Massimo Bordonaro Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 Hey guys! :) I've owned my Phantom V for over a year now, operating a couple years prior to that, and got lots of great jobs through it. One in particular coming up for a short film about Celebrity Concierge's needs an AR system. I called Dan and Derek at Steadicam, and they suggested asking for your help since they don't carry it. Can you recommend a rental house that might have one in Los Angeles... best, lowest rate, package price? Also, is there an AR guru who manufacturers one that I can buy for cheap? Budget is flexible, depending on build quality, etc. Thanks in advance. :) -Massimo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Fabrizio Sciarra SOC ACO Posted March 28, 2013 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 Contact Chris McGuire, he'll sort you out Peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evrim KAYA Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 (edited) Hello Massimo, The only commercially available AR system that I know of is manufactured by MK-V. And their system is an add-on package to their largest rig Nexus. So it’s not possible to rent an AR system compatible with your Phantom rig yet. Howard from MK-V has just announced a new version of the AR system named Omega. According to him this new version will be compatible to any rig regardless of manufacturer but I don’t know when it will be available. You can contact Howard through MK-V site www.mk-v.com . Maybe he can give you more details or a name in your area who might be willing to rent his nexus rig along with the AR system. Fly safe. Ps: Or you can always buy a Basson Constellation rig…. Ps2: It’s a joke please don’t do it :) Edited March 28, 2013 by Evrim KAYA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JobScholtze Posted March 28, 2013 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 Just make sure to buy a big present for the soundguy to buy him out. Dang, that basson is noisy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Kolb Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 (edited) From what I've heard of the new Omega, the computer is more precise and faster than before, with lower power consumption (don't quote me on this, though, I'm passing it along second-hand). The computer is also integrated directly into the rings, which will be the same as the most recent AR. You'll still need to buy the monitor arm which interfaces with the Omega head, regardless of what rig you're working with, but it will work with other rigs (again, so I've heard). While it may not be available in LA in time for your shoot, it might be worth keeping in the back of your head for future work, since it won't involve renting an entire Nexus system. Happy flying! @Job, the sound guys might say it sounds more like a bassoon! Edited March 28, 2013 by Alex Kolb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members flemming laybourn Posted March 29, 2013 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 29, 2013 @ Massimo: Im a AR owner/operator ( not in LA though..;-) Just my humble opinion... the AR is not something that you just hire, put on and operate.. It´s heavy, and very complexed to operate. My suggestion is that you pass the job on to someone else, and look over his/hers shoulder, you will understand what I'm talking about then..:-) Not trying to be smart or arrogant, just honest. The AR is like starting all over again with Steadicam.. trust me.! Best regards Flemming Laybourn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Ramon Engle Posted March 29, 2013 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 29, 2013 Flemming has a very good point. No matter how experienced you are with a steadicam rig, the AR is a different animal. Yes several days of practice will get you up to speed but the subtle nuances come with time. As well as the muscle soreness. It's a heavy rig that torques your body in a much different way then a standard rig. As far as operating you now have to adjust your mind to what "pan" and "tilt" mean when the rig is horizontal. Sounds easier than it is. Not to mention the technical aspects of trouble shooting gear that isn't yours.................... Good luck. Ramon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Thomas English Posted March 29, 2013 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 29, 2013 I have an MK-V Omega-Revolution and it is far superior to the AR. Seriously responsive and much easier to set-up. I can confirm the above comments for myself. It works very well. I am very happy with it. Some day there will be Omega to go on any sled using a gravity fed monitor bracket and the omega sensor and brain built into the rings. Currently it ONLY works on the MK-V Sleds with V3 or V4 Electronics. The AR/Omega can be heavy but it doen't have to be, it can be difficult to operate but not always depending how you feel and how hard you practise but certainly you'll never want to do a job "on the cheap" with it. What I don't understand is you seemingly haven't done any research on this before posting your question to the board. Refer your client to Chris McGuire or another LA based AR operator and he'll buy you a drink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massimo Bordonaro Posted March 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 Very valid and good points. With all that being said, I'm going to start a new topic. Much easier than continuing on about the AR. Flemming, btw, if you were in Los Angeles, I'd throw you the work. Thomas, are you in Los Angeles? I can throw you the gig if you want... but it's up to you to lock in the deal with the Producers. Email me privately, and I'll send you the contact, name, and email so you can get intouch with them... cc you on the email if that's easier. let me know. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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