it interesting that a good post with 2 seperate video feeds does not exsist. With the growth of Steadicam in the TV world, I just cant understand why this hasnt been made. Anyone who shoots mutli-cam TV understands that we need a seperate video feed for "program return" (second monitor). Additionally, a tally. This requires a minimum of 3 more (conductors) wires (the ground can be shared). I am wondering if the MKV system can use the extra lines for the AR? If the AR is not being used... Does MKV have 3 extra conductors in its multi pin conector? Howard? I am open to the PRO upgrade with the 2 inch post if I have to. Jeff

Hey guys, Here is the dilemma: I am looking for a new center post, batt system, top stage and gimbal. I would like to stay with 1.5? center post, because of my love affair with the PRO gimbal and D-box. The bad news is, PRO can?t fit any additional cables through its post. I need 4 more wires for my custom video accessories. Who has the best 1.5 inch center post other then GPI that can accommodate additional wiring? Thoughts?

Always a delicate subject, I have a pretty standard policy that seems to work, I will always ask for a "Firm" if I have other work that comes in conflict. In other words, I will say you have to garantee the day, "buy it". This way they know up front that they have bought the day from me. Its fair and reasonable. At the same time if I dont have other work conflicting, I may be more likely to allow them to slide. If its no loss for me, I dont make them pay. I play this with simple honesty. However, Different union's have different rules regarding cancellation times, If they are playing by the rules, we must abide by them. With all of this said, each situation has to be delt individually. Just be fair, it seems to work, good carma. Jeff

I think you will better understand my point once you have taken a workshop with experienced ops. I dont hate anyone, I am just offering my opinion. This has nothing to do with what part of the world we come from, dont be silly. Jeff

Leigh, ever hear of an AC using a monitor? And shooting sports goes against everything Steadicam operating is about. You need to know where your going before you get there or your simply holding the darn thing too tight. Following random action on any field is just not what the instrument was created for. As for pointing like a monkey, well mabye your on to something. Cheers, Jeff P.S. Im am not a Film guy or a Video guy, Im both!