What do you do besides "Steadicam"

[Brad Jefferson]

I’ve worked in the computer field for the last 25 years, currently as an information engineer and data architect.  Some interesting challenges and experiences on NASA’s Space Station for a large part of the 80s (sat 3 cubicles away from Buzz Aldrin).  I’ve programmed in a variety of languages, databases, 2D/3D CAD, and even worked with punched cards.

For extracurricular activities, I’ve played ice hockey, done short track speed skating, spelunked caves in Virginia and West Virginia, and do volunteering at the National Air and Space Museum.  With a Sony VX2100, PD150, and HD Z1 cameras, my business partner and I have videotaped and edited a large share of weddings and special events.  Even though editing takes its toll, I really enjoy this creative part.

My goal is to build some video/camera tools (with some ideas from HBS) so that I can venture into some other areas that can enable me to produce more dynamic videos.  A stabilizer is one of those tools.

[Wing Gee]

I've just recently became a software test engineer by day. Been in the IT field for over 8 years. Film maker by night. I'm pretty heavily involved in the local independent film scene. One of the 35 show I 2nd ac'ed for won best picture and best cinematography at slam dance. (We Go Way Back). A Guy Maddin film I worked on last year is suppose to premiere in Toronto in September. Just finished working on a Super 16 trailer this past weekend. It's for marketing and for potential investors to get more money. That should be cool.

I'm trying to get my rig together so I can eventually become a OP here. Really, I just love to build stuff. I find it very rewarding and intellectually challenging while building. Now camera stabilization is main topic for me. from steadicams, cranes, and dollies. Anyone ever used a Fisher dolly? it's really cool and weighs about 300lbs.

Before my life got super occupied, I used to modify cars quite a bit. (Make them faster. turbos, nitrous, etc..) Played paintball. I used to own a gun that shot 15 balls per second.

Really, I just can't leave anything alone.

[Justin Snodgrass]

Wow. A great mix of backgrounds in here. I am a stay-at-home dad (harder than it sounds). In my free time (what free time?) I am an independent artist: painting, sculpture, etc. My passion though is indie filmmaking (2nd to my kids of course). My brother-in-law and I are putting ourselves through our own film school to accomplish our filmmaking goal. We do shoots to test and refine our skills, watch loads of DVD commentary, and brainstorm often. I think that to become pro "anything" all you need is passion. Everything along the "path” falls into place if you stay focused on your passion.

[Brendan Brooks]

Long story short, I went to Chico State and got a degree in media arts (whatever that's worth) and was getting ready to head to Los Angeles when my wife got pregnant (yes by me). Well I live in North California where's it's absolutely beautiful, and I didn't want to raise my kid in L.A. so I took over the family business (Auto Repair). I'm not that mechanical (Yeah, I just run the business part and have a partner who takes care of the mechanical part). A buddy of mine have spent about 9 months worth of Friday nights building a "Cody" stedi-cam and have finally finished and now we are currently attempting to achieve dynamic balance. I really think this site is extremely valuable, thanks to everyone who participates.

Brendan Brooks

[Michele Coser]

Slowly entering more the video/cinema things... i have done two small videos for a children school.   I'm triyng to create a small studio with some friends of mine.  One of them has already made various shorts, documentaries, some commercials...

Oh, and i was forgetting... this is not a work, is an hobby/sport... i am a flagmen, probably you have seen those guys during the winter olympics opening the other week on tv. Well, my group of flagmen is not at those level, but we are not bad at all. The last year we have made various shows (i think 15-20) usually in medieval entertainment and those type of things.

Here is our site, under construction.

http://www.sbandieratorifornovo.it/