AndrewDale

Dude, Mark Vb hands down

Ok, so I am a big fan of the various chimera products. At the school that I attend, we also have some photoflex softboxes that are generally used in conjunction with photostrobes. Now, the photoflex are obviously of a lower quality, but i was wondering if there is any major difference between them? Specifically, if I were to attach the photoflext softboxes to a hotlight, would there be any danger of fire or melting? -Drew Dale

Hey there Paulo! How's life after Graduation? Loved the trailer dude, looks quite nice. hit me up and we'll grab a cup or something! -Drew Dale

Wow, I never expected such a large response to this post. Thank you all for your input, and let me take a moment to address a few things. First off, I have been out of town for a while without internet, which is why I haven't had a chance to check back on this post and respond to the questions and queries put forth. Secondly, I need to correct my original post. It turns out that I had misunderstood the job and I will in fact be working as the 2nd AC, not the first AC, which, although quite fine, does change things up a bit. Now, there seem to be a lot of questions going through about whether I've worked as an AC before, and I should have clarified that this is my first PAID AC job. I am still in film school and as such I have worked on at least 7 or 8 short films and other projects ranging from the student level to semi professional as both a 1st AC and a 2nd AC. I do know how to pull focus without killing a shot :P I learned the hard way a couple of times with some bad pulls, but for the most part, I like to think that I have a pretty OK grasp on the mechanics behind it, and while I am obviously still working on my craft, I do have confidence that I would be able to pull this job off without too much of a hitch. Also, this is a documentary, and the portions of the doc that will be shooting in 35mm are actually re-enactments of a sort in order to demonstrate certain aspects of cinematography for students and as such, the pulling will be much more akin to a feature than run and gun. The actors will have marks and there will be repeated takes, things of that nature. Now, regarding my original request. I have a kit that I use when I work as an AC. What I was asking for was anything that someone might suggest that I had not thought of previously, some item that you had found particularly useful in situations as a 2nd or 1st AC. I always get the feeling that I'm missing something out of my kit and I just wanted to sort of double check with more experienced people to make sure that I had indeed included the necessary items. This particular job is paying fairly well, considering, and I just want to make sure that I am fully prepared. One last thing. This particular project is being directed by one of my professors and is directed at students. Its an educational documentary and one of the things that he insisted on in the beginning is that it also be populated by students, in order to create a learning environment on set as well as in the film itself. As such, he knows full well the level of experience that he is getting and I have not at any point tried to overstate my abilities. I really appreciate the concern and suggestions to always be honest and forthright in ones professional dealings and I am always very conscious of how I am representing myself to any potential employer. As you said, people in this industry have long memories and it is one of my more important priorities to maintain good working relationships with as many people as I can. I always like a good challenge, but its good to be aware of your own limitations as well. Now That aside. Do you guys have any good suggestions on any little pieces of equipment that I could use in my 2ND AC kit that I hadn't already mentioned or anything weird piece that you have found useful over the years? Thanks for all the help Drew Dale

Hello All, I recently scored a job as a first AC for a documentary that is shooting on 35mm film. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on materials that I could include in my 1st AC kit. What I have in there already is as follows. Orangewood Sticks Lens Cleaner Lens Tissues Microfiber Lens Cloth Canned air (with very helpful long nozzle) Measuring Tape Dry erase Markers Pencils Pens Camera Tape Paper Tape Gaffers Tape (for cans of film?) Pen Light I cant help but feel as if I am missing some things and this is my first job, so I want to be as prepared as possible. Any other suggestions on what I might want to include in the kit would be very appreciated. Thank you. Drew Dale

Hey all, I was wondering how everyones experience with sunpath is, and if there are any other types of sun tracking software that you might reccomend. Also, I was wondering if anyone knew of an application for the Iphone that might be able to do the same type of thing. Thanks

Yeah, I already checked with PS Technik. They arent making that upgrade anymore :/

I was wondering if anyone around here knows where I can get an ARRI SR1 outfitted with a variable shutter as opposed to the stock 180 degree shutter. -Drew

Does anyone know how to automatically or manually black balance the PMW EX1 from sony? (Also known as XDCAM EX1) I checked in the maintenance menu and found a greyed out option for it, but I havent been able to find a way to access it. I suspect that I may have burned out a few pixels due to some strobe lights and want to reset the chips. Thanks -Drew Dale

I was wondering what if any difference any of you have found when using the photoflex or chimera softboxes. I've used the chimeras before and love them, but a gaffer friend of mine uses the photoflex versions and I was curious if anyone has had any problems or issues with either. Thanks a bunch.