Matias Mesa

Hi Guys, I need to rent a Complete Rig in NYC for the 28 and 29th of October. Will prep on the 27 maybe. If possible and Ultimate, I should to be able to Fly and Alexa. Don't need a Harness. Anybody? Thanks Matias Mesa Steadimatt.com

Hi Sergio and thanks for the coments, I would like to have you on the class. You can contact: Cursos@haciendocine.com.ar, a great lady named Carolina will ansuer all your questions and book everything for you. And Of course you can bring your rig............... Hope to see you soon... Matias Mesa

We are not Tiffen and we are not, at any time, saying we are. The reason we are not a Tiffen workshop is because they are committed to NAB around those dates. However, we will have Chris fawcett and probably Jeremy Benning teaching together with me. We found this time to be the appropriate time for the workshop because the weather is perfect in Buenos Aires for what the workshop needs and we still have plenty of daylight. How is it bad not being "Tiffen supported"? Is Tiffen the only Corporation capable of teaching steadicam? Isn't about the instruction and the equipment you use while you learn? When I took my first steadicam workshop, about 15 years ago in Miami, it was organized by Media Lighting (a company that no longer exist) and the leading instructor was Jerry Hill, it was great and I learned a lot, actually it was my first contact with a steadicam. Since that day I devoted my career to steadicam operating. A couple of years later, I took a Malibu Classic; It was great as well, but it was all about Tiffen rigs. Unfortunately I fell for the Master series, after a lot of open heart surgery into the electronics and stuff like that, served good for many years. From my personal experience, I wish I was given the option to try different rigs on the spot, I would've chosen better and learned more about our noble instrument. Different manufacturers do things differently, we operators know that but students don't. We are putting together a great team of instructors, great selection and state of the art equipment (XCS Rigs, Pro rigs, Tiffen rigs, Satchler Rigs, front mountes vests, Back mounted harnesses, cranes, Handsfree transporter, quadcam, Camera car, etc). A great team of people is working to make this workshop be the first of many in South America and to make it a memorable experience. To be a community we all have to contribute to build one. Hope to see you all in Buenos Aires. Matias Mesa

Nelson, Una pena que no puedas asistir, la proxima vez sera. Contamos con UN equipo completo por cada cuatro alumnos, y estos seran probablemente un Ultimate (XCS) un PRO, un Artemis y Un Master Series confirmados por ahora. Lo bueno de este curso como se explica en el programa es que uno podra probar cuatro marcas distintas y comparar sus diferentes criterios en funcion del disenio y la interpretacion de las nesecidades de un operador. En Cuanto a la certificacion, nosotros entregamos un certificado de participacion en el Curso. Saludos. Matias Mesa

The Workshop will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between the 13th and 17th of April. Organized by Haciendo Cine Aditional information: www.haciendocine.com.ar Inscriptions and additional information will be available starting Feb 2nd Buenos Aires Steadicam Workshop Leading instructor: Matias Mesa (Last Days, Elephant, El Aura, Babel, The Road) Additional instructors: TBD Dates: April 13th-17th 2009 Location: Palermo - Buenos Aires Tuition fees: U$D 1300.- Summary: The pourpose of this workshop is to offer the necessary knowledge to become stedicam operators in a professional level. It is developed during five intenseive days, guided by a main instructor and three assistants. There will be small groups with no more than four students each. One full steadicam and camera per group. Students will be able to experience different rigs built by different companies. It will examine not only the technical aspects but also the artistic aspects that concerns a steadicam operator. Contents: DAY 1 Introduction to steadicam History and description of the system Building and balancing the rig (Static & Dinamic) Viewing and analyzing shots DAY 2 Introduction to basic exercises Coordination exercises. Technique and posture. DAY 3 Specific techniques (running, stairs, uneven terrain, etcetera) New exercises Composition skills Integration of Accessories (follow focus, video TX, on board recorders, Superpost) DAY 4 Outdoors Vehicle days Quad Cam Camera Car Handsfree Transporter Cranes step on/off DAY 5 Preparation and execution of the final shot Practice exercises Analysis and Debate of the shot Maintenance of the rig Certificate and wrap party. Accommodation packages will be offered Meals will be included Transportation to and from the workshop site Certificate of completion Steadicam Workshop Gift For more information please email: Matiasmesa@mac.com Cursos@haciendocine.com.ar

