Week one is over! The first three days were a little rough due to some equipment issues but since then, I've found my rhythm and it looks to be a fun show. This DP (who is a complete gentleman) likes to work the dolly. We use a lot of dolly and boom shots which I like. The operator, Jimmy, is first class. One thing I like about this cameraman is that he doesn't turn dolly shots into Steadicam shots because he thinks they're faster (see "Steadicam is Not Faster" 11/24/07). Dolly shots are dolly shots and that's how we do them. In answer to a question from earlier this week, I have used the cedar shingle shims. I think they're fine. It's more a matter of what works for each person. I have a pack or two of shims that I keep with me in case a crosstie is too low for a wedge (esp. on carpet, the weight of the dolly makes them kick up and hit the wheels). They're not the wide shingles, though. They're about 2" wide by 6" long. The wedges we make ourselves (or have made by someone).
I know the blog has been a litle sloppy and sparse lately. I'll try to get more done when I can. Azurgrip asked earlier this week what those of us who go on location a lot take with us. I think it's an interesting question, so let's see some answers. (This isn't what Azurgrip had in mind, but I take my Xbox 360)
I hope all is well where you are. Stay in touch.
I know the blog has been a litle sloppy and sparse lately. I'll try to get more done when I can. Azurgrip asked earlier this week what those of us who go on location a lot take with us. I think it's an interesting question, so let's see some answers. (This isn't what Azurgrip had in mind, but I take my Xbox 360)
I hope all is well where you are. Stay in touch.
D--
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you find the time to post while toiling on a feature. No way would I have the energy/commitment to post cogent thoughts after a 12 to 14 hour day on set -- but I'm glad you're doing it. Thanks.
The first week is always the hardest, and it sounds like you were tested early. Clearly you passed, though, and that's what counts.
Glad to hear you're having fun -- I wish you continued good luck on the show.
Sounds like you're having fun. I hope you're sharing the 360! Halo is only fun with others
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reply about the cedar shingles...I'm still wedging it as long as I can, but I did like the point about laying track on carpet.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Reil
Speaking of wedges and making them yourself, what is your preferred method for doing so?
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteTo tell you the truth, I had nothing to do with making them. My key grip, since he owns all his equipment had a bunch of 2x4s laying around one day and had someone chop them into wedges.They spent a whole day doing it. The old standard Hollywood wedges you still see sometimes are much wider and longer. Ours are just out of 2x4.
Thanks for the encouragement Michael. To tell you the truth, this one ain't that bad. The hours, except for today, are pretty reasonable and there are no nights on this one. It takes place in Alaska during the solstice when it's all daylight. Good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteAzurgrip, I have two controllers, but no one has come up to play yet. I'm working my way through Gears of War and Halo 3 at the same time.
On my last show before Xmas, the Camera team was notorious as their Halo setup was TWO 42" LCDs and two XBoxes networked for eight player mayhem at lunch and after work. We could hardly pull the guys out when Halo 3 came out! One day, somehow they got wirelessly network with the camera team from second unit. Oh, the carnage!
ReplyDeleteGreat story! I, unfortunately, have gotten no one to join me in Halo3. The camera operator has his Xbox, but his wife didn't send the controller. So I soldier alone.
ReplyDelete