Just did my first steadi job

[Lars Erik]

I just finished working on a tv-show. It was the first day of a two day shoot. I had rented an EFP since my new rig hasn't been delivered yet.

 

It was a ok day, starting out quite badly, though. It was a dance show. And the director wanted me to follow the dancers around. In medium shot and close ups. And they danced fast. After lunch I said that we had to plan differently, I had to know where to go. I couldn't follow around like a documentary cameraman.

 

So after lunch we did first a master wide shot, with me walking slowly from right to left, then we broke up the dance in stages. The dancers showed me what they did, and I came with ideas of how to best follow. This worked much better, and the director was a lot more pleased after that.

 

But gosh, I've been in the rig for about 6 hours today. Tired, and happy that my first day of steadi is done. Was so nervous last night, imagening all the things that could go wrong.

 

But all in all I'm displeased with the day. The director said he felt okay about the day, but I got the feeling that he was a bit disappointed. I was thinking I shouldn't have taken the job, but I wanted to do it so much. I'm sitting here feeling guilty because I didn't deliver perfect pictures. But hey, as my assistant said, the best ones also probably didn't have the best of days their first day.

 

When I get my rig I'll practice, practice and practice.

 

Lars Erik

 

I'm not signing this as a steadicam operator, becuase I don't feel worthy yet. Maybe in a few monts time.

[Erik Brul]

When I get my rig I'll practice, practice and practice.

 

Lars Erik

 

I'm not signing this as a steadicam operator, becuase I don't feel worthy yet. Maybe in a few monts time.

 

Hi Lars,

 

Hey man.. thumbs up.., as you and we all know.., the first 'real' shoot is always difficult but you did the job, right ?

Just go ahead for the next one !

Mine first 'real' job was a short feature with the Thomson Viper Camera. A real HD shoot. Before the day I have warned the director that with the clone rig (Magiqcam) I didn't have a Remote Focus system, and also mentioned I was afraid that the shoot didn't work because the Camera was attached with Multicore to the OBV. Yes, you read it right.. Multicore. The Rig was very difficult to handle, but I managed to get some real great shots of the talent walk arround a dancefloor with some 20 dancers. But what went wrong, the shot was in focus / out focus / in focus etc etc.. :ph34r:

 

So afterwards, the shot went straight to the Trashbin. Ofcourse, I was very very disapointed.. but was already thinking about the next shoot. This time a sport coverage of the Triathlon. I was following the sporters from the water, through a tent.. changing clothes, running 100 feet and start cycling, following them once again 100 feet and end of the shot.

 

Result of this, great footage and compliments of many many camera people which were handheld shooters.. :rolleyes:

 

So signing as a newbie operator with up and downs..

 

Best, Erik ;)

[Marc Abernathy]

curious,

 

what rig are you getting?

[Lars Erik]

Thanks Erik. I'm getting ready for the second day now. By God, I will do a better job. :D

 

I'm getting the Archer. Tested it, and was very impressed by it, considering it's price range. Figured it was a good rig for starting up with. But I ordered the Ultra vest, the LX didn't feel right for me.

 

 

Lars Erik

[Stephen Press]

Still you learnt a valuable lesson. Always pre-plan the shoot as much as you can. Walk it without the rig. Get a feel for it. Choreograph to get the best from the rig. Do the heavy lifting with your brain and it will save wear and tear on your body.

[Lars Erik]

Still you learnt a valuable lesson. Always pre-plan the shoot as much as you can. Walk it without the rig. Get a feel for it. Choreograph to get the best from the rig. Do the heavy lifting with your brain and it will save wear and tear on your body.

 

Yes, I know. Jerry Holway stressed this a lot on the workshop. And today we did just that. And what a difference! The director was really pleased, and the shots looked almost great. They have a little "newbie" feel to them, but they are more than good enough. What a great feeling, compared to yesterday.

 

This was my last working day for this year. Have a merry christmas and a happy new year, everyone. Good luck on the next year with your jobs and your operating!

 

 

Lars Erik

[IanMcMillan]

Hi Lars,

I remember my first shot. About 13 years ago. Back then Jerry, Gaarrett and co also stessed the need for non camera rehersal. It was a music video and I was able to walk through the shot with the director and he explained the major points to me. All the way through the first take I beratted myself for poor horizons and framed to centre or very edgy. I'm beating myself up and heading back to the director. His comment was "It's a bit to smooth, this is rock and roll" I thought I'd spent 5 K going to Yellow Springs to learn how to make it smooth. The big trick is to learn what they ant and then deliver.

All the best

It only gets better from here.

 

Macca