richard bellon

hi Aaron Your idea of approaching producers/companies you work for i think is a fantastic idea. I dont know if u have bought the ste4adicam operators handbook, but in the one chapter, pg 327 it says that a operator has done that before with great success. I dont know if the producers/companies there would be willing to invest in you/gear, but here a lot of people across the industry have managed to finance equipment that way, i know of a grip who got his first tracking vehicle that way, One of my closest friends is a sound recordist and he has managed to buy microphones, recorders etc. These purchases however have always been during a feature or about to start features, I would definately go that route before getting a bank loan. kindest regards richard

Hi Have you tried to find a private investor? I went through the whole business/loan went to 10 different banks and non of them would give. I struggled for about 8 mnths to find the finance needed until finally i found somebody private, i showed them my business plan that i put together for the banks and the next day i had my finace. I was fortunate to find someone like this. This also helped in terms of monthly repayment. I only had to pay when i worked. I gave them a 4yr plan and they agreed to it. I also saved loads and loads on interest which needless to say is a BIG score kindest regards Richard

ive been to two games, in durban and cape town and i couldnt even hear the person sitting next to me but i also had a vuvuzela and blew it with all my might :) go bafana bafana

Search. The archives are all the older posts hi eric thanks for reply ok cool i thought there was a separate dedicated forum entitled archives regards

hi all does anyone know of or use a recorder on there rigs to record the video for playback instead of going to video village ? like an archos or something better/cheaper? regards richard

hi sorry im probably being really stupid but where would i find the archives? regards richard

Hi That's a really good idea aboyt the cling wrap thanks Yeah ill check out those arm covers too Thanks all Kindest regards Richard

Thanks all for the advice will ask at rental company for those rings at least got a check out day tomorrow Regards

hi any opinions on wet weather gear to get for use while operating? regards richard

hi Sydney thanks for the reply, would those lens stiffners also be able to stop the focus ring rotating continuosly 360' regard richard

hi I got a shoot on wednesday and they are using a canon 5d with canon lenses. this will be my first time doing this and wondering what is best way to attach arri wireless motors or heden motors? anyone with experience of this as i know this is gonna be a tough on on focus regards richard

hi Blair i think it is a much wiser to be an AC first for a few years and then move up. You will definatly gain a far greater understanding of the way the camera department works especially as it functions as a team. As well as the huge amount of technical knowlege you will gain and the experience it will give you from not always being in cosy surroundings and stuff and gear starts to fail/go wrong. you will also gain far greater respect from your peers & fellow technicians if you go this route. Being the steadicam operator/cam operator is quite a prestigous position i feel on set and if you jump straight into it you will get shot down alot by fellow crew, maybe not directly to your face but people will talk and i find and had experience with people that have say come straight out of film school and now figure they are the gr8st DP ever meanwhile they dont know shit, this doesnt work as smoothly as you would think as the inexperience shows and they do nothing except piss everyone off. As the operator you are the leader of your crew and if they dont have confidence in or respect you its not going to be fun. If this is really what you want to do as a career i strongly advise a few yrs of being an AC. but pls also buy your rig and train and practice, and do small student feels and freebies and build your reel, so when you are ready for the move you will already have the skill to do so kindest regards richard

in sand i find my old combat boots to be the best, lots of ankle support especially in dunes. near water, barefoot or scuba booties

hi all does anyone have experience of this system "unirig" from italy? www.steadicamcenter.il

hey brandon no sorry dont have a rig to sell, at least not yet. sorry mate rich

thanks guys appreciate the imput i do see christian betz offers a tilt head add on for pro/mk-v will look into that

HI all JUst a question, i know this has been discussed before as i found an old discusion but it was 4 yrs ago, i was wondering does anyone have this system? if so how does it compare to a preston? i am looking to buy a backup system and i like the price of this unit but i have never seen or even used this before. apparently there where some issues with it perhaps they have been worked out? Any favourable/unfavourable opinions? later richard

Hi Guys, i dont mean to ask stupid questions but i am looking to purchase i new rig. I cant decide between the ultra 2 or pro. Is the motorized stage/tilt head a gimmick or is is worthwile. Also the g-70 arm how does it compare to the pro arm geoelasticity vs spring interchanablity? these are the decideing factors , can someone pls give an opinion on what would be a betta choice thanks rich

hi it is a good idea and it works. I have a practice partner and it is amazing how much you learn from each other. It also motivates and keeps it fun