Tragic story

Paul Hudson

Paul Hudson

Vacuum Tube Member
Well, last night we were shooting the absolute last shot on a show that had been going on for 30+ days. It was a very simple lock down shot of two cops in c/u talking to a kid.

I didn't know it but our steadicam guy decided to go rouge with our b-camera and get a shot dashing of into the desert at night without a spotter. As you can guess he fell, hard, and now our 1 year old hpx 500 is smashed beyond belief.

It was then I found out the shows insurance will not cover my loss, WTF!!! I guess my insurance will have to pay for the camera lens and matte box.

Anybody want to sell a good cam, HD lens, and matte box?
 
i got a couple of hpx500 body to sell. bought nov. 09 used for a couple of films totalling only 40 shooting days.
 
Sorry to hear that. Hope you can get the insurance worked out. I noticed an HPX-2000 on Ebay for $9,999 body & viewfinder. Might be a piece, but the price is eye catching.
 
The guy had nothing to say for himself except he was not insured. I can still kick some ass but then I would have a broken camera and an assault charge. Luckily my Brother in Law is a great attorney and I hold all the productions footage. So I do have a trump card until they pay.
 
Hello Paul,

What a shame! Sorry to hear about your camera and the insurance issue, I can't believe they won't cover it...

Have you considered sending it in for an estimate? Depending on the extent of the damage, it could be more or less to repair it versus replacing it.

Best,

Jasmine Moore
Administrative Assistant
Specialized Communications / Noventri
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858 (US)
301-790-0103
Fax: 301-790-0173
jasminem@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com
www.noventri.com
 
An HPX2000 is a great deal for $10K w/viewfinder, even without Intra board option.
If buying a used Panasonic camera, you can call the manufacturer and they can look up the serial number to find factory service history. We almost bought a used HPX2000, but Panasonic told me that it had been brought in for water damage and the owner chose to not have Panasonic repair it. We dodged that bullet thanks to Panasonic's service records.
 
It would be such a shame if his knees ran into a pipe!
Can't believe the show's insurance didn't cover it! Good luck!
 
I had the HPX-2000 in my watch list and the auction apparently has ended with one bid.

One never knows on Ebay though. It could be a scam.
 
Very sorry to hear the gear was thrashed. There is actually a technique for running with the rig and requires extensive practice. The spotter also is trained with a certain way to bring in the rig if it floats away or the op trips.

1- Was the op inexperienced? And if you dont mind posting, who was he?

2- How come the shows insurance is not covering your loss? What was their argument?

3- Rental houses tend to change out their cameras very frequently, you might want to check with them as well.

I'll look in our community for a camera as well.
 
You're probably looking for bigger chips, but our HPX300 is still up for grabs with accessories.
 
Is the Steadicam op Ok?

Hopefully he escaped without injury. One bad fall with the rig can be an instant career ender.

And if the production's insurance won't cover your camera; chances are that they won'T cover his rig either. And if he's uninsured, then that's a major sting for him. Not that improvising an unexpected running shot isn't a bad idea; but gotta feel for the guy too. Depending on the rig, he could be out much more that the cost of a -500.

Rehearse. Every time.

- Mikko
 
emretufekci said:
Very sorry to hear the gear was thrashed. There is actually a technique for running with the rig and requires extensive practice. The spotter also is trained with a certain way to bring in the rig if it floats away or the op trips.

1- Was the op inexperienced? And if you dont mind posting, who was he?

2- How come the shows insurance is not covering your loss? What was their argument?

3- Rental houses tend to change out their cameras very frequently, you might want to check with them as well.

I'll look in our community for a camera as well.
Click to expand...


The Stedicam operator was fairly experienced. Why he dashed into the desert at night without a spotter or any knowledge of the Director, producer or DP is anyone's guess.

I do fell sympathy for the operator but this is just something you do not do under any circumstances.

As it turns out the production was not insured for the loss. This is far more unforgivable than a rouge Steadicam OP. His error was a spur of the moment bad decision. The production not being properly insured was a conscience error. Sometimes you roll the dice and win, but more often you crap out.
The production in this case did fine on the whole dice game until the final roll when it all came up 7's.

Now the attorneys are involved and the film is in limbo until the issue is settled.

Moral here: ALWAYS insure productions you never know when something expensive will be broken. Or God forbid, someone is seriously hurt or killed... An ounce of prevention is more valuable than a pound of cure.
 
phudsontx said:
Moral here: ALWAYS insure productions you never know when something expensive will be broken. Or God forbid, someone is seriously hurt or killed... An ounce of prevention is more valuable than a pound of cure.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately everybody loses in this adverse situation. At least hopefully people that read this will take lesson from your warning.
 
I know you said the productions is on hold, but were you able to rent or borrow a camera to get that last scene you needed in the can?
I don't know about you, but being so close and having a lose end like that would drive me nuts!
 
We had enough shot. This was like the fourth take on the last shot at the end of a six week shoot. Believe me, there was plenty of coverage...footage not insurance.
 
emretufekci said:
Unfortunately everybody loses in this adverse situation.
Click to expand...

Not everyone, I expect the insurance industry will get wind of this tale and use it to promote their products.
I'd get a repair estimate before hitting the pannick button, but if you need a cam straight away, just hunt one down , I'd expect any panasonic re seller would be more than willing to assist, maybe even with a loaner ?.

Cheers
Tom K
olinevideo.com.au
 
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