Super-newbie: Introduction + Question

[David Hoffman]

Hi everyone,

 

This forum is fantastic and it's quite amazing to see such huge names posting here.

 

I'm not sure if it's OK to post such silly posts here - among all the pros around - but since I'm a super-newbie, I'll take my chances ;)

 

Quick introduction: I'm a huge movie-buff from Israel. I've been interested in (and done some) cinematography, direction, editing and score all my life and been a huge "fan" of the Steadicam since a young age. Although I've been very passionate about it - and cinematography in general - I only "practiced it dry", i.e.: "seeing the world" through the movement of a Steadicam and sometimes practicing funny walks (yeah, it's about as silly as it sounds). However, I never came to actually use any Steadicam equipment. Since cinema is not my profession, this remains an unreached field that I can only enjoy as a viewer and a spectator. I guess I will always be amazed by great camera equipment and technology, especially if it's done by excellent talents such as Garrett Brown, Jim Muro and Larry McConkey (to name a few). For the time being, it stays an unfulfilled fantasy.

 

These were just a few words of introduction about myself, just as a friendly way to say "hi" and give my appreciation to all the great talents who post on this board... and also because my zero experience with stabilizers won't allow me to give any contribution to the professional discussion on this board.

 

And now a short question, most probably far-fetched: Is there anyone on this board who can give me an advice on how a fan like me can study/experience a Steadicam equipment in Israel?

 

If not - are there any courses in Europe, which are intended for zero-knowledged guys like me? What price-range should I expect?

 

In life I'm on a tight schedule, but if anything like that exists and price-range is affordable, I might consider doing it some day.

 

Meanwhile, I'll stay as a lurker on this board and enjoy all the wonderful work you guys are doing.

 

Cheers.

[charlesneufeld]

Hi,

 

there is a section named "News, Events, Workshops" there should be information in there about workshops, otherwise do a forum search for workshops.

 

I believe MK-V holds workshops in Europe.

 

Good luck!

~C

[RobinThwaites]

Hi Donkey Kong

 

Firstly I probably should say that we tend to use real names on this board - it's a small community so good to be sociable.

 

We try to run 4 workshops a year here in England (although I had to cancel the last one due to venue problems). These are 3 day introductory courses and maybe what you are looking for if you fancy traveling.

 

Please feel free to contact me at my desk e-mail for details robin.thwaites@tiffen.com.

 

 

Robin Thwaites

Tiffen Europe Ltd.

[David Hoffman]

Thanks a lot for all your info, guys. I'll consider participating in something like that sometime.

 

@Robin: Yeah, I noticed many people here use their real name. I'm a shy guy :) (and not from "the industry", like the others).

 

I see everyone here talks about "workshops". With or without a relation to my original question: Is that the only or the "proper" way to learn how to use a steadicam, or is it just a way to introduce the equipment to people like myself (i.e.: with zero knowledge)? Assuming, hypothetically, that someone wants to be a professional Steadicam operator, not just as a hobby - what would be the "proper" way to do that? Are there long-term studies or only workshops and self-practice (how can someone practice without buying the equipment? renting it for a long-term must be way too expensive)?

 

(and again, sorry for asking such basic questions...)

[mattmarek]

are there any operators in tel aviv or other major city? could you call a rental house maybe to find out? get their contact info and possibly do some one on one private lessons?

[David Hoffman]

are there any operators in tel aviv or other major city? could you call a rental house maybe to find out? get their contact info and possibly do some one on one private lessons?

Well, there are definitely steadicam operators in the area, since there are quite a few TV programs and sport events that use them.

 

I admit that I haven't done a "full research" in my area yet. I just thought of asking it here - while introducing myself to the board - because there are so many professionals around, so I thought someone might know something. In addition, I asked this question 2 guys that I happened to meet, who were loosely connected to the film industry, and they didn't know were I can study it.

 

Maybe one of the possible leads is Accessories for Cranes for Film and Television, who seems to be an importer of such equipment. Maybe they can refer me to contacts in the area. I also found a Video Service that claim to have a Steadicam; I don't expect them to be very cooperative (after all, they make money out of their services), but I might give it a try.

[Michael Stumpf]

You can be "shy" and still give your name.

Most will "shy" AWAY from posts from people who don't use

their names as we don't "know" who you are and

if you are legit or not.

 

Welcome, but please "sign" your name in future posts

otherwise don't be surprised if you don't get any responses.

[Marc Abernathy]

and that post was from one of the TOP OPs in the business and on this forum....