Mike Germond SOC

Where would one find a variety of antennas (BNC, SMA) in different frequencies and patterns for different accessories? I've searched the forums and the web and can't find anything helpful. I want to get a stubby BNC antenna for my Seitz (72.790mhz). I figure if I have to live with historic technology for the time being, I can at least get rid of that annoying dangling wire antenna.. I'll also be looking for a solution for the custom built Camos that David Hable is building for me..

There is definitely a fine line between mixing your own demo and showing a spot or scene in its entirety. I would never let someone else's footage sneak into my demo reels. It's all about the context..

Ever since I started operating on weddings, the rest of the film crew has been getting inspired by the dynamic shots we can get with a Steadicam. The 5D MK2 is HUGE with wedding videographers, and last night one of the guys decided to throw it on a cheap-o glidecam setup and was able to create an INCREDIBLY dynamic shot. Granted, I could achieve the same thing without as many takes, but he had a 16mm lens on in a dim reception hall that the HD video cameras just can't replicate. I swear by the 5D (in a wedding setting) because it can see more than our eyes can! Just through the lens looks better than anything you could do in post to jazz up the footage..

Eric, Dan Ikeda told me they suspected that as well so they realigned the gimbal and balanced the sled...when it was still out of whack, they dug deeper and found the warped part

Problem resolved at the Tiffen offices in Glendale! It was the connection between the post and the stage...apparently warped or broken or somehow not properly attached to the post. That explains how it was out of whack both front to back and side to side. Glad I had that done under warranty!

I can also speak on the Flyer LE, since all of my career work has been on it thus far. Mr. Andrews is exactly right. My best experience shooting with this rig was when I had it totally maxed out such that the arm sections were barely above horizontal when cranked as high as possible. I had manufactured my own weight plate which came in at about 13lbs, but for the first time was able to load the camera with enough accessories to max out the arm.

I'll list my recent problem and solution in hopes that it helps you out somehow.. PROBLEM: Flyer LE in perfect static balance...rotate 180º and the nose is dipping pretty badly. Gimbal appears to be in balance. Tiffen guarantees that my carbon fiber post is as round as round can be. SOLUTION: Tiffen said there was a loose or broken part at the top of the post that attached it to the stage. I believe the part was warped or something, causing the balance to be out of whack. just something to check

Funny coincidence to come across this article. I'm shooting a lot more in the Wedding world lately, and we do some sweet stuff with the 5D (check my website for some wedding clips). We haven't panavized ours yet however. I was just working on a RED One shoot today in fact, and was joking with the DP/RED Owner about the 5D. Flavor of the week I'm sure. I have yet to try that thing on a Steadicam for fear of the DoF! But that camera has an even better iris than our eyes it seems, so I'll have to try stopping it way down and shooting wide.

To give this topic some educational value, I'll summarize my experiences. The shoot was this past weekend (Saturday afternoon on SPEED if anyone caught it). It turns out that my future father-in-law is the guy that facilitates sponsorships for all of the teams in the Koni and Rolex series'. His goal was to bring Grand-Am to life, catching the atmosphere and off track action that they put on. Needless to say, I was in a position where every team wanted me to shoot their stuff, and was therefore granted some extra access. Vehicle mount was a success, and the Grand-Am golf carts had perfect mounting points to shoot from. A few shots that stand out in my mind are drive-bys of fans and paddock activity (fueling, car activity, rigs/logos). I also had first crack at the "fan walk" where they lined up all of the cars in Pit-Row, so I had the opportunity for a few low-angle drive-bys there. Steadicam worked great for the mock-pitstop they staged for the fans, as well as POV crowd shots and pit/paddock action. Otherwise it was handheld and tripod for some of the drivers meetings, business meetings, and telephoto flag/signage shots. All in all, it was a production quality that they've never had before, and I'm excited for the oportunities it will produce down the road. This doesn't mean that I'll be quitting my efforts to break into film either! :P Thanks all for the tips and ideas!

I've started looking into expanding beyond my IDX PowerCubes, and stackable looks like a promising option. What model are you using Robert? Speaking of which, has anyone ever heard of this brand or been contacted by them? http://www.nossantech.com/

Haha, I get the point. Not that I didn't before (I just questioned it).. I'm not worried about the RED One shoot because the film has such a small budget that they already realize that compromises are going to be made if they want a Steadicam. I made a joke about the F900lbs once and someone quickly shot back with proof that it could be done on a Flyer. Time will tell of course. I'm expecting a reply from the DP in the next few days. There is no question to whether or not I can do it, the question is which rig will it take..

