The ALIEN / Alien Revolution - All about...

[Andrew 'AJ' Johnson]

Hi Fabrizio,

 

Im using the MK-V Nexus Sled. It's really the best option I found because the sled is manufactured for the AR system. Anything else and youd be modifying for days....

 

Using the MK-V Deluxe topstage (Betz) which is the best. It has Zero play, in any every direction. Which is vital to the performance of the AR.

 

-AJ

[Fabrizio Sciarra SOC ACO]

Hi Fabrizio,

 

Im using the MK-V Nexus Sled. It's really the best option I found because the sled is manufactured for the AR system. Anything else and youd be modifying for days....

 

Using the MK-V Deluxe topstage (Betz) which is the best. It has Zero play, in any every direction. Which is vital to the performance of the AR.

 

-AJ

Cool, I chose the same set up Nexus+Deluxe top stage also because of the plan to get the AR next; but i'll have to wait a while more (budget speaking) <_<

Maybe Santa....who knows... :P

[RonBaldwin]

is that the chrozeil topstage you are talking about that Howard sells? played with one a few weeks ago and it seemed cool. Is it user servicable?

 

rb

[Fabrizio Sciarra SOC ACO]

is that the chrozeil topstage you are talking about that Howard sells? played with one a few weeks ago and it seemed cool. Is it user servicable?

 

rb

Hi Ron,

yes, we are referring to the chroziel top stage, sold from MK-V as a Deluxe top stage for the Nexus sled.

It's very sturdy and precise, i personally didn't open it yet to service it, but once i toke it a part to remove the tilting stage and was a piece of cake (with an allen key you have access to everything you need)

The quick release is superb as well in my opinion. No vibrations at ALL, even with very heavy cameras (I use to fly 535 with all bells and whistles on it)

Cheers

Fabrizio

Edited October 4, 2007 by Fabrizio Sciarra

[markdeblok]

I wonder why so many AR's are up for sale; production does not want to pay for it ? or is it not working on high end productions ? or is it only suitable for a specific shot ? etc.

I know at least about 4 of them for sale, compared to the (as far as I know) number sold I think it is a lot.

 

Mark de Blok NSC SOA

[markdeblok]

I wonder why so many AR's are up for sale; production does not want to pay for it ? or is it not working on high end productions ? or is it only suitable for a specific shot ? etc.

I know at least about 4 of them for sale, compared to the (as far as I know) number sold I think it is a lot.

 

Mark de Blok NSC SOA

 

 

so far 4 replies, in my mail box, private not possible to reproduce here, anyone?

Mark de Blok NSC SOA

[John Buzz Moyer]

Mark,

 

 

It is unfortunate that people are selling the AR systems. As you know, the topic of AR has been discussed and debated for quite a few pages on the forum. I can answer a few of your questions, although etc. may be a little challenging. Based on my experience as an owner since May of 2006, I have found that the AR is not understood by many people who are paying for it. A situation on a film I did last summer arose that limited access to a technocrane on a set. The boarded shots were based on the ability to "easily" move walls and place the crane outside to move in an around the actors freely. It was discovered that the set was not as easily maneuvered and the AR was a reasonable option. The cost was not an issue as the company had budgeted for addition equipment for those days. The Producers were then made aware of its benefits through seeing it in use. I belief that job could be qualified as a high end production, so to answer that question... yes. The AR was used for specific shots that were boarded, most of which required stepping on and off a dolly rigged with a mountable platform on the arm, hidden off screen until the last minute.... so yes, they were specific shots. The AR allowed me to pass the camera over set pieces, then continue past actors connecting dialogue between them. The set was a multi tiered floor plan from Hell....so to keep the camera moving in limited space without a technocrane...the AR proved a worthy item. Feeling very alone now in this statement, I have not had gliches, issues, or failures that could not be easily remedied. I have not had any "major" failures, and support from MK-V has been great.

 

 

I am currently using it on a film, and will again use it on an ice rink on Monday. Furthermore, the D.P.'s for the next 2 films I'm involved are Boarding shots that are designed for the AR. Again, I feel alone in saying I am working steadily with the system. The shots require precise starts...middles... and ends, which is the challenge of operating Steadicam. The AR adds another set of challenges, and for me, its been satisfying....

 

John "Buzz" Moyer

[Charles Papert]

At the recent SOC awards show, Steve Tiffen announced a formal agreement with Lynn Nicholson to develop the Alien.

