Brant S. Fagan SOC

Gents-- As I own several gimbals, have rebuilt dozens of gimbals, and have recently designed and manufactured my own unit, I have some recommendations. 1. Clean that gimbal often, perhaps once a month or more if working in dust and grit filled environments. 2. Keep a supply of your chosen lube with you at all times. 3. If you lube your own gimbal, try using less than one "standard" drop as over time whatever lube installed will lead to the collection of material within your bearing(s). 4. Check all fastenings on your gimbal daily or weekly. This is critical with the fork fasteners. 5. Secure and pad your gimbal during shipments. Especially airborne trips! By taking a few steps to care for your gimbal, your work will improve as the most important moving part of your system performs as it was designed. Good luck. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- That last one in stock has flown the coop and I am now running another batch at the shop. These units should be ready to ship in about three weeks. In the mean time, check in with Derrick if you need something sooner. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I can tell that many of you guys have not been at this Steadicam game long enough to remember the tension and apprehension associated with hitting that power switch on the older green screen models! Nowadays, the biggest worries are framing, balance, and payroll issues! Sheesh! I remember the little prayers I would mumble just before I kicked the Monitor from Standby into Power On. So if one of the biggest issues today facing the operator from the technical standpoint is power and batteries, why skimp and go cheap on the very source of your sled's power? I see no reason to cheap out in this department. From my experience, which dates back to a Model 2 sled (Serial #202!), it makes the best sense and provides the most peace of mind to have the best power system you can afford. For me, that is a simple phone call to Paul Dudeck. Paul has supported my Steadicam system for more than 14 years now and I have never had a better customer-manufacturer relationship. For anyone out there getting started today, try and simplify your technical concerns by eliminating shortcomings found in your equipment. Don't gamble your hard-earned money on "cheap" equipment no matter what the item may be. Do yourselves a favor and get the best you can afford. B-stock is great too! Don't forget that the Olympics are coming up. If I recall correctly, Paul usually has some fine B-stock after the Olympics. Drop him a line and see what might be out there. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator PS I am not a dealer for A/B, just one VERY satisfied customer!

Gents-- OK, I'm taking the bait here but too bad. I am upset that once again greed and avarice, just like the roots of politics (politics=who gets what), have now reached into the latest contract and begun to choke off the operator's position. Phil--Since you have not worked in this country at the position and levels stated in previous posts I feel it wrong to try and make statements about it, relevant or not, with regard to who this should resolve itself in this country. Until you reach the level of work where this situation matters, try and stay out unless you have something relevant or helpful to add. I have reached the conclusion that no matter at what level of work you may currently endeavour, you just might make it to a level where this has some impact, either slight or serious. Geoff--Since you have suffered through many levels, I applaud your post and insight. I, too, loathe being a truck watcher and have been there on shows large and small; definitely not good for morale. What I know of the facts of this situation is this. Tom Short is trying to scapegoat Gary Dunham rather than solve the issue for the membership he supposedly represents. While Gary's comments about allowing DP's to request a "no operator" deal are true, he specified that this should only be possible if the request is made during pre-production, ie before the start of principal photography, not ever after that point. These are facts and should not be in dispute, but thanks to Short, they are. Once again selective use of all the facts amounts to propaganda rather than news. Make your voices heard, based on the facts of the case, rather than heresay or propaganda. I value my position as an Operator and I thank the brothers and sisters who fought for this priviledge. Just like I thank veterans for standing tall for the US. Phil--I'm sorry that life in the British system is so bleak. Why not move and make something of yourself. I know you have skill and talents. Everyone has choices in life. Make some. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Having started out owning a Model 2 back when there were ONLY green screens, I can say that I, too, was a green screen guy. Now, thanks to several manufacturers, we have some choices for Steadicam monitoring that finally include color and daylight viewability. While they lack the crisp contrast of the green screens, they have attributes that I feel make it worth the transition. I have switched to lcd monitors (I own two) for some years now and have no regrets. I also live in a cold climate region and have researched the situation with respect to lcd monitors and found that while the cold can have detrimental effects on lcd monitors, mostly the effects are to reduce the life expectancy of the unit rather than cause immediate failure. Simply power up and keep the unit running to keep the system warmer than ambient temperature. During an exterior shoot in Vermont last January, in the midst of a "cold snap," we spent the day shooting exteriors on a private school campus. The high for the day was 6*F. Started the day at -11*F. Lunch should have been served outside as once we warmed up, the urge to hibernate struck the crew en masse. My little Panasonic 7" 16:9 was flawless and a pleasure to use. When we had full sun, the sun glare was a bit much, but a hoodie was a big help on the sun scatter. Polarized sunglasses also made things workable. While this is a NTSC SD analog monitor, this is a very affordable unit and saves tons of weight. Since I have used a dynamic balance computer program, I have been able to maintain dynamic balance by using long rods for my custom parallel bracket thereby eliminating the need to add weight back on. I look forward to an eventual HD version that is affordable and truly daylight viewable. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- While I still have one (1) unit in stock, I plan to have more units available in about three weeks. No one has yet sent me money so first come, first sold! I take checks in US dollars, drawn on US banks or wire transfers. Drop me a line and let me know. These brackets have gone around the globe and back again! Best, Brant