Everyone, Thanks for the replies. This is exactly the type of information that I suspected but wanted to know for sure. I understand how reputation is everything in this industry, and like Robert said, I'd like to keep myself from "falling off the dock into the lake" I have not yet talked to the DP about the F900 so I don't know what model it is or the details of any of the AKS that will be necessary. I am basing my assumptions about weight off of the factory specs: And yes, I realize that is without a lens. There's been so much hype about some of these cameras that I've seen them on Flyer's all the way up to Ultra2's. I guess it all depends on the package. Someone commented on them only getting 2 RedBricks for that camera. That supprised me too. I have 2 powercubes as well, but I think we're going to be running a little short! I'll talk to the Producer today and find out if I have to be union or not to even work on this production. I don't understand a thing about unions besides the negative conotation that comes along with Teamsters, so I wouldn't even know what my options are. These are the things that I'm glad I'm finding out now instead of later.. Thanks!

Well let me shed some more light that may put the project in prospective for everyone. It's an independent film being shot in Grand Rapids, MI because of the tax incentives we have in Michigan now. The producer/writer is from LA. From what I'm gathering, all he means is they are basing their pay scale off of the Tier 1 chart (which I've looked at). I can't imagine it's a union show, since there are little to no union affiliations on my side of the state and they are looking to hire all locally. But about the F900, I've seen other threads with the thing on the old Flyer. I can't imagine that it's going to be over weight running off sled power on the new LE's. The camera is under 10lbs with no VF, Batts, etc.. Granted I don't know the specifics on the camera package yet. IMO, if they want to keep it low budget, I'm using a Flyer. If they want to fly a package that requires something bigger, they're going to have to cough up for the rental.

Hey all, For the first time since owning my rig, I haven't had a camera on hand to practice with. So for the first time ever, I'm operating with a bare LE plus batteries. Immediatly I noticed a huge problem that appears to have been supressed by a fully weighted sled. With the camera pointed to one side, I'll level everything front-back and side-side. Flip it 180° and all of a sudden the nose is dipping and the side-side is slightly out of wack. :angry: Is the gimbal the culprit? Thinking back, I have noticed an inability to get the thing in dynamic balance, and I was able to achieve this during the workshops with the same cameras I've been using since. This rig was brand new and is still within 1yr of purchase, so you better believe I already have an e-mail in to Tiffen. I marked the problem URGENT because I have 2 features coming up in August and September that I need the rig for. Do you think my suspicions are correct? Any ideas on what the culprit may be?

Hey guys, It looks like I've finally been able to break into the Film side after 9 months of owning/operating. I have 2 features coming up in August and September, and I'm looking for some tips and what to look out for. Obviously I want to make sure that I'm totally prepared. ~~~~~~~~ 1st Feature -Sony F900 What sort of things should I be able to tell/ask the DP to make sure I'm prepared for this camera on my LE? Also, I'm a non-union guy so I need some help clearing up what the Producer means with this statement: "The rates will be IATSE Tier 1, with some negotiated flexibility as to the usual union contract." I will also be onboard as 1st AC for this, so my question that generated that response was in regards to how to handle rates for days when I'm doing both. No word as to what AKS they want yet. I'm preparing for wireless SD video and have the Seitz on hand as well. ~~~~~~~~ 2nd Feature -RED ONE Body, EVF & LCD -18-50mm Lens -POWER PACK & 2 BRICKS -Dovetail, Rail Systemsx2 -UMount, Cradle, Handlesx6 -320GB RAID Drive -Arri 15mm Base Plate w/ 15mm Rods -15mm Dovetail Plate -Arri Follow Focus FF-5HD -Arri Matte Box I'm already familiar with the hype on this one. I made mention to the producer that we should start looking at CF for the Steadicam shots. Once the terms are firmed up for this one, I will place the order for a Redbyte Decimator (been meaning to buy but hadn't had a purpose). Producer also opted for no wireless FF. I will also be Camera Op for the rest of this feature, and I'm told I have a Fischer Dolly at my disposal. I know both cameras are doable with this rig, but I want to hear from the guys who have used them and know the qwerks and tricks of each. These are my first shots at getting some Film credit on my resume, so obviously I want to be the most prepared guy on the set. I like when nothing can possibly be blamed on me :P

that was the missing piece to my puzzle! Thanks Erwin!

