Well, the new crane is almost done and I am really pleased so far. I should be able to test it tomorrow and maybe even post some footage. I am very excited!

Wow... It has been busy!

With the new baby, things have been on hold. The vest is underway, but I have had to special order some of the metal. Just waiting to get the shipment.

Meanwhile the crane is now on Version 4.0. Truly the best design yet. It now will set on any pro tripod. It is 13 feet of crane and without the weights and camera only weighs about 10 lbs. I will post pictures VERY soon.

The teleprompter is getting a new makeover also. It is now very slim lined and runs off of a netbook. We are moving forward!

Talk again soon!

My Appologies...

I know I haven't posted in quite a while, but I have a good reason. It is not that we are expecting. We have a secret project we are working on... I can't let the cat out of the bag yet, but I have been building props for Youth Rally 2009. I will let you know what I have acquired and what I am working on.

We now have 3 HD cameras in the stable along with the others.
1 - Sony HC1
2- Sony HC5 with underwater housing
3 - Canon HV30

My wonderful wife has bought me a Bogen/Manfroto tripod to which I have added a Bogen 503 HDV fluid head. It is GREAT.

I have just purchased (on ebay) a car mount for shooting some chase footage. Should be a trip.

But the newest project (outside of props is an honest to goodness steadicam vest and arm
This is going to be a lot of fun for some of the upcoming projects. Not sure if it will be done for YR 2009, but it will be an experience.

I will give more pictures as I get progress made. Also, can't wait to show you the props. We will post the videos when we get done.

Check back!

Mike

New Project & Look...

As we approach Vacation Bible School, my mind turns to videography again.  I have a need to create a new video for VBS, but looking past that, I also have Youth Rally 2009 in mind.  Now I know what you are thinking, "You built all of that other stuff last year, are you not going to use that?"  The answer is most certainly YES!  But for the YR video (which is right now very secret and under lock and key) I need to build a few new toys.  The first of which will be a Vacuum Mold Table.  Don't ask me why, it will be evident soon enough.  I have a plan in place and will start the build this coming week.  Picture and details will follow.  I will update you as it comes.  Take care!

It's been a long time..

I apologize for not updating the blog lately, but it has been busy.  Current project have been put on hold (mostly money reasons), but they are still on the table.  I am about halfway through my newest device - a 35mm adapter for my Sony HD camera.  It will give me a Panoflex look for my video projects, but I need to have a part machined at about $160 which is not within the budget yet.  :) 

There is another film project in mind as a follow-up to "Mission Possible" - I am still working on the concept, but it looks like I might go the "Future/Space Adventure" route this time.  I am still working on my animation skills and planning some things, but the test films have been better than I had hoped.  Not patting myself on the back, but pretty pleased non-the-less.  I will post some things soon.  Please be patient and check back.  I also will post some plans for some of these things.  :)  Until next time, try to avoid the daylight...  Wait, that's "Tales from the Darkside"  Okay, talk to you soon!

Mike

Camera Dolly is almost done...

I will post some pictures (hopefully tomorrow) but as for now it just needs some tweaking and paint.  It works great and is built do hold the jib/crane.  I am happy with it!

Teleprompter Up and Running!

Okay! Most of the pictures so far have been taken with the HC-1. This means that if I want to show you pictures of the prompter with the camera attached, I have to use another camera. We all know I am too lazy to get out my wife's XTi, so we will all have to just settle for these for now. I am very pleased with the results. I will give you more info after the first video (coming soon to a blog near you) Later! :)