Gents-- I would suggest that instead of a snowmobile try to have production rent a UTV such as the Polaris Ranger 4x4 or a Kawasaki Mule that have been modified with tracks. Yes, Viriginia, they make aftermarket add-on track assemblies which maintain the overall vehicle height, although some add a couple of inches, but add tremendous traction and stabilty due to the increased ground contact surfaces. These machines also float through the snow whereas most sleds will tend to bog down somewhat due to the load carried. Neal is spot on about the forces involved and how the rigging must be constructed. A snow machine rollover at "race" speeds would ruin your whole day. These machines are fabulous to ride as a solo rider, even two-up on a long track machine but not the best platform to shoot from. Check into the UTV class and check the various manufacturers such as Polaris, Kubota, Kawasaki, John Deere. These are larger machines but are better equipped to deal with this shooting situation. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I have offered a video low mode bracket that clamps to handles of betacam, HD and triax-backed and other broadcast and professional cameras for some nine years now. Simple, rugged, cost effective. Cost is US$350. plus shipping of your choice. Within the USA, USPS Priority Mail at $4 is usually best. Currently I have one unit in stock and more coming. Let me know if this could work for you. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- This situation is typical of IA "leadership" and I use that term lightly as it seems that those charged with representing us have gotten a touch of that "hostage mentality" where they begin to sympathize with the captor. Time for new leadership that actually represents the membership rather than kowtows to the studios. Are we so afraid of those in power that we have forgotten why their job positions exist? Have we forgotten the brothers and sisters that fought for these terms which have slowly and continually been eroded by lame and spineless leaders? Let's make this a key issue for all IA members! Talk this up on set with all our IA brothers and sisters! Remember the Alamo! Why? Because those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Since you all have your minds somewhere other than the topic of Elaine, all I can say is a LONG time ago, when I was just getting started, I was assisting for Peter on a student film. Whilst conducting a company move, Peter and I happened to pass a young woman washing a dog. On the corner with a hose. On a VERY hot day. Wearing very little. A case of roadside romance. And wishful thinking. That's all. End of story. Let's remember why we read items on this forum. Right. Best, Brant "It's not what it looks like..." Fagan

Peter-- Happy New Year! Wasn't Laura just "the other day," wrapped up like a baby burrito? Man, does time ever FLY! You of all people should know better than to add "another" 14-year old girl item to the Steadicam cornucopia. Remember what the last "14-year-old-girl" did.... At any rate, great idea to make a name actually a name. Rather than just a spec or stock code. Our world is overrun with SKUs and bar codes. I saw the ad in AC the other day. Nice quote. Must run, child inserting fork into eye. Best, Brant "Fork Preventer" Fagan

Gents-- If you need help with A/B conversions, try the source: Paul Dudeck at A/B; 800-422-3473. Mention that you are a Steadicam Op and that Brant Fagan referred you. Paul gives a "Steadicam Family" price that can't be beat. Good Hunting. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- All the Anton Bauer support you need is just one call away with Paul Dudeck at A/B. 800-422-3473. Mention that you are a Steadicam Operator and that Brant Fagan referred you. Any further questions, drop me a line at 603-826-3445, 9A-9P EST. Best, Brant S. Faga, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- For your hand on the post/wrap grip/gimbal hand grip, try using a set of the nomex helo pilot gloves for that hand while you are shooting. When not operating, stick that hand/glove into another glove/mitten combination set that hangs from a clip dangling from the dock. Layering for hands works the best. For your arm/gimbal hand, try the nomex as a base layer inside another glove/mitten combo that can stay on while shooting but is also up to the temperature challenge when resting. For folks with batts getting cold, try wrapping the battery with a cozy cover augmented with hand warmers. The cooler with heat source is the best for long days/nights in the winter, but remember to line the inside of the cooler with foil (blackwrap works great!) before adding your heat source. Add a layer of wood to keep the batts from sitting directly upon the heat source. For best results, set the cooler on a pancake to isolate from the cold, cold ground. Same thing for the resting Steadicam operator, try and get another pancake or two for your feet whilst hanging about. For you folks with LCD monitors, try and get that unit to stay running all day/night as if the crystals get a long enough nap, they may freeze. Running them below freezing just takes some time off their life span but otherwise is not that detrimental. Good luck. Best, Brant "Getting Colder in New Hampshire now" Fagan, SOC

