Premium Members Brian W. Hall Posted June 10, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 10, 2006 I did some searching on here for some reviews of the Maine Steadicam Workshop but didnt find anything. Basically I'm looking to get in a workshop relatively soon. My initial thoughts are that the SOA workshop in PA is better but I dont know when the next one will be. There is also a $800 price difference. The Workshops in Maine offer 4 workshops over the summer. I know any workshop is better than none but I can only afford 1 workshop this year and want to make sure I make the right choice. Any thoughts on pros and cons of either workshop would be great. thanks Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Dave Wowchuk Posted June 12, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 Hey Brian, Just a few thoughts on the Steadicam workshop in Maine. I attended the last one back in September, and found it to be a fantastic learning experience. The course was comprehensive, and the test at the end was a great challenge. We had two instructors, Jimmy Wells and Dave Taylor (Paul Taylor's son) and they were great. As far as gear was concerned, we had two Ultras (one was Jimmy's) two Masters, and a Flyer (I was fortunate enough to be assigned to an Ultra.) The location of the Maine Workshops was amazing (for a central Canadian like me.) Their facilities were great, accomodations and food were excellent, scenery was stunning ... what more can I say? I'm heading back again in the fall for a cinematographer's course ... I can't wait. The only thing I wished for was that the course was 10 days, not 7 ... it seemed like we all wanted more time in the rigs. I've got some cool pictures if you want to see them. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Gordon Li-Ron Posted June 15, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 15, 2006 As far as gear was concerned, we had two Ultras (one was Jimmy's) two Masters, and a Flyer (I was fortunate enough to be assigned to an Ultra.) Dave, So your workshop didn't alternate between rigs? Seems a bit unfair for everyone to pay the same amount and not get the same amount of time on all the gear available. In the end, learning proper technique is really what you're paying for but still, for the price I paid for my workshop...I would feel pissed if I had to use a masters the entire time when an ultra is a definite step up. gordon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Afton Grant Posted June 15, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 15, 2006 As far as gear was concerned, we had two Ultras (one was Jimmy's) two Masters, and a Flyer (I was fortunate enough to be assigned to an Ultra.) I attended the Maine workshop last August. They had the full Steadicam line, except for the handhelds. There were no rig assignments. We were encouraged to use all of them as much as we like. You might have to wait your turn for a specific model, but there was almost always a free rig to jump into and fly. The Maine workshop was great. Definitely worth the money. I cannot speak for any of the others, but I know they've been discussed in the forum before. A quick search will find some good testimonials. Best, Afton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members jay kilroy Posted June 15, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 15, 2006 The dates are up for the Fall 2006 SOA Workshop, October 8-13. Feel free to check out the site for more details, SOA site. You can always give me a shout either through email or phone if you have any other questions. jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Janetzke Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 My 2 cents worth is for the SOA workshop in Oct. We had plenty of rigs, an ATV, a crane w/walk off platform, and the Skyman. You train with Jerry Holway who designs most of the componets for Steadicam and you will most likely have a visit from Garrett Brown. The workshop is secluded and you get the chance to really eat, drink, and sleep steadicam. I have a buddy of my who attended the Maine workshop, he said it was great untill I told him about my workshop in PA. I hope this helps. email me if you need more info. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brian W. Hall Posted June 18, 2006 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 Thanks for the info. I did indeed search the site for "Maine workshop" and didnt find anything. Anyway I signed up for the Oct SOA workshop so I'm pumped! thanks Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Dave Wowchuk Posted June 19, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 As far as gear was concerned, we had two Ultras (one was Jimmy's) two Masters, and a Flyer (I was fortunate enough to be assigned to an Ultra.) So your workshop didn't alternate between rigs? Seems a bit unfair for everyone to pay the same amount and not get the same amount of time on all the gear available. In the end, learning proper technique is really what you're paying for but still, for the price I paid for my workshop...I would feel pissed if I had to use a masters the entire time when an ultra is a definite step up. gordon I should clarify my statement. Three of us were assigned to the Ultra, initially – and as Afton said, we were encouraged to use the other rigs throughout the week. Sorry for the "mis-speak." DW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Janetzke Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 Thanks for the info. I did indeed search the site for "Maine workshop" and didnt find anything. Anyway I signed up for the Oct SOA workshop so I'm pumped! thanks Brian Brian, Have fun, I think you made the best choice. -Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Matt Petrosky Posted June 20, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Here the website for the Maine Workshops, also known as The International Film and Television Workshops, Rockport, Maine. http://www.theworkshops.com/filmworkshops/index.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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