todd folts

I'm curious about what you dont like about the P2 system, yeah a 64 GB card is around a grand but its reusable multiple times, hot swapable, solid state, nearly indestructable, and comes in sizes of 8, 16, 32, and 64 gb... I have been on several several multiday shoots with both an hvx200 and hpx170 cameras and to be honest with you, shooting at 720pn (24fps) i could let the camera roll for something close to 4 hrs (with 2 64gb cards), the battery would die before both cards are filled. fact i made do for a long time with a 32 and two 16gb cards; even used 3 32gb cards and 3 16gb cards for a two camera shoot of a 4 day (all day) conference. off loading & backing up a 32gb card takes less time than to fill a 16gb card, but thats what a tech is for.

either one of those cameras can be had NEW for 3200-3600 at BH, a couple of cards and some sound gear will probably cost you around 5500-6000. then you have to add a tripod.... 5000 bucks aint much

in all seriousness i'd suggest to rent big (alexa, f3, red one) or buy small like a used hvx (they get them at BH at times for around 2500)....

I was there also. I wanted to be big time. and worked my way up...

I worked at small market tv stations, moved across the country, found an gig at a production company, took it and they folded.

that was 2000.

I have just in the past year been getting back to that position (w/o the tv station and studio). for me its been 7 1/2 long years of doing jobs (not building career) that just felt empty to me, because i wasnt creating anything. but life takes you places and gives one opportunities to grow.

Im not where i wanted to be, but i think i can see how to get where i want. one thing i've learned is that there is a balance between the free work (giving), the "low budget" work, and the "what im worth work". My goals have changed also. Now i just want to suport my family doing this work, and not have to work a "day" job.

my advice would be:

#1.) Go to LA

Work your butt off.

learn/network

make friends

work your butt off

help your friends

Be honest

learn/network

make more friends

work your butt off

help your friends

Have no Ego

learn/network

Work your butt off

learn/network

make even more friends

work your butt off

repeat as needed

#2.) don't give your self a long term "fall back" because eventually you will fall back on it... long term

sink or swim

#3.) dont give up (in other words dont sink)

AFI, USC, UCLA, etc... are all OUTSTANDING programs and you will gain a ton of experience and make some great contacts and in the end have a ton of debt to go with it.

maybe pittsburgh?