Broadcast Sporting Events

[chrisgosch]

i mostly work in film but tonight I did a show at the Gibson Ampitheater at Universal and it was quite a difficult job. They called at the last minute and though I got the rate I usually get (1800/10) they didn't bring on an assitant though I requested one. I had to pull focus and zoom and that was a bit*h I WON"T be doing that again. But one of the major problems I ran into was the length of the shots. I was up on average 20 minutes and had less than 1 minute breaks before another 20 minutes. I may sound like a woose but I usually do 3-5 minute shots on Music Videos and commercials (though it seems like I do many takes and shots). Is there any technique live operators use to conserve on energy? My back is killing me and as to the focus I have no idea how good it was since we were shooting HD I tried to stay wider to help but it seemed like the director wanted slow zooms with every steadi move. It seems like live performance guys earn their money and I'm gonna ask for more next time. (and I'll never take it again without an assistant.)

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

But one of the major problems I ran into was the length of the shots. I was up on average 20 minutes and had less than 1 minute breaks before another 20 minutes.

 

Welcome to my hell! You simply have to let the Director know what your limits are and when you need to hang it up. Don' try to be a hero. You will shorten your career. 2 years ago I ended up with severe shoulder surgery because of this kind of work. Needless to say, I have become much smarter in the type of work I except, the people I will work for, and the way I work. As mentioned many times before in here, keep in shape, strech, fluids, etc. You are running marathons in this world. Insist on lengthy breaks, a full song, or segment (usually there are some that are "not for air"). You must speak up, or you will pay dearly. And yes, charge alot. In some cases they will kill you to the point of needing 2 days to recover.

 

Good luck

 

Jeff

[Leigh Hubner]

G'Day All

 

Just my 2 cents worth. I use a VOCAS zoom focus handle for TV work. It has the option of controlling zoom and focus or zoom and iris. To control focus the lens does require a built in focus servo. I am planning on buying a HD wide angle lens in the near future with a focus servo. It just another accesory I can offer to companies which gives them the best result etc etc. www.vocas.com

 

Just a quick question regarding the 20minutes on 1 minute off. Do you mean a 20 minute continous shot or do you mean 20minutes of shooting as a part of an OB with other cameras? If its one shot then bravo! If its a case of having the rig on for 20minutes and shooting or walking around then that is certainly well within the norm of TV work. Doing football, I do 2 40 min halves. Music events can often be longer again.

 

Good luck with the zoom focus handle.

 

Leigh Hubner

Loose Cannon Films

www.loosecannon.com.au

[bobgilles]

I shoot multicamera shows occasionally and I have a little trick that saves my old abused body: First off I let the director/switcher team know that I am constantly reframing so I always need a "Stand by Steadicam" before tally. Second, if I frame a shot and he sounds like he is thinking about it, I step in to it and bring the post into my vest until I hear them going for me, then I go into my regular stance. I have been lucky enough to have my AC and a cable shepard available to me on these shows, so after what I am reading here, I feel pampered.

[chris fawcett]

I use a VOCAS zoom focus handle for TV work.

I used it to pull 7 stops between inside and outside on a recent documentary, very easily. Zoom control is subtle enough to hide in a move. Never used the focus demand.

 

It is bulky, however.

 

Chris