Gents-- For starters, try and get a hold of a sled that has some adaptable hard points like a SkiDoo 2-up or work sled like a Skandic WT or SWT. These sleds have some rosettes on the rear sides of the tunnel and are used to attach back rest frames. Since they are on opposing sides of the tunnel, they form perfect hard points to attach rigging to provided you can get the matching rosette half from the appropriate dealer. After that, just bolt together some speed rail to set a cheese plate above the tail end of the seat. You probably should attach a third leg to fashion a tripod effect that braces the cheese plate to the rear handle found on the aft end of the tunnel. From the cheese plate, you could attach a high hat or even bolt your Garfield right to it. Or even just stay with tubing and mount your vest bridge plate directly with u-bolts. Just my .02 Best, Brant "Already snowing in NH" Fagan

Gents-- I have VLMBs in stock and ready to ship. These VLMBs fit the handles of broadcast, professional, and HD cameras. Solid, rigid and simple, my VLMB will make setup for low mode a breeze. Cost is US$350. plus shipping of your choice. Drop me a line at 603-826-3445 or email me at firebrand@fmis.net Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I just demoed the G70 down at the SOA Workshop. WOW! I tried the G70 on my vest with my sled and a practice cage setup to mimic a 35mm sound camera and I must say give me one now! Smooth like butter off a duck's a#$%^& More boom range and better mounting hardware. I must have this arm. Currently, I own an Ultra and a 3A Gold Spring arms. Both have their strengths and applications, but the G70 is what I must have. No clunking, no bottoming out, no stiction just smoooooooooth. Well, Frank, when can I have it? Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Now available in 316 Stainless Steel with a heavy wall thickness! Man-Maker posts for 5/8" post arms: 3, 3A, EFP, GPI/PRO, Rig Eng., etc. Sizes available include 8", 10", 12" and 14". Costs are US$60., US$65"., US$70., and US$75. plus shipping of your choice. Drop me a line at firebrand@fmis.net or call 603-826-3445 9A - 8P EDT. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I will SWEAR by the CorrosionX sauce! Used the compound EXTENSIVELY on and after the job I did in Ethiopia and most definately on Third Watch. Smooth stuff for all surfaces and hardware. NOT for Gimbal bearings! My gimbal experience has shown that anything more than 1 SMALL drop of lube is too much, whatever the recipe. Peter, this was the case of goods that Larry was trunk showcasing back at Bear Mountain. CorrosionX. If ACF-50 is like WD-40 in terms of application and performance, than I recommend CorrosionX for Steadicam use for several reasons. 1. You want protection, not a film of residue left behind from the product leaving the scene. WD-40 is for water dispersal. Not necessarily a lubricant, but can work like one until it departs. 2. CorrosionX is a lubricant, penetrant, and protector all in one. Only leaves the scene by dripping, wiping, or extreme wind effects. Just my .02 Brant "You're soaking in it" Fagan

Gents-- I have a specific contract form that I can send to anyone who would like one. It covers the items listed by Afton and also some others like credits, footage access, and additional crew members. Let me know at firebrand@fmis.net Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Dean-- Yes, please may I have some fun with your new toy? I remember seeing the pics from a prototype some time ago and thinking then it was a good idea! Drop me a line and I can put it through some serious cold weather testing in New England and New York! Thanks! Best, Brant "Almost Frozen in NH" Fagan

Gents-- As luck would have it, I am scheduled to be shooting in NYC on 9/20 at a location to be determined today, Monday, 9/19. At this time, I do not know what our wrap time might be... However, I will let people know later today where I will be. Perhaps a set visit? More details later. Best, Brant "Spellcheker" Fagan

Gents-- Years ago, Peter Abraham and I made some SR 1 & 2 low mode brackets which REPLACE the handle with a VERY light open cube-type bracket for low mode. Allows easy mag changes and is absolutely rigid. Let me know if you need this type of attachment. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Having been the Vest Guy who fits the vest onto students at dozens of Workshops, my guess is that your vest is not only too big, but set too long and is riding above your hip (hop) socket. Try adjusting the length of the vest so it doesn't ride directly above the hip socket. Next step, check the foam pads. Most likely, they are made of a less durable material than is required in order to stand up to this type of uber-dutch shooting. Try replacing the OEM factory material with high density neoprene material. I have used this material in all my vest pads for the past seven years or so and found it to be superior to typical foam rubber. Also, does your vest have back straps? If not, get to an outdoor hardware store that carries climbing supplies and fab up some straps to help the vest spread the load out. Many folks have some that cross over the kidneys and others have vertical straps on each side of the vest. Mine are the vertical kind and only one side has to open for access into the vest. Hope this helps. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I think everyone should realize that most of these Steadicam® and accessory vendors are not staffed with dozens of employees just hanging out waiting for your email request. The internet has made impatients of us all as point and click gratification is now expected rather than hoped for. When I got started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was no internet and things took time to "happen." Yes, this is a time sensitive industry and response time matters. So does respect and personal consideration; these are elements of a two-way street that we should all try and remember. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator