s NEWS FOR OPERATORS AND OWNERS Volume 4, number 3 Oct 1994 Steadicam

Master Series ™

Features and Specifications

Three Master Series" Steadicams have just returned fr om their highly acclaimed European debut at the IBe show and the new Munich Show-Biz Expo. Along with six others, they will be put into the hands of operators for a 6-week "beta-test." The resulting f eedback will inform the changes to be incorporated into f inal production in Dec ember (and as retrofits fo r these fir st test units) .

The Master Series™ program began eighteen months ago in orde r to provide a new generation Steadicam and to acco mplish the following objectives: 1. Improv e operator capability, stam ina, and ease of shooting. 2. Eliminate mechanical and electri cal anachronisms inherent in earlier designs. The Master Series includes both evolutionary and revoluti onary changes to the stage, post, gimbal, sled, arm, vest, battery, electronics, and monitor. It has been an enormous project, which, incidentally, has been accomplished by Cinema Products entirely on working capit al and without outside investment. Here are its top-to-bottom features, specifica­ tions, and materials.

Stage/J-box: Patent-pending smooth manual and/or motori zed remotely controllable " x" and "y" trim durin g the shot. Criti cal camera tilt attitud e can be changed on-the-fly by either the operator via digital-wireless buttons on the gimbal or by the assistant via convent ional wireless at Master Series ™ sled with the battery and monitor extended for increased inertia. Converter dovetails to base at bottom front of "K section." Master Series continued on p. 4 Page 2 and for Steadicam operators which calculates and stores the correct Camera Dynamic dynamic balance values for various Steadicam configurations. cameraC9

Balance What is it for? J-box Once you have weighed all for components for your Steadi cam and balanced them to mark their indi­ vidual c.g.'s, you can enter the data, and the program will solve for the Works 3.0 fore/aft position of the battery, for example, which puts the entire rig into Now available on disk dynamic and static balance. You can also solve for the position of any individual component Electro Ics/battery if the other s are known, and you can 24 A new database program is I Q9 vcr available from the SOA to easily solve for the position of the marked ® calculate dynamic balance. You e.g. of a "Mega component" such as I @@ can keep track of various versions the Electroni cs/battery combination I ofyour rig, so you can instantly for the Model III or Pro - even as you center of post add or subtract other components dial in the correct trim change riding with it, such as transmitter, when you add accessories or receiver, converter, and/or VCR. currently only useful if you are level change fr om high to low -mode. It You can move or remo ve any fore-and-aft. If you are tilted 5°, as is is currently available for component, whether fixed or moving typical, being in dynamic balance will Microsoft Works 3.0 fo r the with the "sled," and see what effect it actually fight you when you pan. Macintosh. has on the fore/aft dynami c trim Ultimately , we hope to have the position. program also tell you how much to Although not necessarily as adjust for each 5" of down tilt you are PC versions and versions adapted precise as a spin-test, since it relies on carrying. When this is done the rig to other common database and the accuracy of your measurements, it will actually pan perfectl y on your spreadsheet programs will soon be is a much more versatile way to keep current tilted axis! in dynamic balance as you change and The program can be obtained by available. you are computer If move components around and go from calling or writing Kathy at the SOA. literate, the instru ctions for the high- to low-mode. At the least, it can For $40 (check or credit-card), she present version are probably all save an enormous amount of trial and will send you a Macintosh-format disk you need to enter the f ields and error, since you can be instantl y in the usable only with Microsoft Works 3.0. formulas on whatever databa se or ballpark or better. The disk contains the database and spreadsheet you already own . Experimenting on paper with comes with instructions which, different component positions helps incidentally, are detailed enough to you get a better handle on the conse­ guide the creation of your own What is it? quenc es of moving various items database, if you don't have Works 3.0, around and altering things such as or if you prefer another program. In Steadicam terms, dynamic your post length. You will quickly Additional versions will be balance means the position of the come to understand that certain announced as available . components which allows the rig to changes hardly affect balance, and spin (without wobble or precession) others make a big difference. Garrett Brown around the axis which passes up the Future versions of the software and Jerry Holway center of the post. Dynamic Balance will also deal with another interesting for Works 3.0 is a custom database by opportunity. Dynamic balance is

Steadicam Wa La Ra Wb Lb Rb Wc Rc We Le Re LbM

GB lilA 4.5 20 9.5 10 26 -2 .08 23 -0.45 26.32

GBllla test 4.5 20 9.5 10 26 -2.04 23 -0.45 0 .5 28 -3 26.00

SK new NP-1 4.096 19.27 7.75 4.031 27.7 -4.61 17 -0 .58 0.42 20.27 3.87 27.70

SK new Bauer 4.096 19.27 7.75 2.578 27 .7 -7 .20 17 -0 .58 0.42 20.27 3.87 27.70

A section of the new database illustrating weights and positions of elements on different Steadicams · Page 3 Brant's Battery Options

Versatility, one of the major attributes of the Steadicam, is also a major requ irement of the accessor ies which support Steadicam activities. Following hand-in -hand is standard­ ization , specifically regarding a battery system. By using one battery syst em, location power requirements can be simpli fied. Since my original Model II sled conversion to the Anton/Bauer System , I have modified many of my Steadicam acce ssories to SnapOn Plates added to monitor and WRC 4 utlilize Anton/Bauer battery power. The first subsystem to switch pound s to the neck-supported unit but bound aries for customer service and over was my follow focus unit, a CP provides ove r 10 hours of continuou s support. For anyone interested in WRC-4 . The transmitter used to run service . modifying their accessori es, Chris and on those R/C hobby batteries, which Another subsystem to reap the Paul may be reached at Anton/Ba uer as we all know produced less than benefits is my video monitor/receiver. at 800 442-3473. stellar performances. An Anton/Bauer A full size QR Gold SnapOn Plate QR Compact" SnapOn Plate was was attached to the rear of the Brant Fagan attached to the rear of the transmitter monit or. Excellent run times of over and outputs power via a short cable to four hours are standard with a fulJ size an XLR input on the side of the unit. ProPac 13 volt battery. If the unit A Compact Magnum" adds 2.5 must be hand-held, I just use a Compact Magnum battery which weigh s a full two pounds less. For 16mm jobs with an Arriflex SR , a QR-ARRI adapter Next Issue allows using Compact Magnums as onbo ard A report on the the PRO from batteries instead of George Paddock. OEM batteries. The Jimmy Muro working with the Power Tap connector SK and the Robings camera for on top of the adapter lightweight, fast-paced shoot ing. provides video tap Shooting on the ice. power while keeping SuperSk yman and other flying the camera's Fische r delights. access ory port free for More on the Master Series, based other needs. on the beta testing. All these fantastic Part one of an inventory of mods wouldn 't have accessories. We'll need help on this been possible without one from CP, Seitz, DeRose, others, the support of the everyone. There are hundreds of items Anton/Bauer New out there that, quite frankly, only a Product team of few souls know exist (like a new, Chris Shurk and sturdy low-mode bracket for the Paul Dudeck. Moviecam Compact). Perhaps this Their continuing could be the beginning of a world­ ingenuity, dependabil­ wide database of acces sories and ~ ity, and accessab ility manufacturers that we could provide The ABC Plate on the back of a Model III expand the kno wn "on-line" to our memb ers. Page 4

Master Series continued from p. 1 Revolutionary on-screen displays Sled, a.k.a. "K-section": variou s agreed points during the shot mixed and fed as composite video Mechanical: Ultra-narrow - without touching the camera. from sled so monitor contrast doesn't revolutionary design improves (Previously we have been in the react to changes offrameline bright­ clearance, reduces fatigue, and puts analogous position of aircraft pilots ness. Monitor is replaceable without monitor and battery at the correct who must land the plane in order to loss of displ ay function. dynamic position for best viewing in change the trim!) Power and weight efficient (you high- and low-mode. Provides The new stage is low-profile with aren't carrying around portions of the maximum side and front leg clearance increased gimbal clearance and a tube not used in 1.85: I or 2.35 :I for operator. Instant, no-tool s monitor flush, low profile junction-box pre­ formats). Instant hand-adjustable inversion for low-mode. Dynamically wired for the next generation wireless image height for film formats, correct accessory mounting points. receiver/amp technology. Aluminum switchable to 4:3 for video. Monitor New no-tools Inertia Adjustment and carbon fiber , with subminiature tilts by hand around e.g. with no permits increasing pan inertia by linear motors and hardened linear change in sled balance. Carbon fiber, sliding monitor and battery apart for bearin gs. composites, aluminum. critical sequences requiring precision Gimbal/Post: Newest gimbal design with precision micro-adjust­ able centering, zero end-play, reduced friction , and new offset pan bearing for closest finger/thumb acce ss to e.g. Hand-adjustable vernier "z" permits exact tuning of bottom-heaviness in seconds with camera floating. Carbon fiber post has two additional hand­ adjustable functions without tools: post expan sion and coarse gimbal position. Wireless transmitter chip incorporated in the yoke controls camera trim with four button s (film version) or lens functions (video version). Carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium. Arm: Patent-pending Iso­ Elastic" arm provides even lift throughout larger range of lifting strength and position. Hand-adjustable lifting power on-the-fly. One adjust­ ing knob per arm segment permits fine tuning the exact float point and the precise interaction of each arm segment in seconds while standing or walking with the camera floating. Lighter, more rigid, less friction. Aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber. Vest: The best features of four previous vest designs, with new connecting hardware and roller-blade­ type cinching straps which provide instant relaxing of tightness between takes, and instant retightening for shooting. Fits small-to-large male or female operators. No-tools adjust­ ment s include length and armhole size and new increased vertical adjustabil­ ity of arm bracket. Stronger, more form-fitting. Industrial belting-leather, aluminum, nylon composites. Monitor: Unique wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio for largest display of movie formats - 6" diagonal! Bright­ est, sharpest resolution, best sunlight rejection, and highest contrast with filter molded into front plate of tube. The new vest. Nice locks, easily adjustable for operator or shot, clean lines. PageS

