Daniel Battley Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 G'day All, Just purchased a steadicam Zephyr system in the hope to expand and enhance the production value of TVCs (Television Commercials) and corporate videos in my region of North Queensland, Australia. I have been shooting and editing for over 16 years and I am very excited about getting the camera off the sticks and open up a world of shot posibilities, but I have never even attempted the use of a steadicam ever before. The purpose of this post is to ask the steadicam world community any advice on technique, function and gerneral do's and dont's to a help a complete green horn attempt to look like a seasoned professional. Thanks to all for any insight and I guarantee any helpful responce will be well received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Pete Barta Posted March 30, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would suggest doing a course there is one with Garrett Brown and Jerry Holway in Sydney end of April contact Scott Backhouse Lemac Sydney 02 94384488. They say you can't buy experience well he's an opportunity to buy enough to get you started in the right direction. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members James Puli Posted March 30, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Hey Daniel. The 5.5 day workshop Pete mentioned is actually in July just after the SMPTE tradeshow in Sydney. Theres a flyer for it in the news / events section on the forum. Phil Balsdon may well be running a 2 day workshop before then. Give him a call and have a chat 0418 276 297 Otherwise, maybe give Norbert a call. Hes based in Cairns, with his Master Series, bfd's etc. Im sure he'd be able to help you out in the mean time. http://electricimages.com.au/ All the best, and welcome to the community! JP James Puli Camera / Steadicam Operator Melbourne / Sydney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted March 31, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Hello, Daniel, Welcome. Congratulations on the Zephyr. I recently upgraded to a Zephyr from a Flyer and have been posting my first impressions in the Sled subforum. You will probably find the most welcoming atmosphere for beginner questions in the Steadi-newbies subforum. Also, a common and useful recommendation is to use the search function, as there is a wealth of knowledge archived on many subjects. That said, don't hesitate to ask, there are lots of folks here willing to help. I also strongly encourage you to take a Workshop. Aside from that, the most valuable resources for self-teaching are the EFP instructional DVD (which should have been included in your Zephyr package), the Zephyr manual (which is finally available now on the Steadicam website) and the Steadicam Operators Handbook, which is as close to a "Workshop in a Book" as you can ever hope to find. Good luck and happy flying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Battley Posted March 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I would suggest doing a course there is one with Garrett Brown and Jerry Holway in Sydney end of April contact Scott Backhouse Lemac Sydney 02 94384488. They say you can't buy experience well he's an opportunity to buy enough to get you started in the right direction. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Battley Posted March 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Hey Crew, Thanks for such a quick and refined response to my post, I can tell this community is passionate about their craft and willing to share knowledge, (fantastic) Thanks for the contact info and the info about the workshops. I am very keen to get down and complete one in the near future. I bought the Zephyr from Lemac (Brisbane) so will hit Scott up about costs dates etc. In the meantime will fill my head with everything "Zephyr" from the DVD, Zyphyr Manual, Steadicam operators handbook and posts on this forum. Once again thanks for the response. Regards Daniel Battley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Battley Posted March 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I would suggest doing a course there is one with Garrett Brown and Jerry Holway in Sydney end of April contact Scott Backhouse Lemac Sydney 02 94384488. They say you can't buy experience well he's an opportunity to buy enough to get you started in the right direction. Good luck Thanks Pete, I am going to look into on of these workshops in the near future, I bought the Zyphyr from Lemac Brisbane so will hit them up for all the guff. Thanks for your response Daniel Battley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Battley Posted April 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 Hello, Daniel, Welcome. Congratulations on the Zephyr. I recently upgraded to a Zephyr from a Flyer and have been posting my first impressions in the Sled subforum. You will probably find the most welcoming atmosphere for beginner questions in the Steadi-newbies subforum. Also, a common and useful recommendation is to use the search function, as there is a wealth of knowledge archived on many subjects. That said, don't hesitate to ask, there are lots of folks here willing to help. I also strongly encourage you to take a Workshop. Aside from that, the most valuable resources for self-teaching are the EFP instructional DVD (which should have been included in your Zephyr package), the Zephyr manual (which is finally available now on the Steadicam website) and the Steadicam Operators Handbook, which is as close to a "Workshop in a Book" as you can ever hope to find. Good luck and happy flying! G'day Mark Workshop is a must and will do very soon, until then will take your advice and look at all the available instructional resources you suggested. Thanks mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Battley Posted April 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 Hey Daniel. The 5.5 day workshop Pete mentioned is actually in July just after the SMPTE tradeshow in Sydney. Theres a flyer for it in the news / events section on the forum. Phil Balsdon may well be running a 2 day workshop before then. Give him a call and have a chat 0418 276 297 Otherwise, maybe give Norbert a call. Hes based in Cairns, with his Master Series, bfd's etc. Im sure he'd be able to help you out in the mean time. http://electricimages.com.au/ All the best, and welcome to the community! JP James Puli Camera / Steadicam Operator Melbourne / Sydney Thanks James, Will check out the flyer you mentioned and check out a suitable workshop event, I know a workshop is a must do and I will certainly benefit from the expert knowledge. I am going to look into completing one in the near future. Thanks for the response. Regards Daniel Battley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Peter Abraham Posted April 9, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 Hi Daniel, Welcome to our community !! Enjoy your new Steadicam Zephyr and get in touch with me if you have any questions regarding the system from a company response point of view. That, of course, in addition to working closely with the dealer you purchased it from. Happy Flying ! Best, Peter Abraham Director of Technical Services, Steadicam® The Tiffen Company pabraham@tiffen.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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