tonycope

I'd sign up for a workshop quickly... don't go too long without that, you'll risk learning bad habits. I'd also find a place to leave your rig built, so it'll be easy to throw it on for 30 minutes or so whenver you have the chance. It's all about spending time with it. If it's packed away - out of site out of mind. Best of luck, Tony

Thanks for the info... I'm looking into buying a low mode kit - only $400... not so much. The vehicle mount also is fairly much in range... $1050. However, the wireless follow focus is in the range of ??? $5K??? That's a bit steep. Also, anyone have idea or used video zoom control? I have one for my HVX200, but need one for the ikegami. Any advice for the video transmitter would also be great. Thanks, T

Just went to the 3-day workshop in Boulder... been using the rig (Archer) for about 5 months after 1 day initial training with Peter Abraham. I thought I was using fairly good posture, and for the most part, I was. However, I was using symmetrical settings on my vest, and had noticed that the right shoulder pad was always about 1/2 inch off/above my shoulder. And, of course, I would def. feel some pain in my back. At the workshop, Peter adjusted my vest so that one of the rib pads/straps was a bit longer than the other... and BAM - no more back pain. It def. felt off for a day or so at the workshop, but once I got used to that, it all feels great. Now, both pads ride perfectly on my shoulders. Keep in mind that I don't look out of balance, and there's no hump or odd deformities on my back... but for some reason, I fly asymmetrically. Who knew?! Just thought it might be something to keep in mind if you do have back aches. My problem now is my feet - especially the balls of my feet... feels like I am rubbing them raw in my shoes. Anyone use shoe inserts? Other suggestions? Thanks, Tony

Hello, I've owned an Archer for about 5 months now, and I feel that soon I will start working the rig for projects other than my own. Quick question: what should I make sure I have with my package, and who might have those pieces for sale. Please keep in mind that this will be corporate video (not film) - so there's def. a quality/price level to keep in mind. Some items I am looking for: -wireless follow focus -video transmitter/receiver -low mode kit -vehicle mount I have the Archer... vest, sled and arm... but that's about it right now. Thanks

I've never worked with these guys before, but they're providing lighting for me this week in Brussels. They may know someone with a rig if they don't have one. Good luck, Tony Walter Vanderstukken Projectmanager Videohouse Wetstraat 155 blok C bus 47 1040 Brussel tel +32 2 235 21 21 fax +32 2 235 21 20 mobile +32 475 48 38 70 mail walter.vanderstukken@videohouse.be

I recently purchased a Steadicam archer. So far, with my limited experience, it's been wonderful. Very smooth operation, easy to set up and take down... probably the longest I've spent setting it up is around 15 minutes. First, I'd love to have any and all advice for getting up-to-speed. What sort of workshops and training materials have people had good experience with? Are there practice exercises that would help me become one with the rig? Second, I have the basic rig, and was wondering what additional pieces and parts should I purchase? What would someone expect to have access to when hiring out a rig? Third, what sort of workout routine and exercises are best to keep me (42 yrs old) from going on the injured reserve list? Thanks for any and all help, Tony

When is the workshop in Atlanta. In case things don't time out for this one, when is the next one? BTW - the archer is doing great - especially now that I'm flying it more towards the right way.

Not sure how people will react to this, but to me, this (people working for sub-par rates) is the sort of thing to get past... quickly. It's always been part of the production market: people with little or no experience undercutting the price of those with experience. I started off there - charging less per day for camera operator than the market average... paying the bills and getting experience. Now I charge more than most in this area, and I'm sure there are people charging less than me to get what work they can. The way I see it - it's good for everyone. Newbies get experience and get the pleasure of working for people who have no respect for this craft or the people who provide expertise. Those who have moved up enough to get market rate or better do not have to deal with these producers. Who really wants to work for someone who only offers sub-par rates? You wish the work could pay your rates, but some work never will. Most of us have prostituted ourselves when the regular work drops off -- just to get by. And it sucks - always! Don't think of it as "a job you might have got if those newbies hadn't undercut you." This type of work will never pay your rate. Take some pride in the fact that you don't have to resort to taking this kind of work, and don't look back. I have a unique situation in that I own my own media company and recently purchased a Steadicam Archer. For the next unknown amount of time, I will only use the Steadicam on my own productions - I can't go public until I can truly operate on a professional level. It's not about money - it's about reputation. I guess I could be seen as one of "those" producers and one of "those" newbies... cause if I have a rig, I won't be hiring out for the work. However, I never plan on being solely a steadicam operator. I want to operate when I can, and for the really complex shoots, I'll always hire the people who can pull the tricky shots off.