SOA Fall Workshop

[jay kilroy]

There is still room in the Steadicam Operators Association Fall Workshop. The SOA conducts the world's best 5 and half day workshop, with lead instructors Jerry Holway and Garrett Brown. The workshop gives each participant ample practical and theoretical experience to begin working professionally, plus the mental tools needed to meet future challenges, as well as exercises and shots to practice after completing the course.

 

We have 5 star on-site catering, all the best equipment including steadicams, cranes and vehicles along with the best instructors, helpers and guests throughout the week.

 

Please check out www.steadicam-ops.com or call Jay Kilroy 215-919-4636 or email: j kilroy @ steadicam - ops . com (without spaces of course)

 

 

Thanks,

Jay

[jay kilroy]

There is still room in the Fall 2010 SOA Workshop. If anyone is interested please email or call me with any questions. It is getting down to the wire and we would love to have you at the workshop.

 

Jay

[jay kilroy]

The SOA has openings in the Fall workshop, in fact we have so many openings it may not happen. We are going to give it a few more days before we cancel it, in hopes that we get enough people signed up to do it. The SOA is the world's best 5 1/2 day workshop. Sponsored by Tiffen, Inc. we have some of the best equipment in the business, ATV's, cranes, dollies and 5 star catering on-site. Please reach out with any questions you may have. Thanks.

 

Jay

[Andrew Stone]

Jay,

 

Did you get enough people for the workshop to go ahead? Hard to believe that you're having trouble getting new operators to take a course with Garrett & Jerry.

 

To those sitting on the fence between whether or not to do a 2 day or a 5.5 day workshop, you should seriously think about the later, even if you are thinking about flying a smaller rig. The exposure you get to the thinking behind operating cannot be underestimated. The course will save you a TON of money, in the end, by jump starting your information and knowledge on the craft and art of operating Steadicam. Also, buying the wrong rig or accessories can cost you big, big bucks and slow down career jumps to a significant degree. This will do a lot to set you on the right path.

 

Finally, food is awesome and someone there has a penchant for good Scotch.

 

The registration page on the Steadicam Operators Association website can be found [ here ].

 

Jay, any other instructors going to be there that the students should know about?

 

-Andrew

Edited September 29, 2010 by Andrew Stone

[Tom Daigon]

Jay, Hard to believe that you're having trouble getting new operators to take a course with Garrett & Jerry. -Andrew

)

 

Andrew, given the current state of the economy for many folks its very understandable. Half of the professionals I know (editors/production folks), are either battling declining rates or reduced hours or jobless.

This is felt by folks in a broad range of occupations. I could see $5000 as tough to part with these days. Any potential operator reading some of the very incisive and informative discussions relating to rates on this web site might think twice about choosing this career. And for a newbie the risks are greater due to a variety of factors (inexperience, lack of contacts, limited funds,etc.)

[Tom Daigon]

Correction...$2400 plus transportation and room.

[jay kilroy]

Tom,

 

I completely agree, $2400 is nothing to sneeze at these days. I would argue though, that it's a small price to pay to find out if being a steadicam operator is something you would want to do. I say that in regards to buying a rig (prices range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the package) and then finding out it's not want you want to do with your career.

 

Our workshop is for people who know that this is what they want to try and do. Assistants trying to make the jump up, conventional operators who want to add to their arsenal or guys getting into the business who have been exposed to steadicam and are intrigued and know it will give them a leg up over someone else. It could and should be looked at as an investment that could make you more money.

 

We are one of the best workshops in the world to learn how to operate, sure I'm biased, but ask anyone who's taken it. We have the best instructors (Jerry Holway, Garrett Brown to name two) more toys then you'll find at any other workshop, guaranteed! Cranes, vehicle mounts, dollies, ATV's and the occasional Skyman ride.

 

Again, I do agree, the economy has changed peoples minds about spending, rightfully so, it shouldn't change their minds about what they want to do with their careers. It's fair to say that film/television industry has faired pretty well, comparatively. People are still watching TV and movies.

 

Jay

[Tom Daigon]

Jay, we are in complete agreement on how helpful workshops can be. I was just sharing the economic perspective as to why they might not be filling up as fast as they have in the past. As a enthusiastic person new to the experience, the best thing I ever did (after practicing the manual and dvd for 6 months) was to take a very personalized 2 day workshop with Robert Starling. Even though after a 30 year career as an editor I was layed off a while ago, I scrapped up the funds to take the class because I know how essential it would be to my learning curve. And it was all I hoped for and more.

[Dean Smollar]

I'm definitely saving up for the first SOA workshop I can afford. It definitely won't be this fall, but with a little luck it will be the next one!

[Daniel Pille]

Hey Jay,

 

i think the workshop is all the money worth, of course. But for me it will be 3500€ (Flight, Hotel, Workshop....)

I am located in Germany. In the past some workshops were hold in Sweden and Italy. But none in Berlin or Paris.So the traveling costs are also high. I think many Operators who are located in Germany or France would go to a workshop which is given in Berlin or Paris!

What do you think about it!?

 

Best from Cologne,

 

Daniel

[Markus Kuballa]

Hi Daniel!

I'm from Berlin and went to Atlanta for my workshop. You're right about the high costs and I would love to see some of my instructors from Atlanta come over and visit some time but I have to say the money on the workshop was well spend and I don't regret it. It gave me the basics I needed to decide whether it is for me at all and where to go from there. Also I wasn't the only one who came from outside the US. There were people from France, Belgium, Denmark and even India.

 

Best

 

Markus

[jay kilroy]

Hey Jay,

 

i think the workshop is all the money worth, of course. But for me it will be 3500€ (Flight, Hotel, Workshop....)

I am located in Germany. In the past some workshops were hold in Sweden and Italy. But none in Berlin or Paris.So the traveling costs are also high. I think many Operators who are located in Germany or France would go to a workshop which is given in Berlin or Paris!

What do you think about it!?

 

Best from Cologne,

 

Daniel

 

 

There are a few good workshops in Europe. I am not exactly sure when they are scheduled. You can keep an eye out on our website or Tiffen's, they hold the workshops in Europe. In the past some people have made out well with the exchange rate coming from Europe.

 

Jay

[chris fawcett]

Hi Daniel,

 

I agree with Jay. With the dollar so low, it works out about the same attending a US workshop. The next EU workshop will probably be in late spring/early summer in Denmark.

 

Just do it!

 

Chris

[Louis Puli SOC]

I completely agree, $2400 is nothing to sneeze at these days. I would argue though, that it's a small price to pay to find out if being a steadicam operator is something you would want to do.

 

Try doubling that coming from Australia our exchange rates have been as low as.45c to the 1US$ where as now we are on par which is great for us but not so good for you .

 

I agree with Jay they do run the best workshops with a Garrett and Jerry Holway I always recommend to my steadicam students to do a soa workshop sometime in their career .

 

Like chris said some how get the money together and "just do it" It is money very well spent.

Good Luck

Louis Puli