Premium Members Charles Papert Posted July 7, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 Matt: Curious why you think that a Betacam is that much better of a practice tool than a good weight cage...? Steadicam should "feel" the same (truth be told, Betacams weigh less and don't feel all that much like a 35mm camera as they are tall and skinny) and investing into a little camcorder can be useful in many other ways than practicing Steadicam--also you can tape your moves and watch them back, which is probably the most useful part of the exercise. So not that there's anything wrong with working out with a Betacam, but...better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Mouraud Posted July 7, 2007 Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 Hi Charles, Well while you get the juicy 35mm jobs (most totally deserved, I'm a big fan of yours), we get the F750/900, DigiBeta and so on jobs (not disrespectful at all)... Which is fine, you don't get to drive an Aston at driving school. How don't know how it is on your side of the pond, though, but over here Beta-shaped cams are becoming the norm, unfortunately. Doesn't it make more sense to train with the same type of cam you get jobs with...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted July 7, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 No, I've flown many a video camera and yes, these days it's more and more frequent. I was just wondering since you said that it was so much better to fly a Betacam than a weight cage, and pointed out that it got you in good shape for flying a Compact, why not fly a setup that simulates 35 rather than one that is up to 10 lbs less (or in the case of the Genesis, 15 lbs less...!) That way you are completely covered, and having to fly a standard F900 will feel like a breeze after that. Not to mention the ability to playback your practice footage, which is always a big wake-up when practicing (you think "I did pretty good" until you watch the tape...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RonBaldwin Posted July 7, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 I think it's always a good idea to have a pretty heavy practice cage (at least 35 lbs for a full size rig)...then when you're working your body feels like it's on vacation. Even a Pana LW gets very close to that weight with a primo, 2 motors and a cinetape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members MegSchrock Posted July 9, 2007 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Hello! It's Meg, from many many posts ago. It was suggested that I share what I've been up to and I'm honored to know that some people are curious. So here's my bit: After a few jobs in random departments in 2004 and some jobs here and there in 2005, I decided to move to New York in early 2006 and commit full time to g&e. Since then I've been working steadily as an electrician and occasionally I have the opportunity to be a gaffer. I love being part of the g&e crew, but I can't stay that way forever. Yes, I want to start seeing other departments. Particularly: The Steadi-Cam operators. I've been poking and prodding operators since I met my first one, Dave Ellis. I realize now that it may have been a nuisance for all those operators to have an electrician throwing questions at them while they're setting up their rig and for that I apologize. But I've learned a lot and I'm extremely grateful to all the operators who put up with me. I've had the chance to bug many great operators over the last year and a half and I'm sure I'll be doing it more (sorry). About a month ago Alec Jarnagin and Afton Grant let me fly their rigs. It was an amazing day and I hope I'll be able to do it again soon - and someday I hope to fly my own rig. I've got a spot reserved for the Pennsylvania workshop in October and I can't wait. I'll be joining you all soon from the newbie pages of this forum. Thanks so much to everyone for all of your words of encouragement. I've learned a lot since 2004! -Meg Schrock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted July 9, 2007 Moderators Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 A couple of pictures.... (Meg in Afton's rig) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted July 9, 2007 Moderators Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Two more.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Gordon Li-Ron Posted July 9, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Steadicam should "feel" the same (truth be told, Betacams weigh less and don't feel all that much like a 35mm camera as they are tall and skinny) For a short time, I had access to a BVW300 which i used to practice with. I also have a cage and i definitely notice a difference in the feel with mass spread out. It was a good camera to practice with but I haven't yet had a camera on my rig that felt close to it. I mainly fly 16mm cameras and have only had a couple of 35s on my rig. I just flew an ARRI 2B this weekend, which i will post pictures of later. Given the budget and production value...I'm going to create a thread called YOUR SETUP "DE-JOUR" FOR NEWBS" I should have turned down the job but who can refuse a a movie about a white samuri priest who fights vampires....I mean come on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jessica Lopez Posted July 9, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 How about you start with a used rig ? Matt M, My name is Jessica but don't sweat it, common mistake. I do plan on starting with a used rig. There is no way I could ever come up with the credit or funds to purchase a new one. I was just saying how nice it would be just to buy it all and break it in myself. Thanks for the response and advice. I am very determined to do what it takes to get to where I want to be in this business. Thanks again, Jess Lopez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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