[Ramon Engle]

John.,You are not alone! I've been using my AR for over two years now. Not without issues. It is flying well and delivers a consistant performance. In the first year of operation I had far too many problems for a peice of gear that was so expensive. The simple fact that MK-V is UK based makes any repairs time consuming and expensive simply because of priority international shipping. I have to say that MK-V has on several occasions replaced parts free of charge.

I've been operating on an episodic using the AR for 75% to 80% of the time. It does perform well. Even with a Varicam package with 3 preston motors, Downconverter, Lite panel and a wireless audio receiver. Vest, arm and sled weigh in at 99lbs!

I've also had the opportunity to use it on several commercials as well. I've found that most DP's , Directors and producers simply don't know what it is and don't want to take the risk of paying for something they've never used or even seen before. Slowly that will change.

Charles I have to say I'm excited to hear that Tiffen will be developing the Alien with Lynn. More competition and diferent technology only provides more options for the operators. Any ideas on how long before Tiffen has a working prototype?

 

Ramon

[RonBaldwin]

At the recent SOC awards show, Steve Tiffen announced a formal agreement with Lynn Nicholson to develop the Alien.

 

 

great googly moogly that's incredible! I remember seeing a video of Garett test flying the Alien prototype with Lynn about 5 or 6 years ago (he was smiling). I wonder how (if at all) this will affect the A/R? If Tiffen is really serious about this it might make the Ultra2 more attractive for prospective sled buyers.

 

Howard setting up shop here in Van Nuys is also a good thing for those with MK-V equipment.

 

Ramon, what episodic are you using the A/R on? I'd love to check out how you are using it. Anything on steadishots (I haven't looked yet to be honest)? I'm still excited by the possibilities of what can be done with the Alien technology, but my lower back has been trying to talk me out of it since day one. Schlepping around 99lbs of rig is insane...I hope you are being well compensated for burning the candle at both ends!

 

rb

[markdeblok]

John,

 

thanks very much for your info

 

mark de blok

[Charles Papert]

Charles I have to say I'm excited to hear that Tiffen will be developing the Alien with Lynn... Any ideas on how long before Tiffen has a working prototype?

 

I don't know any more than that, I just heard the announcement.

[Erik Brul]

Charles I have to say I'm excited to hear that Tiffen will be developing the Alien with Lynn... Any ideas on how long before Tiffen has a working prototype?

 

I don't know any more than that, I just heard the announcement.

 

I think even the 'announcement' is AWESOME !! :)

[Ramon Engle]

At the recent SOC awards show, Steve Tiffen announced a formal agreement with Lynn Nicholson to develop the Alien.

 

 

great googly moogly that's incredible! I remember seeing a video of Garett test flying the Alien prototype with Lynn about 5 or 6 years ago (he was smiling). I wonder how (if at all) this will affect the A/R? If Tiffen is really serious about this it might make the Ultra2 more attractive for prospective sled buyers.

 

Howard setting up shop here in Van Nuys is also a good thing for those with MK-V equipment.

 

Ramon, what episodic are you using the A/R on? I'd love to check out how you are using it. Anything on steadishots (I haven't looked yet to be honest)? I'm still excited by the possibilities of what can be done with the Alien technology, but my lower back has been trying to talk me out of it since day one. Schlepping around 99lbs of rig is insane...I hope you are being well compensated for burning the candle at both ends!

 

rb

Ron the the show is "Good Eats" on the Food Network. We have two camera bodies, Dolly and the AR. I haven't put anything on Steadishots. Most of the the camera movement is small but uses the attributes of the AR incredibly well. The network reruns old shows often so you may see a show from season 1 thru 3(my early years) which look as if the camera was being operated by a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. Embarrassing!

The 99 lbs is a killer. Like I said most camera packages weigh far less than that. The Aaton 35 is a fantastic camera to fly in the AR. After 3 seasons of 99lbs I can crack walnuts with my ASS! I'm hell at partys!

As you can imagine counter tops play a big role in a kitchen set. The AR gets around that quite nicely. The show's not your typical "Dump and Stir". The host was a commerical director before he attended culinary school and a Steadicam Operator before that!

 

Ramon

[Charles Papert]

Good job Ramon, I have watched the show, my girlfriend loves it. And it's fascinating to hear that Alton Brown was a Steadicam operator!! what's with these Brown chaps. I've seen those shots where he is wearing the (presumably lipstick) camera, now I'm hoping to see him parading around on camera in the rig...