ChadPersons

Hey Howard, Regarding drop time I often adjust it for the shot being most specific when I'm making lateral moves(tracking someone in profile). I find that there is a sweet spot in the drop time so that when you start and stop the rig won't kick out on you whether you have a tight grip or not. What do you think? Do you put special thought into lateral moves? Chad

David, That's fantastic. No one gets left behind(Ranger Motto). Read "first time operating" on page 4 of General discussion. Common Questions: How to become a steadicam operator? (2004 page 8 in general discussion) New to Steadicam? (2000 archive "new to steadicam" in general discussion) What is dynamic balance? Balacing in general? Stairs... Backwards or Don Juan? (2003 archive "don Juan..." in operating) Drop time? (2004 "drop time question" page 17 in general)) LCD vs. CRT? Rates? (2000 archive "rates" in general discussion) Insurance? (2001 archive "steadicam(equipment) insurance" in general) Workshops? When? Where? Are they neccessary? Vest adjustments? Socketblock adjustments? How do gyros work? (2002 archive "gyros" in operating) Set etiquette? (2002 archive "steadiquette" in general) Help making a decision on a rig? (2003 archive in general) (2003 archive "getting started" in non-cp rigs and mounts) Controling horizon? (2001 archive "roll axis correction in operating) (2002 archive "horizon roll" in operating) Operating safely? (2000 archive under "lesson learned" general) Cases? (2001 archive under "cases" general) Needing Experience? (2001 archive "they'll do it for free" in operating) Operating lowmode? (2003 archive "operating lowmode" in operating) Hitting marks? (2001 archive "hitting marks" in operating) Reels? (2003 archive "reels" in general) Operating comfortably? (2004 "novice question, my hips gone all funny" general) Goofy foot vs Regular? (2004 page 2 in operating) Operating Tips? (2004 page 2 in operating) Hope this helps put a start onto something good for ALL of us. Thank David, Chad Persons

I like to use a light touch with all five finger tips but no palm. When I need a little extra control I might spread my index and pinky fingers to gain leverage. If by spreading those fingers you feel that the base of the rig gets a little loose I drop my thumb a bit to center it between the index and pinky and find very good control, especially over horizon. My girlfriend just read my post from over my shoulder and though I was writing something perverted. :o All the Best, Chad Persons P.S. Hey Paul... Good to see you posting though I had to look up "succinctly" in the dictionary. <_<

I'm not missing your point Eric. I'm only trying to say that we are or at least should be a community from the bottom up. How about a forum for the guys that do 100million dollar features and then another for guys that only do television. That way I won't bother the feature guys with my questions. One of my points was that if newbies post their questions on a newbie forum there will be no one there to answer the question. I'm glad there was no "newbie" forum when I was a "newbie" or I might still be one. Let's all love one another, BIG HUGS, Chad

This is hilarious. A thread about reducing noise on the forum is creating the worst noise there is. Two guys having a D*CK measuring contest. I don't mind newbie questions half as much as I do this crap. Maybe I'm wrong but I think most of us are pretty good at censoring our own posts. I think we need to be forgiving in that what is interesting to some may not be to others. I certainly only read about 10% or less of the forum topics. How do we manage what is appropriate? What is a newbie question? I know some are obvious but I've read many posts in many threads with good operators asking each other about how they balance their rigs. If we push all the newbies to their own forum who will answer their questions? When I was starting out with steadicam I had already been an operator on two different TV episodics for four years. I felt like a "newbie" and tried my best not to go on the forum and ask stupid questions but I'm sure I asked a few. I apoligize now and to repay my debt I will answer a few "newbie" questions this week for those of you I offended. Deal? Don't get me wrong, the newbie forum is a great place for new guys to chat with each other but if they have a good question I think we, being the guys that can, should help answer it. To minimize the chances of the same questions being asked over and over again I'm with David. There should be a way to type in a question and have the archives try to answer it. Might help all of us not just the "newbies". I recently was inquiring about tilting stages only to have all my questions answered while browsing five minutes later. Had to go back and erase my questions. It was so funny to me a couple of weeks ago there was a post from someone wanting a mentor. I've never seen so many responses to a post so quickly. I posted as well. What does this say about us? Don't waste my time with stupid newbie questions but if you stroke my ego a bit and respect the hierarchy you'll fit in just fine? I'm sure I'll be elected to answer all the questions now. :unsure: Sorry to be so long winded. All the best, Chad Persons Chad_Persons@yahoo.com

