Sunday Salon

[Trevor Crump]

Thanks Tom, it was a great weekend, and they raised $140,000 for their efforts. I just love country people.

[Tom Wills]

I'll be back in 20 minutes or so - gotta go get some coffee.

[Alan Dague-Greene]

Trevor, were you shooting footage?

[Tom Wills]

Damn, no coffee left. Oh well, cereal will have to do.

[Trevor Crump]

Trevor, were you shooting footage?

Yes, We shot 8 hours all up and 3 hours of that was on the magiqcam, I am now stuffed. but feel great

[Phil Kindred]

Since the Salon--or saloon, if you prefer--is now open, I will add this.  Charity work is one of the finest things we can do, so do help if you can.  But this is my question--I asked it before on the old forum and got a lot of responces--we are all interested in building a rig.  What do you all intend to do with it?  Do you do it because it is a challenge?  For knowledge learned?  Do you want to be a pro operator down the road?  Trevor is a pro--why is he here?  I do it because I am interested in the machine.  I doubt that at my age I will be shooting a pro film, but that does not matter to me.  I just enjoy the process no matter how frustating it can be.

[Tom Wills]

I personally started it because
A. I needed something to do with my time
and B. I wanted to add this tool to my arsenal

It has ended up though that I do definetly want to become an op as a profession. Not exclusively though, I'm more thinking being a DP with Steadicam skills. (Directors - search no more for a dedicated Steadicam op! )

[Joe Sanders]

This is following a 5 year dream.
Simply: to build the best equipment in the world.

The X2 or something like it, is a stepping stone to generate cash and opens the doors to building a Motion Control Studio.

[Alan Dague-Greene]

I do it because it's a fascinating brain-teaser. I'd like to develop something worthwhile, then offer it to others in the area that are already doing interesting work, but aren't aware that they can have more flexibility with their shooting.

[Tom Wills]

Alright people, I hate to cut this short, but me and a friend are going to go hang out so I can help him with his newly aquired high speed internet.

I'm out. See ya.

[Trevor Crump]

Pro. a person the makes money or a living from what they do..

Yes I fit that job description. I started with stabalisers because there was none in our region, hell its been a hoot.. I have had the chance to go to other places, try other rigs, shoot on some wonderful productions, but none come close to doing something for self satsifaction. Charity work (any Charity) has got to be the greatest thrill, plus you are 'seen' out there. the amount of people that just want to know about the weird gear..

I'm here because, I like this place, I like the people, I like the Idea.

Good on you all.

Trevor

[Alan Dague-Greene]

Let me ask those who do non-profit work to take us in smaller steps: how did you get to where you are, and for those of us who are not used to the idea of donating our time, where should we start? I ask because I feel like I might be more inclined to be merely a helper, allowing someone who's doing important work to carry it out effectively, rather than furthering my own vision, if I even have one.

[Trevor Crump]

Let me ask those who do non-profit work to take us in smaller steps: how did you get to where you are, and for those of us who are not used to the idea of donating our time, where should we start? I ask because I feel like I might be more inclined to be merely a helper, allowing someone who's doing important work to carry it out effectively, rather than furthering my own vision, if I even have one.

I can only go from our experiences, we have for years through various business, donated some time/money to various charities, as we got into filming we shot on 8mm, 16mm, and vhs. we decided we would take 2 charities per year and offer our services, we have done this every year.

Steadycam has been a great experience, teach thy self.. I even spend some time on a treadmill with the rig to build up the body. find a worthwile cause, offer your experties then use the job to gain experience. We treat each 'job' as if they were paying top dollar, regardles of actual payment.

Need do go to bed folks... good night.

[Brad Jefferson]

Supporting a charity if a great way to help out as well as offering your skills and talents for a worthwhile cause.

I started out my video business with a co-worker of mine who already had video cameras, lights, and wireless microphones.  We both had a some experience with taking video, along with editing, but not on a professional scale.  We did do our research in the area to understand what customers would expect as a final product.

We talked with other workers at our company and friends outside of work and offered our wedding and event videography services at a lower-than-normal price.  After taking a few of these jobs, we then had a small portfolio (e.g., from DVDs) that we could share with potential clients.  Our lower-than-normal price enabled us to get our foot in the door.

When I worked with local charities or volunteer organizations (boy scouts, local museum, schools), I often wondered how I could offer my video services to help them out.  Their cost:  usually free.  My cost:  time and a few tapes and editing.  What I took from it: satisfaction of helping a vol. group or good cause, plus now material I can use it in my portfolio.  Potential customers may take interest in your pro bono work.  Plus, you never know what leads you may get from helping a charity.

At all times, do the best quality of work that is possible -- going above and beyond to show your talents.  Why go half-way when your name is tied to it -- and you enjoy what you're doing!!

[Mike Carolan]

Hello Guys
This is Mike In Sweden ....its nearly 9 o clock here Sunday evening...just wondering as I saw Wade and Joe are in ..What did you think about the socket block thing based on Robert Eders design
Mike