Hi everybody, the workshop its true and will happen in the first week of april. I don't want to jump ahead with the information; I will post it by the end of this week. Thanks for the patience y espero ver a todos los operadores latinoamericanos aca en Buenos Aires en Abril.. Matias Mesa

Hi everybody. It will happen on the first week of April, a 5 Day workshop, Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina. More details will be released at the end of this week. Matias Mesa Hola Matias, Armando, Luis, Nelso y todo aquel que aparezca por alli interesado en un workshop en america latina. Si desean hacerlo en Panama me avisan y les pongo de una vez en contacto con la gente que podria estar interesada en este tipo de seminario. En el 2008 estuve por alla operando para un comercial del Gobierno Nacional y note muchisimo interes en el rig. Tambien pienso que luego podria organizarse otro workshop para los asistentes de camara que quieran asistir profesionalmente a los operadores de steadicam. Salud! Javier Costa, SOC Buena idea....Un ayudante de steadicam esmuy importante en el equipo... En mis años de op he tenido varios...y se nota mucho cuando el asistente es profesional. Best regards

Maybe you are right and its a matter of software that will recognize the difference between turning and shaking. I haven't used the new version of the HF with the i2, bit hope to do it soon. as far as charging for it, I don't. I add it to my package and charge a high flat rate for it. I've used it every single day for the past two years, on every single commercial or feature, at least on one shot. We as specialist are usually the only person that knows when to use each tool. If you let the producers decide, you are fu.... On the last feature, the LP didn't want to add it to the list of equipment that we would have on the truck, so I ended up not giving him a great discount on the package and added the HF to the kit. I used it a lot, I mean a lot, beach walk and talk, running shots, fast walks with light booms mounted on the HF, etc. If I had let the LP decide for me, I would have been stucked with out the propper tools. I love the HF and it made my life a lot easier over the past years. get a Higher flat rate and add this, its a great selling tool, people love to have it on set, and if you do commercials, let the DP, the Director, agency, client take it for a spin. They will love you and call you next time. I had it happen many times "hey, there is this guy that had this machine and he operates steadicam from this strange segway, give him a call" I got so many jobs because of the Handsfree. Hope to try the new version, at least for fun.. Best to all Matias

I haven't posted in a long long time.... But here I am. I have been using my Handsfree for almost two years now, and all I can say is that I love this thing. Its the best tool I have ever added to my kit. I rode through every kind of terrain and speed and never had a problem with the pedal version. Forward, Reverse, full speed, creeping, all you can think of. There are some videos on my website of me going downhill and uphill on a very remote village (scary ground even for walking) never had a problem. My only problem has been with the segway itself, not the Handsfree module or Walter's HM, Both are extremely reliable and solid. In my experience with this machines, when you go on uneven terrain, your body shifts side to side a lot so by using pressure on both pedals makes you stable, so steering is about lifting your foot much more than pressing on the pedal itself, this gives, me at least, much more confidence. I don't know how you would avoid accidentally steering with this new version since this side to side effect happened on rough terrain. Reinhard is a very clever person so Im sure he knows about this. Im selling my handsfree module and Walter's Hardmount because I don't operate as much and I've had it sending my Segway to the US every-time something happens with the base... its brand new style, no use...... Its the best tool, if it would be priced lower, I would have a fleet... Matias Mesa www.steadimatt.com.ar