I'm really not sure I should be stepping in here at all. My doing so is for the sole purpose of trying to cool people off. Good intentions only...Okay :unsure: I am one of the operators that saw the AR and I bought one. I posted about its potentials because I thought it was cool and I was excited about it. I did not sign a NDA with Howard and I was never asked to not talk about it. My logic for not speaking of its mechanics was that Howard had not yet had an official unveiling of it and with all the work he has put into it I felt that HE should be doing the talking when HE feels like it. That's just my opinion(go America!!!) ;) The more I read the posts on this thread the worse I feel for Howard. I can't imagen putting so much work into something and then to have it or the way its release is being handled slammed repeatedly. It seems like everytime Howard tries to apoligize for somebodies issue with the AR he just accidentally fans the flames. It would be no wonder to me if he wanted this thread to die here. He has said that he will answer questions about it on his web site. He has said that when he is back in LA he will let anyone that wants to try it. I offer it as well as soon as I get mine. And he has apologized!!! come on now... I know he doesn't need me defending him but it seems like he has, in my opinion, enough class to step out of a discussion that has digressed to a school yard tiff. Using freedom of speech as a dart to throw at someone who is only trying to defuse an ugly situation? Telling him to do a Google search for the Fourth Amendment and read it? That's embarrassing and its childish... Don't take offense Peter, remember it's my freedom too. :P For the record, I have NO allegiance to Howard. I am simply a new customer of his. I have spent a total of about five minutes speaking with him and when I did I thought that he was helping Eric Fletcher with the AR not the other way around. I'm in on my own accord here and I really don't mean to offend anyone, including Peter. Let's just let this thread die here(not trying to tell you what to do Peter) and after we have all tried the AR maybe start a new thread about it with a creative base. Crossing My Fingers, Chad Persons Chad_Persons@yahoo.com

Hey Paul, I've been wondering for a while about that tilting top stage. Seems like a neat idea but in the few times I've brought it up with other operators it always gets shot down. I would think that for the most basic use the tilting top stage would be great for trimming headroom before the shot so you can keep your post verticle but it is argued that there is a strange hand, eye, mind thing when the lens isn't perpendicular to the post. It seems perfect for the shot you described but what about more common uses? Keeping an Open Mind, Chad Persons

To any Steadicam Operator interested, Paul Sommers and myself have invited fifteen other operators for a get together at Dalt's in Burbank on Saturday July 17th at 12pm. We would like know if any other operators would like to come. We hope to bring together a group that is willing to discuss the always popular yet mostly hush-hush topic of rates. Paul and I know that UPMs are talking with each other about our rates so they can pit us against each other. My deal on the West Wing was affected by this UPM collaboration and Pauls' deal on Cold Case was as well. Well, at the very least, lets get together and share our stories and see what comes of it. Feel free to e-mail me or try my cell. 818 430-3227 Chad_Persons@yahoo.com

I don't know about you guys but I feel like I am still learning intricacies to operate basic steadicam. This has become years of a learning curve. I really enjoy reading posts about strange shots that challange operators and how they execute them. The most boring day in the world has to be 10 hours of basic walk and talks. I'd rather work at Starbucks then go to work without being challenged. This is one of the reasons I bought the AR. Yes, a learning curve indeed... but don't worry too much about the "mind F**K" as one guy wrote in going from hi to lo mode. If you are thinking about pan is tilt and tilt is pan or any other combo while your operating just put it down. When I wore the AR I never thought about how it worked. I really don't care(no offense). I watched the monitor like I was at home watching TV except I controlled the image. There was for me at least a dream-like feel to it. I got to release mechanics that use to limit what I could do and let my imagination take over. The AR took care of the mechanics and THAT is the best part for me. Now the biggest challenge might be what shot you can think up? Chad Persons

Oh Eric, Sorry about "letting it slip". I didn't think there was anything wrong with saying that it was Revolutionary and that there is a lot of potential for it beyond going from hi to lo mode in shot. Oooppps... there I go again... Looking forward to it is all, Chad Persons

