Mike Germond SOC

Subscribe me to this thread because I'll be Steadicam-ing college football this season.. Sorry, no pointers tho..

Despite the voice in my head screaming "GO BIG OR GO HOME", I think I need to start on a Flyer at the very least. The near future is going to throw me lots of dinky HD cameras and P+S Technik's I think. One item that has to be standard on the rig is a wide-angle lens (during the football season), but the weight of one that fits a DVX or HVX model is minimal. Matte box and still lenses are a distinct possibility. Like others have pointed out, I don't want to find myself turning down a gig because I can't support the equipment they plan to use. I figured Film was gonna be the answer to my 24V question. I had heard about the LE's telescoping post and heigher weight tolerance being a huge plus for other HVX users too.. All very helpful info so far so keep it coming! I appreciate the help!

That's a pretty crazy 3min Steadicam shot...kinda raised the question in my mind as to whether a lot of that was staged with the people on the streets or just natural reactions?

First off, huge thanks for the positive response. You never know how you'll be accepted in these online communities, but this seems like a pretty helpful place. Second, I have no intention of jacking this thread from Josh, so I hope I'm just prompting further discussion that will help us both out. I guess I don't fully understand what uses the 24V flyer would have for me. What sort of equipment would I possibly come across that the Flyer could support and that required 24V? Also, I've read the debate about the HD vs. SD monitors and I wonder if it's as hard as people claim to get a good focus using an SD monitor. When my crew shoots football with my HVX, we shoot 720p60 no problems, usually on manual focus and iris. And what does everybody know about the RED Scarlet coming out? It looks to be tiny and fairly light but the lenses I've seen for it are rediculous. I guess if people can get a RED One on a Flyer, the Scarlet should balance easy enough. Kris, check your inbox.. Thx everybody!

This is sort of a "long time listener, first time caller" situation for me, as I've been poking around these forums for a few years, absorbing as much knowledge as I can. I am in a similar boat as this gentlemen, with a few variations.. I have been facinated by the concept of a Steadicam all my life, since I've been watching movies for the production value instead of the plot from the first time I saw a video camera. At this point in my career (young with tons of experience across the spectrum), I know I want to do this for a living. I've made the decision to reserve an upcoming workshop and have purchased my flights to LAX already. So Mr. Wilson, how hard would it be for me to swing by on my Tinsle Town Tour between Aug 6th and Aug 11th? I've worked at a production company in Grand Rapids, Michigan in recent years, and the Steadicam they always hired was a bigger rig. With the full intention of upgrading later, the Flyer is my top choice right now, but the decision of what model (24 or LE, HD or SD) is still up in the air. Also the question of where to purchase (new, used, workshop?) is up in the air. I use the DVX 100B and the HVX 200A a LOT with the occasional JVC GY-HD200U and a Sony Z1U thrown in there. Right now, I am the sole creator and co-producer of a college sports recap show, and the next obvious step for the program is a Steadicam (football is huge ever since they won back-to-back conference championships). That being said, I have clients lined up for the next few years (or until I decide to move on to LA). I've worked with the Red Rock and P+S Technik on multiple occasions, so I see more of that in my future based on the experiences that I've had and the positive results of the productions we used it on. Also in my near future, I see myself purchasing the RED Scarlet and a respectable Cine-package for it. So I know that the Scarlet hasn't been a huge topic of discussion around here, but what does everyone think about the best Flyer for me? I don't expect to get one by the time the Hollywood workshop rolls around, but very soon after.. Regards, Mike

It sounds like Flyer/Pilot workshops a new thing? How has the turnout been in recent months? If there's still space, I'll be reserving my spot in the Hollywood, CA workshop this week..