1st real job! might be over my head

[Gordon Li-Ron]

Hello,

 

I've just landed my first real job. I've been practicing and have done a couple of DV projects. I just got called for an HD spot. Its still up in the air but I am being told that it's looking like we'll be using a varicam. I have already been to the location and I have talked with the DP. The kind of shots they are asking for I feel very comfortable doing. Pretty basic stuff.... basically no room for a dolly. They want me to circle slowly around four people at a table.

 

The shoot is tomorrow night (monday). My concern is that I have never flown varicam and i have never had it on my rig. Also, because I have been doing DV projects....i haven't bought a bartech yet. So, in a nutshell I don't know all the accessories i will need to make this beast work. I am looking to rent whatever is necessary so that I can power it on and also power my accessories. I have a Model IIIA. The only cable that I have is the four pin 12V XLR cable that came with it. I would be most appreciative if you guys can let me know what I am going to need to get this to work. I don't even care if I have to spend all the money they are paying me to rent gear. This job iwill be a good reel/resume builder!

 

Please help! I really don't want to pass this job. Besides the technical know how on this particular format...I really believe I can do it.

 

thanks

 

Gordon

(925) 305-9004

[Frederic Chamberland]

Hi Gordon,

 

If your job is tomorrow night, I would advise to try to get your hands on the camera and accessories in the morning to make it work and if not, run to the rental house with your sled to adjust. As for accessories like remote focus and video sender, if you can't power them from the sled, I used to velcro an NP-1 battery with a XLR 4 adapter for such accessories in case of emergency. Cheap to rent a couple for that occasion.

 

Every time I have to face a new camera, I always try to go to the rental house to check it out first, it really is reassuring to get on set knowing you just put that camera on your sled earlier. And helps you put your mind on the shots to do and not the "too short power cable" or the "why don't I have the focus gear for that lens" or even (and I have sweat thru that one) : "my dovetail plate won't fit under that camera base plate"...

fly safe

Frederic Chamberland