How have "they made it difficult?" That's just silly. And if you don't like the marketing... well... stop visiting red.com and reduser.net.
I was on a RED shoot this past Saturday, am dealing with RED footage all day today and all day tomorrow. I know several well-respected industry DPs that are shooting with one of the 1st 25 cameras now, and several very critical camera and lens tests that are taking place pretty much as I write this. I know at least 5 facilities in and around LA that have footage and are poking and prodding right now.
The fact that you're not a part of the crew for one of those tests doesn't mean it's not happening. The fact that you didn't buy one of the first cameras doesn't mean they don't exist. And the fact that you don't work at a post facility that is working with the footage doesn't mean people aren't analyzing and figuring things out. I was at RED this past Friday, and the first reservation holders are everyone from a student who was in the right place at the right time to some very established industry professionals.
I know for a fact that pretty much anybody who takes the time to drive out to RED in Lake Forest will get a very nice reception. They're nice people who are proud of their product and the work they do.
Phil - have you contacted any of the first res. holders to offer services? Have you been to Orange County and taken the time to make a phone call to RED and arrange a visit? Jim is there most days, and while he's a busy guy, he is very accessible and enthusiastic about his company and his products.
I don't see how they've made it any more difficult than it is to visit Panavision and see the internal workings of the Genesis... or to visit Sony and arrange meetings with the senior F950 engineers.
If you think you'll never get within 100 miles of a camera, I'd venture to say it could be because you haven't tried, and you no longer really want to try - for whatever reason.
Best,
Lucas Wilson
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ASSIMILATE, Inc.
LA, CA, USA