Dude...Peter, What's with all the bitchiness? So what that Eric didn't handle the release, rumors, demos, internet photos of the AR the way you think he should have. Eric is a good guy who I'm sure meant to offend no one and throwing darts at each other over the internet is certainly entertaining for the rest of us but come on... The AR exsists and it is very cool. I should get my AR in a month or so and if your in the LA area you are more than welcome to come by and try it. All the Best, Chad Persons Chad_Persons@yahoo.com

First of all I feel that there is nothing wrong with companies or people creating their own "knockoff" rigs. I have a Pro but last I checked no producer has ever offered me more rental because it was the best rig out there. Its a free market that helped build America. Not only that but competition between manufacturers inspires innovation. I can see the train of thought where more people can buy rigs because they are cheaper and then with less invested can try to undercut the rest of us. So what should we do, make all rigs $100,000 to keep out the riff raff. You need to be a good operator to work not just have an expensive rig. There is a steadicam operator right now working on a show for $36 an hour as a local hire out of state. I was called to replace him for double his rate after they realized what they got themselves into. I preferred to stay home and play Xbox. The point is that sure this guys kinda screwed us by taking the deal but at the same time he made the producers realize that you get what you pay for. The cream will rise to the top. Second of all... In making my deal at the West Wing it was made very clear to me that there is a crack down on steadicam rates by all the shows at WB. If you are afraid of us organizing to create a minimum rate for steadicam than lets wait a little longer so that the producers can do it for us. Come on... Lets learn from history. Why are there unions? What do non-union employees make compared to union employees? What medical or retirement benefits do non-union people get? If tomorrow we all agreed that for episodic television full time employment our minimum hourly would be $69 an hour who would complain?...other than the producers? Day players at $100 an hour maybe? Commercials???? If you are a good qualified steadicam operator join the SteadicamGuild.net and lets continue these healthy discussions and maybe work something out before we are all making operator scale. Chad Persons

Hey David, Regarding what I was told about rates at WB. When I started the West Wing two seasons ago at WB they offered sixty an hour and 2800 a week rental. I was told that that was what the guys before me were getting; guys that had more experience and had stayed with the show for a while. I had been offered another show within a day or so that was offering more money but it wouldn't look as good on the resume as the West Wing so I took it. Last year my deal got better and this year better yet. The first year though I really feared that I might have been undercutting the steadicam cause. I read posts on the internet and spoke with a couple very established feature operators and they were making twice as much as me. On one hand figured I wasn't as good as those guys so why should I ask for more but on the other hand I thought I might be screwing the rest of us by not asking for more. Here is what really burned me one day on our show... First Unit wrapped early one day and everyone went home except me. I was asked to head over to second unit to help grab some "B" camera angles because they were a bit behind. That sucks but "Okay...Love to help out." I walk over to the stage next door and watch a two and a half page rehearsal. During the rehearsal the Director walked circles around the table that the actors were sitting at. HMMM... Thats a steadicam shot... After the rehearsal I inquired as to how I was to get a "B" camera angle while the other operator (no names of course) walked circles with his steadicam. And here's the rub... I was then told that I was going to do the shot while the other operator watched. I don't know if they just weren't comfortable with him or not satisfied with his work. I felt horrible for my steadicam brother who watched as I did his shot. I feel he is a great operator and certainly did not deserve that slap in the face. After that shot was over I was released and I snuck out without talking to anyone. Looking back I wish I had said something but...I don't know. Anyway the next day one of our "B" camera assistants came to me and said, "Wow, that was crazy yesterday. I've never seen that happen before". I asked how the other operator handled it at the monitors; were there any harsh feeling? She assured me that he was really cool about it which made me feel a lot better but then she added how weird it was that the other operator was making fifty dollars an hour more than me. WHAT??? Now I know that day calls should make more that someone who is on the show full time but not almost twice as much. I went to the producers with that story and they made a honest attempt at sweetening my deal. But man... Such a crazy thing to happen. Shoot, gotta run.. Chad