segment s, and the fine-tun ing of bott om-h eaviness. As I write this, CP is doing the remaining production engineering and also testing the design of several last­ minute items, such as the interf ace for trim control via the assistant 's wireless and the miniature dovetail to provide .5 inch of adjustment for dynamically repositioning the sled when you add accessories such as an 8mm recorder. There will be addi­ tional opportunities to inspect and try out units in LA, Canad a, and Europe, and on the East Coa st toward the end of October. I hope to have my personal Master Series test model in time for the Steadicam Workshop we are holding in Philadelphia during the week of October 10. If you have questions, contact Larry Enroth at Cinema Products or me at 215922- 166 1.

Garrett Brown

The new lso-Elastic ™ arm

and stability rather than rapid pan ­ per cent efficie nt 24 volt and ning. Car bon fiber, composites, additional isolated 12 volt aluminum. outputs. Will jump-start a cold Electronics: Internal wiring, Panavision Lightweight II. Plu gs modular electronics with digital in above its own special dove­ frameline and display generator, video tail, wrap s around the bottom of distribution am plifier (so your I volt the K-section at the center of of video is not reduced by sharing gravity. Aluminum, carbon fiber. with recorders, transmitters, etc.), Price: For the sled, arm , Standard on-screen "horizon-line" vest , and four batteries : $48,000. level indicator (the best we've ever All in all , the Master Series seen) driven by the new Bubble­ is the first comprehensively new Tamer" circuit. Video-mixer board Steadicam since 1976 and is which mixes all video inputs and designed to help operators shoot sends selected, separately-adjustable bette r, faster, and with greater displa ys to either the scree n or the ease. It incorporates several transmitter/recorder. patent-pending new inventions Battery: Minimum-envelope and is remarkably user-friendly. single battery system. On-screen Based on operator input from "fuel-gauge" displa y provides actual seminars on both coas ts and in time remaining under load (duplicated Europe, the Master Series is the with LED 's on battery). The 14.7 volt , result of an eighteen mo nth 5 amp-h our battery powers mon itor, design effort by CP , Sand Lake accessories, and camera under Design , and me. extreme temp erature and load lt specifica lly opens up a conditions, provides impressive number of new possibilities for running times, and most critically, precise and repeatable shooting, provides continuous on-screen including the on-the fly control assurance that you can get through a of trim, the inerti a adj ustment, kno wn number of magazine s before a and the superior monitor image. battery change . Pos itive quick-release The no-t ools adjustments are latch. Carbon fiber. extrem ely hand y, particularly the Converter: New design, high­ instant monitor flip, the "flight­ Sled with monitor and battery set all the capacity de/d e switcher provides 95 pattern" tuning of the arm way in for least inertia, most clearance. Page 6

should er break. I thought "Oh my, I Liz In Vehicle-Shot Accident could easily be paralyzed," but I had no thou ght of dying. I was eerily calm. Afterward, I was tell ing non­ stop jokes to the medical people (nobody was laughing but me). "

"It wasn't until the excursion in the ambulance that I started to get frightened - my face was two inches from the ceiling, like being in a coffin, and the attendant was saying comforting things over the radio like "definite disfigurement. "

" It was frightening to see Ann ie so shaken. It must have been worse for her riding on the back; she watched it all happen . After the third turn , we both ended up in the river with our heads pinned under water and we couldn't breath. We were strapped in with no quick-relea se, but Before the tumble. Note the plastic wrap and the restraint for the arm. everybody came running. I think I was unde r I0 seconds, but it seemed a Liz Ziegler survives rolling over same shot, but lookin g for ward as we long time and I thought, "Now I'm three times, being pinned drove through water, up over a hill goin g to dro wn." A wonderful grip with the river on the right , down a hill released the seat belt and got me out underwater by ATV. and then up along a high path bor­ first, and I yelled "Wheres Annie?" dered by a knoll on the left. It was a 4­ She was under a lot longer - she was While shooting a hard-mounted wheel ATY , low-mode Steadicam hysterical, but she said, "Where 's Liz? hardmount (built with speed rail) on Is Liz ok?" Steadicam chase sequence on the front , 50mm lens. I was strapped "The stunt guy walked me out of "Little Giants'for Warner on the front and my assistant, Annie the river, drenched. The medic on set Brothers, Liz Ziegler miraculously Macaviti, was strapped on the back." arrived, and the paramedics arrived sustained only a broken collar What went wrong? and then I started to lose it. I was tied bone af ter the ATV went out of "The driver was being so wary of onto a stretcher board made for control and plunged down a cliff driving off the downhill side of the midgets, with my head taped do wn in into a river. She gave us this path that he wasn't watchin g the case my neck was broken. Shock was interview after returning to work uphill side. He ran an inside tire up setting in (more jokes), and the medic following a three-month recovery . the hill far enough to unsteady the was shaking and the assistant was ATY and the shifting weigh t of all cryin g. It wasn't until the excursion in three of us was enou gh to start the the ambulance that I started to get This sounds like a potentially life­ vehicle tumbling." frightened - my face was two inches threatening accident. What happen ed then, and what from the ceiling, like being in a coffin, "Yes, it was honible." was going through your mind? and the attend ant was saying comfort­ Tell us about the shot and about "We teetered - everybody was ing things over the radio like "definite the rigging ofthe vehicle. aghast - and we went over the cliff disfigurem ent. " "It was a second unit chase and rolled three times down the "They took me to a very small sequ ence which we had worked on for embankment into the river. There was hospital, and I was trembling and over a week with director Mickey a moment when the camera was beginnin g to reall y hurt. They x-rayed Moore and cameraman Rex Metz. swinging, getting away from me (it my shoulder and found that the bone This was the last day, chasing after must have added to the momentum was displaced a half inch and hanging little boys on bicycles. We had done going down the hill) but I didn 't know down. Andy, the 2nd assistant on the the reverse, trailer ing a go-cart, and we were in terminal troubl e until the show, was wonderful. She came in now it was the go-cart ' s POY, the second roll-over when I felt my and rubbed my feet and put a warm · Page 7 blanket over me. She did me more good than anyone at the hospital. I was kept three hours and released with a sling." What were the physical consequences f or you and Annie? "I broke my clavicle - surprisingly nothin g else but scrap es on my arm. Annie was underwa­ ter longer and was hit on the head and pinned between a rock and the ATV with the Seitz unit jammed in-between on her chest. She had a huge hematoma on her head and some ripped tendons in her back. I was out of work for three month s, but I have recovered more compl etely than Annie." Did you have any apprehensions ahout this shot beforehand? Liz working off the back of the ATV "No, we had been doing it all week. You do the best you can to cover every "Watch out for yourself - the possibility and then go for it. I have maximum you will get throu gh always relied on my instincts before, workers compensation is $360 a and if I really didn 't trust somebody, I week. There is no such thing as lost I'VE MOVED TO ISRAEL have picked someone to go with me wages. I lost about SO days of work BUT on the crane , etc. In this case, perhaps and it hurts - as much as the coll ar­ I should have been more worried. The bone! " I driver was a grip, and we had a couple How is it being back to work? STILL of near misse s with little kids on "I haven 't lost any skill. Maybe a MAKE bikes, and maybe the sequence should little muscl e strength, but it's all have been rede signed - maybe a coming back. I missed work ing. I had THE tripod shot! Yeah! " a lot of time to think about this. I BEST Was there anything you could found it depre ssing, devastating to PADS have done to avoid this? have been that close to bein g crippled "In hindsight... things that can or even dying. Ann ie is still terrified FOR tumble, you shouldn't be attached to! of things... rollerbl ades, swimming. I I guess I never felt completely secure had my own doctors, but Annie had to ASTEADICAM but I went ahead and did it anyway. I go to Warner Brothers' disability think that the rig we built should have doctors. She had four-hour waits and set up so I could lock on with the legs. could hardl y walk. She still has back VEST My legs are strong and maybe I and neck problems, but she has to wouldn't have been trapped. But work or she could lose her house." --- rolling over was inconceivable. The "My life is made up of working next day I went back to look at the and I'm glad I'm back, but on the Call Rita at: situation again. Should I have other hand I realize I will have to do 516261-5003 foreseen it? I might have said "Guys, something else someday, and I have flatten the road out here..." and I been avoiding thinking about it. I need or might have insisted on a driver, not a to consider my next career. " grip... and a better ATV, with a roll Any advice for other opera tors? fax: 972-3-524-0257 bar... but I didn 't. " "Go by your instincts. Get a What were the business conse­ disability poli cy!" tel: 972-3-605-5841 quencesfor you? Page 8