Kevin, you nailed it. That's the tricky part about the LE. The monitor jitters all the time, so there's no telling if it's in your footage or if the monitor is just moving until you play back a recording on a stationary monitor.

Personally, I've been using Double X daily and drinking the XS for a pickup periodically. I haven't even felt the slightest indication of getting sick since I started, and the energy drinks don't give me the jitters (a big problem in our profession :lol: ). I'm also using one more product that I didn't even put on the list above, Rhodiola. Since the board wont let me edit it, I'm putting it here: ~~~~~ Rhodiola 110 (30 Day Supply) - 101593 Like the name sounds, it was invented in cooperation with the famous MLA Soccer Player, Ronaldinho. Its natural ingredients provide energy and enhance focus for physical activity. In college I used it a lot for studying, but now I use it whenever the day is starting to feel a little long. It was best described to me as Natural Caffeine or Legal Adderall (without the jitters again). ~~~~~ For you International folks, the company distributes Globally, so these products are also available to you!

Hey all, I am excited to announce that I have exclusive access and Marketing rights to the #1 brand in Sports Nutrition in the WORLD...Nutrilite. Before I share the products, I wanted to provide a little credibility. This is a company that has been established for 75yrs, was the first to discover phytonutrients, and invented being "Green" before "Green" was cool. Every ingredient in Nutrilite supplements is organically grown on Nutrilite farms, contains no water or fillers, and is 100% free of synthetic ingredients (the only commercial brand to do this). Their products are Pharmaceutical grade, which is a strict standard of manufacturing that requires every pill in a bottle to have the percentage of ingredients as stated on the bottle (as opposed to consumer grade which maintains that only 1 pill has this). To give you an idea, no GNC or Centrum products even has 1/3 of the plant concentrate nutrients that Nutrilite has. I have personally met and consulted with one of the scientists that created these supplements and he helped me identify products that can specifically help Steadicam Operators to maintain more energy on the set and speed up the recovery process after those long days. I took some notes, so here are some of the products explained: ~~~~~ Double X Multivitamin (31 Day Supply) - A-4300 You would have to eat 11 cups of Blueberries EACH DAY to match the amount of essential vitamins and minerals that this vitamin delivers. That could get expensive! This breaks down to $1.50/day to get the vitamins and minerals that you're supposed to get anyways. It will bring your body back in balance, allowing it to heal properly and giving you more energy as a result. These vitamins are POWERFUL so do not take them on an empty stomach. They will have fully dissolved and started working in your stomach within 5mins. Ocean Essentials Omega-3 (30 Day Supply) -DHA - Brain Health to aid memory, learning, and concentration -EPA - Heart Health to aid healthy blood flow -Balanced Health - Balance of both Omega-3 fatty acids that our food today does not contain enough of. If you can't or don't eat fish daily, you are not getting these nutrients. Again, provides energy as a result of giving your body what it needs. The Perfect Pack for your Health (30 Day Supply) - 100332 -Double X Multivitamin -Ocean Essentials Balanced Health ROC2O (26 individual packs) -Mandarin Orange - 103786 -Peach - 103787 Concentrated antioxidant powder mix for everyday water to aid Recovery. The scientists told me that this is better for recovery after Operating than Protein or any other supplement because it sends more oxygen to the cells in your muscles and reduces inflammation that causes soreness during rebuilding. Glucosamine-7 (30 Day Supply) - 104664 I know some of you have developed or are developing some joint issues. This isn't your consumer grade Joint Complex, this stuff is 100% Whole Plant Concentrate just like all the rest of their products. It's powerful, and all natural, and works. I know a BMX Biker that busted his knee racing and has had pain ever since. In his case, Glucosamine-7 eliminated all pain, and he notices the difference if he forgets to take it for a day. Perfect Empowered Drinking Water (24-pack) - 744352 100% Purified, Re-mineralized to replace the good minerals lost during Purification, Ionized, Empowered with Oxygen, and Microstructured to deliver more Oxygen to your cells within 3 heart beats. The solution is so Neutral that it will even suppress acid reflux! This water will give you flexibility you never knew you had (I honestly haven't touched my toes since Middle School Gym Class, but I did when they demoed the water on me). The combination of all of the manufacturing processes adds up to increased endurance as well. Sports Drinks (24 Pack) Think Gatorade, but good for you. Yellow 5 and Red 5 are not natural and provide no health benefits, so every flavor is clear. Excellent for Hydration. No artificial flavoring or preservatives. XS Energy Drinks (12-pack) 14 Flavors, 0 Sugar, 0 Carbs...The energy comes from the vitamins, not the sugar. For example, it contains 4900% of your daily B12 natural energy vitamin (XS Gold contains 8400%), plus 100%+ of other essential vitamins. ~~~~~ I've only mentioned beneficial supplements specific to Steadicam Operation, but they offer products for Digestive Health, Bone Health, Childrens Health, Immune Health, Emotional Health, Vision Health, Men's and Women's specific Health, and even supplements that will help a cancer patient survive treatment! Don't forget Sports Nutrition and Diet Plans that have lost 10lbs-110lbs for users around the world. Nutrilite will provide a consultant on your specific health needs too, so contact me if that is the case. I can also help you automate your vitamin supply with our Patented automatic replenishment system if you would just prefer to "set it and forget it." Nutrilite is not sold in any store, in fact you have to know someone with marketing rights to even have access to the products. To simplify things, I have created a portal that knows that you know me, and will allow you to create an account and purchase. Don't worry, the site is secured by the same company that does security for our U.S. Military.. Before you look, I should mention that EVERYTHING has a 6-month unconditional Money-Back guarantee. No questions asked, if you don't like it, don't want it, or want your money back for any reason, they will give it to you. If they want you to send the remainder of the product left, they will pay shipping. You can take all but 1 tablet and still get your money back. http://mgermond.qhealthzone.com

