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New Kid On The Block


Andrew Brinkhaus

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Hey all! I'm a Los Angeles based Local 600 Camera Operator, beyond excited to be joining the Steadicam family. I've been camera operating for over ten years, and a few years ago added the Ronin 2 to my toolbox for lightweight remote head use, with the occasional handheld job. In the latter situation however, I would much rather be on Steadicam! 

I have training scheduled with Greg Smith (Steadicam Lessons) soon, and have started the process of hunting down components for the rig I'd like to build. Beyond that, I hope to start spending time in the rig doing music videos, short/student films, etc to start getting those hours in, along with additional training w/ Greg. Looking back I wish I'd made this jump a long time ago, but hey, better late than never, right? :)

Cheers and thank you all for the wealth of knowledge already shared here on this fantastic site. 

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"Undercutting" comes naturally early in your career. You do not have the experience quite yet to be charging what experienced ops charge. Make sure production knows why though, as you don't want them having high expectations. Also, don't take a gig if you aren't ready for it. Word travels fast which can either work against you or for you. Best of luck and you have us all for information and help. 

Also, nothing against Greg but taking a SOA workshop will also work in your favor. Many experienced ops to learn from, giving you exposure to different techniques from different people. Discover what works or doesn't work for you. You will develop your own style in time, generally a combo of what you have learned from the various instructors. 

Any questions, feel free to ask.

 

Edited by Katerina Kallergis
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Hello Andrew!

I’m another newbie Los Angeles operator. I purchased a rig and had completed the SOA class weeks before the pandemic shut down. 
 

I had a great time at the SOA class, but your work will come from your phone, not your classmates. I’m not sure who you learn from matters in the end.

 

Think about stabilization as you construct your rig. I wish I’d realized how powerful the Volt was when I purchased my Artemis.

 

Honestly though, I’ve been considering packing up and leaving town. Shoot me a DM and you can come try it on.

 

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  • 1 month later...
On 9/17/2020 at 11:10 AM, Rowan Byers said:

I’m not sure who you learn from matters in the end.

That statement is truly is a disservice to your instructors. Anyone can be great at a skill but not anyone can teach that skill. 

Of course, it is up to you to practice with purpose after your lessons are done. 

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Hi Andrew,

I believe we worked together many moons ago in LA - nice to reconnect! 

Awesome that you already have some training under your belt from Greg Smith. I haven't met or worked with him personally, though have heard great things. I took the SOA workshop as a student, and have since gone back as an instructor many times, including the SOA workshop that Rowan took in San Diego. Yes, you'll get a lot of calls for work, though I disagree with Rowan's statement that work doesn't come from classmates; the other students (and instructors) in my workshop have gotten me several jobs, and vice versa. We still keep in contact and help each other out if someone has an emergency or needs a day covered on a job. Steadicam is a strong community of great people that stems from Garrett himself, and maintaining those bonds between operators is as important as holding a good horizon. 

You can only benefit from taking an SOA workshop, as you'll get many diverse perspectives on operating. There are multiple instructors, and each will have his or her own way of doing the same thing. Listen to everyone, try out every technique, and implement what works for you. The SOA workshops are also a great way to connect with operators who may be selling gear, and/or meet people who probably know the person listing gear on the forum or Facebook group if it's not someone you know. You'll be exposed to a wider variety of gear, specifically at the SOA workshops, as they are not brand-specific, and aim to have as many brands represented at the workshop as are willing to send gear. When I took my workshop, I loved being able to try out an Exovest before deciding which vest to buy, and it also made me more comfortable buying a sled from someone I didn't know, since some of the instructors I met did know the seller. 

If you haven't already, get the handbook and read it! 

Be well,

Lisa

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  • 4 months later...
On 11/14/2020 at 1:43 PM, Charles Papert said:

Speaking of New Kid(s) On The Block and Steadicam...this was a long cold night 25 yrs ago.

This takes the cake, Charles! :D

As an update, around November of last year I purchased my M-1, G-70x and Walter Klassen vest (after trying all my friends vests, thanks guys!) I've spent enough time in this business to know you buy right or buy twice, so while that initial buy-in wasn't cheap, I did find a great used deal on the sled and the whole kit has been absolutely fantastic thus far.

I'm grateful to have been getting lots of calls and spending LOTS of hours flying it both on and off set, getting better every day. I look forward to also booking an SOA course once things are back to normal. Thanks all for the insight so far.

Edited by Andrew Brinkhaus
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