Brian Findlay

Kris, That was exactly the type of answer I was looking for, I thank you. Not the answer I was hoping for, but the answer I was looking for. Who knows, I may try anyway, but at least I have a very realistic view of this. The driver of the truck you threw yourself under saw you in time and stopped.. so you're okay. He implores you to continue to be a steadicam operator ;-) Thanks So much, both of you... Brian

Hi Rob, Thanks for the reply, I'm looking into a workshop, but it may be some time away in my neighborhood. I'm really trying to flesh out *reality* in my application. I'm a 50 year old software engineer working for Avid trying to make a documentary as a part of my midlife crisis. Instead of buying a Porche, I dumped 100K into making a doc that I have been working on for over a year, though I have no doubt the Porche would have had a better resale value that what I end up with, but this has been a hell of alot more fun. I'm really trying to feel out if it *realistic* to get one and assume to be able to do something useful with it in a reasonable period of time. And in my case, as I'm about 3/4 the way through filming the doc, rather its a wasted effort and a diversion at this point in time, would a short learning curve get me better results than the shaky cam I am now using even though it would suck by professional standards. So framing it in the terms that I do not intend to do it for a living or spend 10 years as an apprentice, just trying to bring up the quality of what I am doing on this and the next film, is this realistic? I'm not an artist, I am a technician. BTW: My name is Brian Findlay, I'll try to change it. Thanks! Brian

I know some one who bought one of these, most of the mechanical parts look pretty decent, many machined, etc. The vest itself could use some work, he is replacing the plastic clasps with metal aircraft seatbelts as he doesn't want to watch a 20K camera go crashing to the floor. The things pop open under load, but if you're up for a little bit of hackary, it looks promising. Please contact me when you get it and tell me what you think, I'll give you some more direct feedback from another owner. What I got so far required mods and feedback (1) replace plastic clasps with aircraft seatbelts ($20 each on ebay x 5), and your local tailor (2) Locktite all the bolts on the arm (3) The paint on the sled lasts about 30 seconds and there is a plastic bolt that was cross threaded on delivery (4) As soon as he gets the replacement sled from the manufacture and replaces the clasps with seatbelts, he is going to attempt to calibrate it.. thats when I will give you some real feedback. Let me know if you got one, what do you think...

Hi All, I'm working on my first documentary, though I have been filming for a few years.. I'm 50, in good shape, relatively coowardinated (though a bad speller).. etc. I'm really happy with most of the stuff I shoot, technically it decent, sound good, etc.. its just after watching a few high end docs I see alot of really good steadicam work.. my personal favorite is "Bueno Vista Social Club". I've always been a do-it yourselfer, and the investment in a used so-so rig is doable for me, I just really want to know 2 things. But honestly, I can justify this by resale of a used rig, I can't afford to bring in a real operator (besides.. I WANT to learn, I'm just not sure with what I have going on I have the time to learn). (1) I know like any art, you can plant a lifetime into this, but how long does it take the average guy to get "okay" to do something proficient enough that your average film watcher doesn't think you'll suck, or at least doesn't notice your ineptness in filming. I know like most "arts", the common observer can often see someone who is a relative neophyte do it and think they look good.. often it takes the trained eye of someone who has been involved with something for a long time to judge different levels. I guess I'm off track a bit.. let me recalibrate.. there, thats better. So how much practice (time passage, hours into the thing) would you guess an average person needs so that they can produce a passable quality film that won't subtract from the common viewers experience., not the trained eye of a professional who may be swearing at you when they see the film? (2) I have searched for a few videos to really see what has to be done for practice, etc. The only "generic" one I saw was "Advanced Steadicam Techniques" which appears to be out of print. Is there any single DVD you would recommend at this point in time? I am looking for something generic as I am not sure who's rig I want to buy.. just know stuff common to using stablizers in general. Thanks tons.. any comments, even insulting my spelling is welcome. Thanks! Brian