Classifieds For Rent: Steadimags Kit cons isting of three CP Steadimags in For Sale: Steadicam Model lIlA. while shooting. 3 excellent hard Anvil shipping case. Rental rate is Electronics gutted and replaced 2 shipping cases. The camera is in mint $45/mag/day for SOA members. years ago. DeRose post, Donkey Box condition - must be seen to be Project rates are available. Call Brant and bracket. Set up for internal believed. It did not get much use Fagan at 203 762-8488 EST or by text receiver for Seitz . Byro video enhanc­ because most of my work was on TV pager at 800 772-4387, PIN # 730­ ers, electronic video-flip in monitor series or features and we either used 3509 (24 hrs.) for low-mode, DeRose frameline my Arri BL or their Panavision generator (works great with video package. $24,000 US. Bob Crone, 604 enhancers), 6 Steadicam batteries, JB­ 921-6500. 5 recorder inputs installed, extern al plug for Coherent transmitter, and a For Sale: Arri 2-C. Cinema­ few other electronic enhancements. tography Electronics motor base. JAR Please call for pricing and further PL & Panavision hardfront conver­ Tips &Ideas info. Kirk R. Gardner, 213 257-4804, sion, high speed gate , 1.85/TV combi pager 213501-2538. ground glass, Steadicam low-mode Tired of running on the sand, cage, Calzone case. Excellent condi­ bunky? For Sale: 35 BL 1-2-3. Body of a tion, $12,000. Also: Seitz Wireless At the May workshop, Jeff Mart I (rebuilt by Arri New York in '91 for Follow Focus Unit Complete! sugge sted burying a roll of screening $25,000). Some II wiring including Includes transmitter, receiver, separate just below the surface of the sand. It heater, electronic tach, and footage hard wire backup controller, 3 Heden keeps you from sinking very far and is counter. Pull down with quieter sleeve M26P motors (replaced drivers and lightweight. Best of all, at the end of bearings as used in BL III's. With 4 x clutches I yr ago), 6 batteries, 2 the day there are bound to be a few 400 foot magazines, TV ground glass chargers, Seitz motor amp with slave extra coins caught in the net. and Wide Screen ground glass, video switch, Cinema Products 3 channel assist eyepiece relay lens and modi­ motor amp with custom slave switch , Is you arm too weak or too fied Watec CCD camera, regular cables for everything including strong? eyepiece and pistol grip, Steadicam backups. Everything is in fine We 've written previously about low-mode handle, 4 excellent hard working condition! Priced to sell at adding bungee cords or surgical cases. Zeiss Distagon T1.41enses, 18, $10,000. Call Bob Gorelick at tubing to beef up or counter the arm' s 25, 35,50, & 85mm, all blimped and 310 915-0627. spring force. The elastic is stretched geared for radio-controlled remote diagonally from trunion to trunion on focus and iris motors. This camera has For Sale: Attention Model III each side of each section of the arm. been well maintained and has not had and IIIA owners! Get Real Power for The ride is a little rougher, but it a lot of use since it was rebuilt. your Steadicam. Replace your stock works. Unusually good for its vintage. battery pocket with the new ABC Lynn Nicholson from the May Lightest of the Arri' s, perfect for the Plate, (Anton/Bauer Conversion workshop has discovered an inexpen­ Steadicam operator who likes to arrive Plate). This mod allows use of Anton/ sive a-ring material made by Interna­ ready to shoot. $50,000 US. Robert C. Bauer batteries on Steadicam sleds tional Seals for NASA. It stretches to (Bob) Crone. Telephone and fax and installs in minutes. Improves run 600 per cent of its nominal length, is number : 604921-6500. times and dynamic trim of your sled. incredibly strong, and works like a Allows use of all accessories which charm. Alas, there are drawbacks. For Sale: Pan-Arri Ilc with mount on the rear rails. Cost is $400 One, it's an expend able, i.e., it breaks. Cinema Products flat bed motor in plus shipping of your choice. Call Often at the darndest moments. More Steadicam low-mode cage. Panavision Brant Fagan at 203 762-8488 EST . info in the next newsletter. front, four bolts and it's a BNC hard front with adaptor. Crystal speed s of For Sale: Panasonic AC outboard Video transmitter messing with 12, 16,24/25,30,36, and 48 frames digital TV tuner, converts any monitor your picture? plus variable speeds from I 8 to 22 into receiver for video transmission. Many Steadicams suffer with a frames for "improving" speed of Direct access keypad, video/audio weak video and/or video sync signal. running shots. Viewfinder door outs. Only 2" x 4" x 8". Sealed box, One option is to have someone (like adapted for video assist - Philip s list $190, sell $110 . GV-U5 8mm Seitz) re-work your video sync board. camera presentl y in place but a CCD adaptor for Steadicam (no deck) with Another option, suggested by the Watec could easily be substituted. 2 cables, $1,000 b/o. Model I sled, folks at Custom Interface (see page 9), Arri long throat magazines! Cannon upright battery, integral side-to-side, is to connect (short) the power ground Spheric lenses with BNC mount s, $4,800 b/o. Trades possible. Call and video ground/shield at the point 18mm T2.8, and 24, 35, and 55mm Chuck Papert at 617 738-9031. where the signal enters the transmit­ TIA's. All lenses have gears for both ter. With their Modulus 2000, this is iris and focus so they can be adjusted easily done in the 6-pin plug that by wireless remote controlled motors connects to the transmitter. Page 9 Shoebox Prompter