Thanks David, June 7th not July 7th....whooops. Guess I'll stick to steadicam and not reading comprehension. I'll keep my ears open like you suggested for the next get together. You joked about putting Steadicam Guild on your business card but I think, in time, there might be something to it. In making my deal this year on the West Wing they tried to dictate my rate by the rates of other operators at Warner Brothers. It seems to me, sometimes, that the UPMs are incahoots with each other more than we are with each other. In a perfect world we shouldn't have to fear are brothers undercutting are ability to make a lucrative deal with production. We are being pitted against each other. THAT SUCKS... I'm sure I'm not the first to bring up this beef but we gotta start somewhere. I vote for the Steadicam Guild. Its as good a place as any. All the Best, Chad Persons

An informal gathering sounds like a great idea. Since shows, obviously, have only one steadicam op we never really get the chance to meet each other. I look forward to meeting you guys. See you there, Chad Persons

Oh sorry....One more thing... I need to hold on to these parts until my new MK-V parts come in in July. Thanks Chad Persons

Congratulations Kelly and Howard, Welcome to the world of parenthood. It sure is a great feeling isn't it? When my son was born I had no idea I could feel so much love and I'm sure you must the same. Take a lot of pictures; they grow so fast. All the Best, Chad Persons

Wow, Meg.... Looks like you chummed the water by asking for a mentor; never seen so many responses so quickly. Such a chivalrous group we steadicam operators are wouldn't you agree. My humble advise regarding steadicam is that you should try it first with an experienced operator. Don't be too quick to spent a thousand or more on a class if there is a good chance you won't like it. It is hard on your body (at first especially) and will require several months practice before your ready to work on a real show. Judging by all the eager responses to your call for a mentor I'm sure someone close to you would offer you a free test drive of their steadicam. Again though, make sure you find someone qualified so that they can adjust the vest to fit you so you won't hurt youself. If you are in the LA area you are more than welcome to try my rig on to see if you like it. I wish you the best of luck and offer you the advise of the late George Burns who said on his 90th birthday, refering to his experience in life, "Never get stuck doing something you don't love doing". All the best, Chad Persons

Making a change in my gear. Looking to sell: Upper junction box $900 Centerpost $800 Monitor Arm $400 Gimbal $4000 2"x5" Grip(grey) $150 Docking Bracket $250 Docking Clamp $50 This equipment is four years old and in great shape. Transvideo 6" 16/9 $1400 Monitor is two years old and used for one season of work then made into my back up. Not a scatch on it. You can contact me at Chad_Persons@yahoo.com or feel free to call me at 818 430-3227cell

Just yesterday I met Howard and Eric Fletcher down at Keslow Camera and tried their new gadgets including the Alien Revolution. After about ten minutes I made up my mind to buy the new gimbal, the four stage post and the Hummingbird monitor. Howard has, in my humble opinion, really has created a rig that combines quality with reliability. His rig feels stong and rigid when you lock off and agile when on the go. The Humminbird monitor is truly fantastic and very much worth a look for anyone who is still reluctant in giving up their CRT or upgrading their LCD. I took the Hummingbird outside and it really was great at handling a bright day but it seems to me that everyone focuses so much more on a monitor that functions well in bright sunlight and too little on one that preforms in low light situations. The Hummingbird is great at both. I gave up my CRT two years ago on the West Wing because we don't leave the stage very often and I was tired of flying through batteries. I opted for two different Transvideo Monitors at half teh price of my CRT. I got the battery life that pleased me and the color picture that I love having but then there is that angle of view thing that you deal with every now and then. There is not a monitor out there that doesn't have some limitation so the debate of CRT vs. LCD can go on and on but again, in my humble opinion, the Hummingbird is the best I've seen so far weighing all the qualities that I value most. Now, The Alien Revolution... If you get the chance, try it. The few of us that tried it yesterday were a bit awed by it. There is a learning curve on it but once you get it, wow. As we all took turns trying it like kids in line at a water slide my mind was racing through dozens of applications for its use. Going from Hi to Lo mode in shot is the tip of the iceberg and I dont think that that is the best part. Imagine never having to think about you horizon again. Anyway I could go on but this is Eric Fletchers baby and maybe he is right to keep it low profile until he feels its completely ready. I might start saving my pennies now... Chad Persons