I'd simply like to share my "pain" with all of you.
This past Friday I was filming a commercial for a large company, mainly for online distribution. This was also an intro gig with the agency that company works with, meaning a lot of well paid work is on the line. About 75% of the way through the shoot, I went to mount my Mark3 to my Varavon slider. Sadly, my ballhead for the slider hadn't came in yet, and I was using a 3/8'' to 1/4'' adapter from a manfrotto light stand as a mounting point.
So I mounted the camera, and it was just a few degrees off from being straight, so I gave it a small adjustment and turned around to address my client and crew. Then I head the smack. The adapter had broken, sending my Mark3 straight to the concrete floor, from 5 feet in the air. I have to admit, I don't think I've attended even a funeral that has been as quiet as that room at that point.
I turned, and looked down, expecting to see the worst; but the camera was still on. No dent, no damage to be seen, but the screw broke off inside the tripod mount, and there was no way it was coming out, rendering me incapable of mounting to anything. I had no backup camera, and everyone I called was out on a shoot.
I realized I had a choice. Work with the creative restraints and keep my cool, and hopefully impress the client; or cancel the shoot. I chose the former. Over the next hour, I used everything from a 9 year olds headband, to gaffers tape, and mini bungie cords to attach my mark3 to my tripod and jib.
The result? Well that's yet to be seen, I chose to take the weekend off, and not even touch the footage. An initial review a few moments ago shows that I actually have usable footage with a bit of stabilization, granted my jib shots were all rather useless. But from that point on, my client showed an absolute respect, was incredibly apologetic, and seemed truly impressed.
Ever had something similar happen to you?
Also... for your entertainment... the hair band stablizer. Kickstarter coming soon.
This past Friday I was filming a commercial for a large company, mainly for online distribution. This was also an intro gig with the agency that company works with, meaning a lot of well paid work is on the line. About 75% of the way through the shoot, I went to mount my Mark3 to my Varavon slider. Sadly, my ballhead for the slider hadn't came in yet, and I was using a 3/8'' to 1/4'' adapter from a manfrotto light stand as a mounting point.
So I mounted the camera, and it was just a few degrees off from being straight, so I gave it a small adjustment and turned around to address my client and crew. Then I head the smack. The adapter had broken, sending my Mark3 straight to the concrete floor, from 5 feet in the air. I have to admit, I don't think I've attended even a funeral that has been as quiet as that room at that point.
I turned, and looked down, expecting to see the worst; but the camera was still on. No dent, no damage to be seen, but the screw broke off inside the tripod mount, and there was no way it was coming out, rendering me incapable of mounting to anything. I had no backup camera, and everyone I called was out on a shoot.
I realized I had a choice. Work with the creative restraints and keep my cool, and hopefully impress the client; or cancel the shoot. I chose the former. Over the next hour, I used everything from a 9 year olds headband, to gaffers tape, and mini bungie cords to attach my mark3 to my tripod and jib.
The result? Well that's yet to be seen, I chose to take the weekend off, and not even touch the footage. An initial review a few moments ago shows that I actually have usable footage with a bit of stabilization, granted my jib shots were all rather useless. But from that point on, my client showed an absolute respect, was incredibly apologetic, and seemed truly impressed.
Ever had something similar happen to you?
Also... for your entertainment... the hair band stablizer. Kickstarter coming soon.