Erwin, Between you and Terry West, you guys are life savers! You wouldn't happen to know the assignment of the pins in the Lemo signal cables would you? :rolleyes:

It looks like I'll be dipping my toes into the Florida pond pretty soon here. If you've seen my post about Steadicam in NASCAR, you know that I've developed some contacts in the Daytona Beach area (NASCAR and the SpeedChannel). The purpose of this post is to see what you guys think of the market down there as compared to Michigan, because I know there are some accomplished Floridian Operators down there. I've always wanted to break into the Film market, but have the majority of my experience in Live TV, Episodic TV, and Sports. What is the Florida market like for any of these areas, and where do you find the concentration of the jobs to be located (my guess is Miami)? Any tips, pointers, recommendations about my move would be appreciated!

Gentlemen, I am in a unique position. My girl's father is the new Director of Sales and Partnership for Grand-AM Road Racing with NASCAR (ex GM Marketing Director). Besides offering his thousands of contacts from around the globe to me, he has offered to get me a Golf Cart and VIP on-track access before and after a race to shoot Steadicam footage for demo reel purposes. His daughter will obviously be my grip/driver. :P Besides my reel, we had agreed to develop some sort of contract that would allow only Grand-AM to use the footage, and for non-commercial use. I don't want to screw up this opportunity, so I need some help from the creative minds on this forum. What are your thoughts on Steadicam in NASCAR? What sort of opportunities for unique shots do you think that I might have (besides common shots that could be accomplished regardless of event type)? Any other shot ideas? Cameras best suited for the job? Opportunities to use a hardmount (we talked about vehicle tracking shots at low speeds)? Things I could shoot during a race when track access is denied to me? Have any of you done this before? Best way not to die? I ask most of these questions because I am NOT a NASCAR fan by any stretch, and have only seen a race while working for ESPN in the pits. I do have a general idea of what goes on, but I'm no expert. They were kind enough to teach me how to dodge cars in the garages ;) Thoughts are appreciated, Mike

i'd feel slightly more comfortable snowboarding with my steadicam :huh:

I got a copy from Alan within a day after asking if anoyone BESIDES Alan would send it to me.. Overachiever..

Tiffen is doing a bit of searching for me, but if anyone has a IIIA manual and can tell us what the pinout of that DB-9 connector is, it'd save me and everyone else a lot of headaches. I basically want to engineer a cable that does the same as Igor's box.. The connector location is circled in the picture below..