Introducing myself

[John Saunders]

So I have been lurking here for a while now trying to pick up as much informations as possible and have now just joined.

 

First off let me say that I have the upmost respect for all of the seasoned and experienced ops on here and hope to not ask any "newb" questions or waste anyones time.

 

I am looking into really trying to take my very basic steadicam experience to the next level. I have flown a few times for personal projects and am determined to put in the time and effort into increase my performance and skill level. I know that it will not be easy and trying to find the time is an ongoing challenge with having a family and all that goes along with that.

 

I am going to signup for the Tiffen 5 day workshop when they announce the next one. In the meantime I have the steadicam book and a friend is letting me hold on to and use his flyer LE to practice with.

 

I have a few questions and hopefully they are not to basic:

-I am planning on having a set or two of "steadicam shoes" are there any recommendations? I know that it is largely personal preference but if I got a starting place that would be awesome. Right now I wear keens which are super comfortable however they have a hardish sole and think that they might be to loud for steadicam work.

-I am working on getting back in shape (not really all that out of shape but not at my peak) and are there any activities that would be beneficial to do? I would like to take road biking back up and am not a fan of running but will if it will help condition me.

-Since I have use of a steadicam would you recommend focusing on purchasing the right aks or purchasing a bigger rig? I plan on starting with a wireless ff then wireless transmitter and going from there since even if the steadicam is unavailable I can rent on locally.

 

Thanks for reading and any feedback you might provide. Again I hope to learn a lot more from the site and hopefully be able to contribute rather than just take.

[Rob Vuona SOC]

John welcome,

 

Shoes, I go through a pair of running shoes every three month it seems like, lately I have been really like the zigtech by reebok found a pair here,

http://compare.ebay.com/like/200694918918?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

good price too

 

getting in shape, legs and back . . . . I play hockey, ski and Mt Bike

 

Purchasing a rig, this gets sticky, we hear this all the time and my go to line for this is, do you have the work to justify buying a rig? Owning a rig doesn't mean work will come. Find someone or someplace that you can get a rig on rental, then call it yours to any client that may be hiring you, build up a client base and then work on building up your equipment, believe me the building and the spending never stops, lol

 

Fly Safe

[Janice Arthur]

John;

 

Whatever anyone else says but comes down to core strength.

 

(Hint; A good back is hinged by a good stomach (and you get great looks shirtless).

 

You're jumping ahead on the rig. Use what you got, take the class, and then think about it.

 

You're miles from buying in knowledge and money.

 

Keep reading and learning.

 

You can do a lot with a Flyer.

 

Welcome.

 

JA

[John Saunders]

Thanks guys. Thats what I was thinking in terms of purchasing. Since I have use of the flyer I will focus any purchases I make to support equipment that is not rig specific.

 

I will check out those shoes and plan to always have a pair (what ever I end up getting) to wear and a pair broken in ready to go. My wife is always complaining about how hard I am on my shoes... I'm sure she will love this even more :)

 

I appreciate the exercise advice and I am sure my midrif could use some toning.

[Janice Arthur]

Attn equipment manufacturers.

 

Buy John lots of cocktails at trade shows!

 

If he has spare shoes all broken in he'll have back ups for his back ups

 

Relax.

 

Other shoes will work too. In 30 yrs I've never had a shoe blow out on set!!

(save some for retirement and remember your wife is smarter than u.)

 

JA