I felt bad for Rusty Geller. Come aluminum "bridging plate" which on, we all did. In Volume 2, number 4 spans the distance from the film or we learned of his trials and tribula­ video camera body to the prompter tions in Samo a while humping around front hood. Because of the depth of an old Cinema Products the hood , you can 't use a video lens CameraPrompter. I prayed to what­ wider than about 12mm. ever gods we pray to that I would I have purchased the prototype. never walk in those shoes. I guess I While the entire prompter can be prayed to the wrong god. adjusted vertically to different lens Listec Video on Long Island heights, the Shoebox sans mods is makes prompters. They were import­ too long and makes no allowance ing an item called the Shoebox for follow-focus. I've got a custom Prompter from England, and wisely made bracket that allows the focu s considered a Steadi cam appl ication motor to mount where it should and for it. They called Chuck Jackson, and not get in the way of other adjust­ uses. It should perform with equal Chuck told them to call me. ments that are part of the prompter. results on film shoots. Indeed, the Shoebox lives up to The unit is fairly light - only I had a sliding plate made at the its name. It has, I suspect, a smaller about 5 or 6 pounds. I have not tried front so that the whole prompter hood image than that delivered by the CP it yet, but there is no reason why it could slide forwards to make lens one, but it has several terrific feature s. could not be configured to run in changes and gate checks easy . It will take a feed of any computer- or low-mode. The image is not huge. The paper-based system via a BNC input. This "SteadiPrompt" has aced a SteadiPrompt delivers the equivalent One may obtain different transmission terrific job. I shoot Steadicam every of three lines of 36 point type, twelve mirrors - 60/40 may be better inside, Saturday on ABC's Wide World of to fifteen characters per line. while the 70/30 may be better outside. Sports. Without the prompter, It is powered off the sled 's J-bo x (12 Steadicam would have been Peter Abraham VDC), and sports a lightwei ght ABS cancelled after the first weekend. molded plastic hood. It also comes Live televi sion is great fun and the Ed. Note : The headline f or this with an ingenious lightweight prompter is a tool that has endless article is in 36 point type.

The New MODULUS 2000 MINIATURE VIDEO TRANSMITTER Shown actual size only 2" X 3" Xl"

POWERFUL, LIGHTWEIGHT AND STABLE! Perfect for ENG , Steadicam, and Studio : Any film video assist or video camera. . SYNTHESIZED TUNING Dial in any UHF channel from 14 to 69. OUTPUT CHOICES Three models from 50mW to over 1000mW. PLENTY OF OPTIONS. Audio, 9/24 volts, time-code and more. The crystal controlled MODULUS 2000 is compatable with NTSC and PAL video . Dozens ofunits can be operating on the same location.

PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS, AND FOR DEALER INFORMATION: (213) 222-2328

CUSTOM INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES, LOS ANGELES, CA (213) 222-2328 One year parts and labor warranty. For export only. Not FCC approved Page 10

you close one eye, the open eye is CoolGlasses your dominant one. You will have to get a set of As a Steadicam Owner/Operator, projector glas ses set up for your I am often introduced to new concepts dominant eye or you won't really be and tools that pertain to video able to focus properly or shift your viewfinding. With video cameras, this focus from near to far easily. When is not a problem, just hook up to the they are set up properly, you will get a BNC video out and you are cool. But heads-up display like a fighter pilot what about operating in areas where and will be able to maneuver the you can't see the viewfinder, or you camera and shoot any direction while have to maneuver in crowded condi­ still being aware of your environment. tions? You need a secondary monitor. It does , however, take some getting Even Steadicam, with its green screen used to. monitor, has its limitations. For one I wanted to test these glasses thing, it faces in the direction of under the worst case scenario. shooting, and down. Becau se its more of a challenge to For certain applications a new view (and not really as beautiful an device called Virtual Vision Sport has image as a Betacam or other high end great potential. Special glasses project Here's looking at.... video signal), I tried an Ani 35-3 an image through a prism that the camera with a B&W CCD video dominant eye can pick up as a fairly Hold your hand outstretched, and assist. I was able to distinguish the full image. The dominant eye gets make a small sighting hole to look frame lines very clearl y and operate assigned the major detail work in your through with your thumb and index without lowering my head to look at brain and the other one goes along for finger. Pick a target on a wall , my monitor. the ride, primarily to deliver distance something small and distin ct. Sight The Virtual Vision system is information. with both eyes open and frame the actually full color, so in some If you are curious as to what eye target within your fingers. If the situations (when you are shooting priority you are , there is a simple test. object stay s within your target when video or have a color tap) the subtle­ ties lost in the B&W monitor are regained. I think also this kind of eye projection system would be spectacu­ lar for hand-held, tripod, or remote shooting whenever you have to take your eye away from your viewfinder or monitor. Panavision is now playing with beefing up the construction of these glass es, and I hope to have a report on a pro set in the future. The present $1,000 price tag on these glasses may be reduced if they get good consumer acceptance. They com e standard with a TV receiver module, and with standard RCA and S-video inputs for sound and video. There is talk of a set of gla sses with audio and video input only. without the receiver, but it is not yet available. These are a con sumer item, so talk to your high end video television dealer about them. I expect that if Virtu al Vision glasses are successful , there will be competitors. There are also some very heavy duty models that the Pogo- cam people in Los Angeles are marketing based on military technology, but info sources peg this item at being very pricey.

Brad Hruboska Brad testing the system with an Arri 3. CREATIVE PRODUCTS from Band Pro by AC FilmNideo Technil{

Alfred Chrosziel offers a full line of advanced accessories to complement Steadicam®. Band Pro has always specialized in AC Film/Video Technik products due to their technical superiority.

Operator seltinqs are stored digi tally via pushbonons, Compatible wi th analog OC motor encoders such as the Heden, electrical parameters of the motor and mechanical bac klash ore stored digitally fa g uarantee accurate positioning. The compact magenta-anooized receiver features input connectors for Iwo channels camera O N /OFF and a multi-position antenna. Th e unit easily connects onto Steadicam .

Idler Gears Motor Mounting Interchangeable belween focus, Bracket iris and zoom, C hrosziel's Idlers are buill w ilh a universal 15mm The perfect way to mount lens motors, the .4, .5, .6, .Bmm Idler mounting bose [or compatibility Gears-from Chrosziel. With popular Wireless systems. • .Ii!' MB-26/32 Bracket snugly The li lweight gears ride on contours 10 the Heden and M ounting Brocket precision boll be arings 1h or siIk y smoot h action. far Heden M olars. slips aro und standard A red anodized cla mp slides down the rod and 15 mm iris rods. Adopter/ Exlender fastens w ith an allen/hex screw . Clomps.

