JasonMcKelvey

Man, my computer barely refreshed before that first reply... Thanks! My friends situation is a bit different. He is a very successful jib op and wants to get a system and get it working. The nature of his business is similar to Steadicam in that it's sort of an "extra" in the minds of producers... if the budget is tight, the jib/steadicam is the first thing axed. So, his clients are the type that want that something extra. In a way, he has already been handed a clientel by default. I know that I'm over-simplifying things but, basically he wants something that can start working next week. You might be wondering why he doesn't save up $40K and get a serious rig. He has the 20K now. He would rather get that first $20K working to pay itself off and upgrade as time goes by, as oppossed to sitting on cash or a partial system that isn't making him money. If this is a bad business plan, please explain it to me. He is very open to advice. Jason

As an entry level product, I am very tempted by the AP vest. I don't expect it to hold up to Walter's work... but does it have value for the price? Why not start out with a front mount you say? Well, as a lot of the veterans turn to the back mounted vest, I just see it as preventive medicine I guess. An AP vest, Gold series arm and sled for about $20,000... I don't know... tempting. Am I using ignorant reasoning? Jason :unsure:

Hello all, my friend owns a jib company that services film and video production and wants to expand his business to include Steadicam services. He wants to stay under $20,000. He asked me to do some research since I have been admirer of the craft for a long time. Here is where I stand thus far and would love to hear advice from as many who would respond. A used ProVid with lots of accessories will be under 20K, but only holds up to 26 total lbs. An Ikegami HL59 with a digibeta back will weigh 30lbs before a follow focus and transmitter... so I'm leaning against that. The Glidecam Gold seems to get descent reviews from operators (web reviews) and he could get a sled, arm and vest for just under $20K; and he could possible get a demo unit even cheaper. The Gold series will hold up to 38lbs of camera and accessories. So, he could even dip into the small 35mm cam range. Beyond this, I don't know what else to look at. I haven't a clue about the price or capabilites of the Artemis. I actually "flew" the Basson thingy at NAB a few weeks ago... WOW what a piece of doo-doo. The verticle travel is about 6 inches. Anyway, I also tried out Glidecams new arm that will replace the V-20 and it was OK, but wasn't near as easy for a newbie like me to use as some of the other stuff there, ie Steadicam/MK-V. Used equipment is fine and might even be a better deal. By the way, I know you are all wondering who will operate the system... there a several guys that work for him that are waiting for the opertunity, not the least of which is me. We were hoping to spur a seasoned operator to give a class to all of us here in Florida. He is fully aware of the commitment and training necessary for great work. Sincerely, Jason where's the spell checker on this thing?

I was at NAB, met with Walter, and tried on the Lite vest. Unless he put the wrong vest on me, the LITE DOES have an air bladder. Jason