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David A. Wolf

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Posts posted by David A. Wolf

  3. Slow Motion and Steadicam

    in Operating

    Posted

    I worked on a PSA a few months back where I shot several setups @ 240fps in 2K with the FS700 and the R5 recorder. The finished product looked great. Although my shots looked like they could have been handheld or on a dolly/slider, we decided to stay with the Steadicam for faster set-up times and the ability to change angles quickly, as we had several locations over three days. Like Janice, I too doubted why Steadicam at the time, but my fast moves with the rig enhanced the slow-mo look and everyone was extremely happy.

  4. 3D Steadicam

    in 3D Steadicam

    Posted

    I get to fly that pig of a rig on Superbowl Saturday in Vegas for UFC next month. Dreading it already, eventhough they have whittled off about 20 pounds since I flew it last year. It didn't balance then and barely balances now. I had an advance prep day with it a few weeks ago and the system weighed in at 67 pounds before I mounted it on my Steadicam and close to 100 pounds total with my rig, arm and vest. I was thinking of bringing a piece of straw to tape to the top camera, just to see what happens.

     

    Wolf

  5. Shooting 26 pin multicore cable tethered.

    in Operating

    Posted

    David,

     

    I second what the other ops are saying. Just say no if you economically can. It will be near impossible to keep a steady shot with a multi-pin cable hanging off of the camera, no matter how well you tether it. This will only make you look bad, regardless if they believe you or not, and you won't be happy with your own results. It's better to tell them no than to struggle to try to get a few usable shots. Tell them you, and they, would be better off if you shot hand-held. Good luck either way.

     

    David Wolf

  6. New Sled

    in Sled

    Posted

    Nice rig, Rob. I'd be in the market for one if I could only get my Franken EFP to retire. Maybe a few more UFCs will do the trick?

     

    Wolf

  13. Customs - Bad Experience

    in Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport

    Posted

    Many companies now make TSA accessible locks which can be found at just about any airport shop, luggage store etc... These are usually small combination locks with a keyslot on the bottom that TSA has master keys for. Keep in mind, though, that these are small locks that will only act as a deterrent and can easily be broken with a little bit of force and persuasion. TSA is also not always the best at putting them back on luggage after an inspection. I have "lost" two over the past year this way. I truly believe that locks are for honest people and if somebody else wants your stuff they're not going to let a lock, no matter how big or small, stop them.

     

    David Wolf

  19. EFP extension clamp

    in Center Post

    Posted

    I have a modified EFP with a titanium post. After years of use, the inner threads for the extension clamp have now stripped. Does anyone know where to get a new/used clamp? I spoke with Kyle at Tiffen in Glendale and they don't have that part anymore. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

     

    David Wolf

  21. Air Canada baggage restrictions

    in Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport

    Posted

    To all travelers with gear:

    I just got home from a trip this weekend with my rig. A Continental ticket agent told me that starting September 7th they will begin their 70 lb limit. No cases over 70 pounds!!! Most airlines are going this same "route". I will now be schlepping even more cases to accomodate the airlines. And traveling was just starting get fun.

     

    David Wolf

  22. Traveling with the rig

    in Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport

    Posted

    I fly every couple of weeks with my rig and/or other camera gear and rarely have problems. Keeping your cases to a minimum is a plus. Different airlines charge different rates and have different rate structures. Rates will even vary airport to airport with the same airlines. Always tell them you are with the media and ask for a discount. Costs will also vary depending on how much of a frequent flier you are, Elite status, how many bags checked versus carry-on etc.. Keep all under cases under 100 lbs, rates can go up dramatically after that. Never had anyone question batteries, even lithiums. I usually carry on music, a book, snacks and water and sometimes my laptop. I keep my arm packed in its bag inside my vest in its bag inside a Pelican 1660 case.

     

    Also, don't forget to pre-assign your seats way in advance. Nothing is worse than sitting in a middle seat on a long flight between two undesireables. Happy flying. Hope you found an AC.

     

    David Wolf

  23. Gear Insurance

    in Legal / Business Practices

    Posted

    Eric:

    Check out the Steadicam policy Walter P. Dolle Insurance Agency has. This special policy is underwritten by Fireman's Fund. You can speak with Tonya Reaves at (513) 421-6515. I know of several operators, myself included, who have their rigs (and other equipment) insured through them. Good luck.

     

    David Wolf

  24. Cribs

    in Operating

    Posted

    Benedict:

    I've been DP-ing Cribs since the first episode back in May of 2000 at Master P's house. While every "Crib" is different in size, style and structure, I have found a few tricks that really help the shoots. First off, I use two Sony D-600s and utilize the 4300K filter quite a bit for the mixed light situations. The mix of daylight and Tungsten really has a pleasing warm look to it, as long as there is not too much sun spilling in. I always turn on as many lights as possible in every room we are shooting, sometimes dim practicals and then "tweak" curtains and blinds so as not to have an overly exposed window. Windows still get blown out a lot but mostly we are concentrating on the interior of the house and not the view. Shots through the windows I can get later with an iris pull during the b-roll.

     

    Secondly, I try to light the entire tour with as few lighting changes as possible. This really helps continuity and speeds up the whole tour by not having to stop and re-light. I will strategically place lights in corners or behind doors where even the wide angle lens won't see them. I always walk through, before rolling cameras, and show the Steadicam Op and the rest of the crew where the lights are and where the "safe areas" are for ducking out of the way. Rob Schneider was practically standing over my shoulder as I put up a 1K next to some prized surf board and oil painting in his living room the other week. After he looked at the light and the room he asked me to "bring it down a stop". I thought that was pretty funny, but complied by putting in a scrim. Then he told me what a nice job I did. Whoo hoo!!! Thanks, Deuce. I always bring an handfull of clamps as well to mount lights on doors, doorframes and closet shelves (to see the fabulous shoe collections.) Space permitting I will put up a Chimera, but more often than not I will simply bounce the light off of the ceiling if it is white.

     

    Pushing 3db of gain is pretty common, too. As Rich said, we won't be winning any cinematography awards, but hey this is MTV. I don't think the majority of the viewers of the show care or even know the difference. Most people are used to watching too much reality crap anyway that they have become accustomed to varying degrees of video quality.

     

    Since most of us here across the pond have been working on Cribs for a few years, we have a pretty good shooting style and formula going on. We probably average 2 1/2 to 3 hours of footage per camera. Some houses more, some less. Being a Steadicam Operator myself, I have been blessed to have flown my rig only a handfull of times on Cribs. More than I'd like to admit it, I know what 3-4 hours in the harness non-stop feels like. It don't tickle!!!

     

    I hope some of this helps or at least keeps you inspired to continue shooting the show. It is true that there are a lot of people out there who would kill to have your job.I hear it all the time. So make the most of it, but above all have fun doing it! Good luck.

     

    David Wolf

     

    Ps. Rich, I ordered the Cine IIIA Ultrabright the other day for my rig. It should be in this week in time for me to take it to Las Vegas next weekend for UFC.

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