Im selling my Handsfree Convesion with Walter Klassen's Hard mount. I've had it for 2 years and used it a lot with great results. Used it on any kind of terrain and I love it ( so did my clients wich makes it a great bussines tool) Many of them had never seen it before and they are thrilled about trying it and gliding without the camera. Its also great for heavy camera packages, its a personal Hard Mount. Im selling it because My segway unit died and since Im not operating that often anymore (Im mostly DP now) its not worth it to buy a new one. The unit works like this: You can buy any Segway Gen 1 XT,P, etc model, you can find this ones used for U$D2200 in the US. Or if you have a Segway rental facility near your location, you can even rent it from them. It only takes 7 screws to attach the HandsFree unit and the Hard Mount. You replace the handlebar with the center HF module, the original Mat with the one with Pedals I give you. the Hard Mount attaches to the sides where the original fenders are and you are set. Im attaching Pictures of the unit at work. Condition: The hard Mount pipes are in very good shape, I can have them reanodized so it looks brand new. The hard Mount is in perfect shape.. and Just like every Walter's item extremely good quality. The center Module is new, no use (sent mine for an upgrade to Germany and is being upgraded to the new hardware and software) all black, sexy!! Asking $ 7500.

Hey Lawrence< how are you? Hellen is such a cool person, I adore her. I will email Paul on Monday. Thanks.

Hi all, I have 3 AB chargers and one of the Temp sensor pins is missing. For you guys to know is the the little spring loaded T shaped pin on the battery docks in the chargers. My local AB dealer doesn't have any parts and will not service any chargers that were not bought through them, It sucks, they are assssss holesss. Does anybody know where can I get those parts. Thanks to all. Matias

I've been dealing with customs in Argentina with no problem at all, returning has never been a problem, the thing is going into the US mainly where I go too often and they allways let me in beacuse of some article in their customs laws, since everything in my gear is made in the US I have no problem. But they insist that in order to make things easier and faster I need the carnet so I have to go that path. Thanks to all for the help matias

Bum, Bump, Bumpity, Rig for sale, OBO. Matias

Thanks for the info, I thought there was some sort of special tip like keep them at 40% charge and place them in the freezer. But aparently not. What happenend with my past Propacs is that after a while without being on the charger they will discharge beyond recovery point and they will die and take a tip to the recelling facility. Hope this doesn't happen now..... Matias

I love the bateries, the system in general, etc. But wht on earth don't they use backlit display on the chargers. I usualy have them in dark envirnonments and I can't see the Display for when I put bateries on charge. One question. What is the best method for storing Nicd's if they are not going to be used for many months? Yhay are Brand new and want to store them for some time. Tips?? Thanks Matias

Rob, Actually Argentina is not singned under IATA regulations so I still have to do paperwork, I need the Carnet for qhen I go to the US or Brazil or any other country that is under IATA. Its great to know some more details, I hope to get things started this week and see how long does it takes. Thanks MM

I need to have a Carnet made for my gera, How do I obtain it? I need some help here. Thanks Matias

And anorher one....

Here are more pictures

Here is the description and Pictures. Lots of extras, all you need is a monitor and you are set for life Rig: Master Series Post Master Series Gimbal Master Series Topstage with Quick release Jerry Hills' Bottom assy with 2 battery meters XCS dual rod monitor Bracket MDR Bracket Docking Bracket 3 Plates (2 short, 1 long) 4 Docking Rings 6 Anton Bauer Propac 14 recelled 2 months ago (like brand new) Pelican Case fro Rig Pelican case for Batteries Cables: 2 Arri 12V 1 Arri 24V 1 Arri Iso 12 (for HSB) 1 Moviecam cable 1 MDR Power cable 1 Modulus power & video cable and some more custom made cables. Everything is in perfect shape and in great working and cosmetic conditions. Will ship to anywhere in the world. Price with AB batteries: $ 16.800 Price w/o AB bateries: $ 16.000 (save on shipping)

I have a Master series topstage, post, gimbal with a Jerry Hill bottom assy in great shape. No monitor but it does come with the XCS dual rod bracket that will fit any monitor. If you want to see pictures, just drop me a line. No harness but I do have a Master series Film arm in amazing shape!!! Let me know if I can help you Best. Matias Mesa

Peter: I have a Master series topstage, post, gimbal with a Jerry Hill bottom assy in great shape. No monitor but it does come with the XCS dual rod bracket that will fit any monitor. If you want to seepictures, just drop me a line. Best. Matias Mesa

Here the pictures, its in great shape. $ 9000.-