Bubble Level for Green Screen Digital Frame Line Generator This is the ideal accessory for Sleodicorn Here's "a must" accessory for the EFP systems equipped wilh C hrosziel M-5 Gree n Screen. Digi-Pad clamps Green Screen and Fl exible Frameline Generalor. quickly and securely 10 Ihe side of Ihe This palm-sized monilor. This inlelligenl device eleclronic unil works ge nerates Iwo independent framelines with Steadicam EFP ;-.(~;.::,;,~ w hich ca n be moved anywhere on and is a snap to '\ ''-' '... G;-~ screen via a handy keypad . Select install. <>_....., ... from 2 line widths, and black, " .. . .. --­ '\ I·· ;....-.·~ ­ New M-5 Green Screen ond .. I Digi-Pod Frame Line Gene rator The Electronic Bubble Level provides occurote informotion to the Green Screen in high or low mode. M-5 Green Screen Chrosziel's M-5, high-intensity G reen Screen S~n~ monitor is idea l for use w ith Steadica m 3A and

EFP. The unit produces a bright (even in sunlight) ~ I PRO F I L MI V I 0 0 INC, 5" image. And the screen may be viewed at Call Band Pro Toll-Free 425 NO RTH MOSS STREET, BURBANK · CA · 91502 most any angle. W hen installed on Steadicam, TEL:818-841-9655 FAX:818-841-7649 the M-5 readily displays electronic bubble 1-800-835-5360 information. Capable of NTSC, PAL, and PHD ~ A S TIN C, SECAM display, the unit weighs only 45 Ibs. 31WEST 21ST STREET#6R , NEWYO RK · NY· 10010 and runs on 12V oc. TEL:21 2-627-3992 FAX:2 12-627-4113 Page 12 . SOA Notes

Kathleen Bowles was married back on June 4, 1994 to Bob Rued iger. So she is now Mrs. Kathleen Ruedi ger. Or Kathy, just like always. The SONs referral information service is humming along at about 15 to 20 requests per week. The level of expertise sought and the locations for shooting vary a great deal by job and budget. Pleas e check your database listing carefully to be sure that it is accurate and complete. If you have any questions please call Kathy at 215 CALL CAM (215 225-5226). Our rental service provides the bulk of our income. Please see the enclosed sheet for the items we currently have for rent. Our fax number is changing in January. We're getting a new area code. The new fax number will be (610) 325-9541. Right now you can dial either the old 215 area code or the Kevin Jones: 1956-1994 new 610 area code . In January, you must use the new 610 area code to It is with deep regret that we It reminded me that, as young as reach our fax number. announc e the passing of Kevin Jones, most of us are, we are also at a level Our voice telephone number cameraman and Steadicam operator, of risk in the face of all of the rest of and area code will remain the same, on January 4, 1994. life's abund ant hazards. Kevin battled 215 CALL CAM . From the earliest days of the the disease for three years and was Please send all material s for the Steadicam fraternity in 1976, when finally forced to give up Steadicam next newsletter directly to Jerry the first operators other than myself because of his declining stamina, but Holway at 448 Spruce Drive , Exton, went out in the world to use our he remained a freel ance cameraman PA 19341. I'd love to get your articles potentially hazardous device, I have until two months before his death. on a Macinto sh disk. Photos can be endured a continuous low level of Kevin was well known in Detroit, B&W or color. Call 610 524-5 979 if anxiety, waiting for "the phone cal!" and worked for numerous clients, you have questions . announcing the first accidental death shooting commercials, training film s, of a friend and colleague "in harness" documentaries, and rock videos. He due to a fall, an accident, or, as the was the mysterious cameraman whose pioneers gracefully age - even back appears in our photographs of perhaps a heart attack. the Pope's visit to Detroit. The Pope In 1979, Dan Pruhs, personal appears to be blessing both the 780 Parkw ay friend, Steadicam operator, and operator and the Steadicam at the Broomall. PA 19008 production manager of my wife ' s instant the picture was taken. (2 15) CALL CA M company, was killed in a helicopter Kevin Jones attended one of my Fax (610 ) 325-954 1 crash while shooting with a Tyler last Steadicam Workshops at Rock­ Jerry Holwa y. Editor mount. Dan had inquired about doing port, Maine. He's the one in the class Ga rrell Brown. Contrib uting Editor the shots with Steadicam, and I had picture with the red hair, the beard, Steadicam Letter is published quarterly steered him away from it because I and the great sense of humor. in Ph iladelph ia by the was worried about helicopters in Farewell Kevin. We will miss Steadicam Operators Association, Inc. general. you. Adverti sing: Classifieds: $10 per 100 words for Otherwise, I knew of no one in memb ers, $20 for non-members. Spa ce adve rtising our young profession who had died, Garrett Brown rates on reque st. and I was shocked when Kevin's Subscriptions: Free with membersh ip. mother informed me of his recent ',...,.. For non-me mbers , $42 per year USA , $52 foreign. , ' , ! death due to Leukemia. Membership opti ons: ,..,~ '~,,<," 1 ~ 1'''''' Acti ve: $150 per year, Associate: $10 0 per year