Andrew Gibbins

Hi Everyone,

I maybe flying at a live multi-camera event soon and will be looking to hire a wireless video signal sender and receiver for the event. I am flying a JVC-HM100 on a Pilot so have a few pounds to spare in terms of weight. Does anybody know somewhere local to Preston, England that would hire something, what sort of price should I expect to pay and what models to people recommend?

Cheers,

Andrew.

Just relax, it won't hurt after the first couple minutes ;)

 

If you already know some of the shots, you're already ahead of the game. Brush up your skills (or at least your reading) on dynamic balance, if only knowing how to approximate it with the sled you'll have.

 

First job: have fun with it, smile, don't take too long or second guess yourself with anything, and most importantly: COMPOSITION COMPOSITION COMPOSITION.

Cheers for the advice. I am really looking forward to it. Because I am flying my camera I am pretty good with the set-up and balance. I think the main thing is to have fun and, like you say don't second guess all the time. I shall be working on that horizon!

Regards,

Andrew.

Hi all,

After an excellent weekend course and lots of practice I've got my first shoot on Saturday (a music video). The job is for someone I know, respect and trust. What sort of things should I bare in mind - state the obvious please!? I am flying a Pilot VL with a JVC GYHM100. The shoot is not a one take epic but I guess there will typical fly by and 180 degree sort of shots.

Many thanks,

Andrew.

Hi Robin,

I bet it is hard being stranded in California! B) B) I can think of worse places to be! I have a bit (well a lot) of a plumbing issue at the moment so I am waiting to see what happens with that before purchasing thousands of pounds of camera gear. With a bit of luck I will be able to ring James or yourself later this week or early next. I went on the recent 2 day workshop with James (which was excellent) and am looking forward to getting back in a rig again! :D :D

Andrew.

Does anybody have any idea at all about price and/or release date for the UK? I am about to buy either a Pilot / Flyer LE / Zephyr!

 

 

Hi Andrew

 

Release date for the Zephyr is likely to be quite some time (IBC??) and a price is yet to be fixed. It's probably a a good idea to call either James or myself (once I have ceased to be an airline refugee in California) at the Bicester number 0870 100 1220 to discuss camera compatibility etc.

 

Robin

Does anybody have any idea at all about price and/or release date for the UK? I am about to buy either a Pilot / Flyer LE / Zephyr!

I can't believe that directors or DOP's go anywhere near an operator or rig. That astounds me! I have been a 'normal camera operator' in a number of situations and have never had that. Do they not trust Steadicam operators or do they want to fiddle with the cool gear?

Jeff,

 

A couple basic misconceptions that you should dispel:

 

All the coverage for a scene needs to be done on the Steadicam once you start a scene that way (i.e. CUs on actors when they stop during a walk and talk) because they fear it will look different. A good stop on a Steadicam can certainly be cut to conventional coverage.

 

Wide lenses only. Give me a break.

 

Something you should imprint in their brain: NEVER TOUCH THE STEADICAM OR THE OPERATOR

I am considering getting into operating (looking at finances etc)! Why on earth would they touch you?

Hello All,

 

My name is Leslie and I am an aspiring steadicam operator. I bought a Glidecam V-20 with a grant that I got from my college and I really would like to take some workshops. I live out in Montana, so there aren't very many operators that I know about that live out here. So I'm pretty much on my own. Should I go to the Glidecam specific workshops or the Steadicam ones with my V-20? What do you recommend?

 

Leslie

What a great college :D I like the look of the Glidecam range. I wish mine would give me a grant (I did ask)! Best of luck Leslie.

Thanks Robin - I'll send you an email later this weekend when I get chance :D

Regards,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew

 

Give me a call if you want to chat about Flyers etc. I am in the Middle East next week but will be back after that - or you can mail me. 01869 343835, robin.thwaites@tiffen.com.

 

Robin

The Mini was replaced by the Flyer. Because of obvious reasons... The Arm... no comparison and other vast improvements.

The SK2 was a step down from the ProVid and had only a single action articulated arm.

 

Price guides... sorry. You have to do the leg work / Online research. Just make a list of the rigs available and contact all the manufacturers and resellers...

 

 

Good Luck,

 

Erwin

Thanks Erwin - you have eliminated the competition for me so The Flyer it shall be!

Regards,

Andrew

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks to all the advice and guidance I have recieved so far. As I have gone deeper into research I have spotted a few other models apart from the Flyer. I was just wondering what the primary differences were. Also, does any one know where I can get a proper price guide for all rigs available in the UK?

Cheers,

Andrew

:ph34r:

Actually Andrew, just the opposite, it is never too early for a workshop. Infact, earlier the better, before you learn bad habits.

 

Jay

Cheers Jay, that is a good point. How much do these workshops tend to be? Nowhere seems to worry about a price. Is it a good idea to do a workshop without a rig if I can't practice flying straight away?

Regards,

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

 

Welcome. Why don't you try getting in touch with Robin Thwaites there in the UK, very nice gent. Since you are interested in the Flyer and lighter rigs, Tiffen is an excellent direction to head in with many choices for video sleds and when you get on to heavier sleds as well.

 

Also contact Peter Abraham here through the forum, he is the go to guy for Flyer information, and a great person to know to help get you going.

 

There is a workshop there in the UK at the BBC training center on March 21st. See:

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...?showtopic=4488

 

Best,

 

Will

Thanks Will - much appreciated. Is the best way to contact Peter or Robin through a PM then? It is very early days in my steadicam career :unsure: so a workshop that early may be a bit soon but I shall have a look, many thanks again.

Regards,

Andrew

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd say hello. I currently work as a lecturer in FE teaching media production. I am also a freelance camera operator having worked in the industry previously (I missed it so much I got a camera to 'keep my eye in'). I own a JVC GY DV5000E which I use for mainly weddings these days as well as some corporate. I love the shots that a steadicam can get. It seems that the Steadicam Flyer is around 5,700 pounds here in the United Kingdom. Assuming I advertised in the usual places (mandy.com etc) how much work do you think I would be likely to get after doing a training course? The MK-V training course looks excellent but I can't find a price, I assume they are not cheap! I know you lot get a lot of these type of questions so thanks in advance for any answers!

Regards,

Andrew