Topics

FS Neumann KM 150

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:03:14 +0000

Up for here we have a Neumann KM 150. I used this in my DMS rig which i am now parting out. the mic is in great condition but it does have some very minor light scratches. There are no issues with the mic, i just dont foresee using it having two CCM 41's. i am asking $750 + PP fees (shipping included). Feel free to drop me a PM if have questions.

Attached Images

We lost our best friend Bob Gravenor today

Fri, 24 May 2013 03:32:43 +0000

A true legend of our industry passed away today.

Bob had a special way of making us all feel like we were his best friend, because we all were. It didn't matter if your job was director or craft service, Bob made the set a joy for all. I spent some of the best times of my life with that man while playing poker and partying hard at his house.

I'm sure Bob is still laughing it up and would have wanted this thread to be a celebration of his life by his sound peers. He did not want a funeral, but many of us have tons of great stories about him. So please lay some good ink down here about some of your own Bob Gravenor stories and I'll pass it on as our remembrance gift to his son and daughter.

John Coffey, proud to have been one of Bob's many best friends.

WTB: Portable recorder (Australia)

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:00:57 +0000

Im after a little portable recorder to complete my sound kit, Im after something to use as a backup with my 302. I would love to buy a nice Sound Devices recorder but only really have around $700 to spend.

Any help is greatly appreciated

James

WTB- lectro 211/200 block 26

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:37:58 +0000

Looking for a lectro 211 Rx and a 200 series Tx in block 26 ASAP. Thanks!

James.B.Appleton@gmail.com

AKG CK92 omni capsule for Blue Line/300b

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:01:56 +0000

I'm selling an omni capsule for the AKG Blue Line series of mics. Brand new in box, never used, and comes with all original paperwork.

$125 shipped USPS Priority Mail anywhere in the US.

PBS Goes ROKU !

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:29:32 +0000

I use a Roku box to access my Netflix subscription, and I just received an email announcing that
PBS has signed on - it's a free channel. The box cost me $70 bucks four years ago - I bought a couple and one for the parental units....

www.roku.com/channels/#!details/23353/pbs

I am ecstatic over this news - PBS World is one of the only reasons that I have to keep my ultra-Basic cable going....

For quality, production value, and impartial objective journalism and documentary work, PBS is the benchmark, for me, of the real promise of broadcasting - to entertain AND inform....

Things that have gone rather awry, IMHO, over the last decade.

My 3 cents, thank you much.....

FS - UM400 Block 28

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:19:33 +0000

I have some UM400 units on block 28 that i contemplating offloading.

PM me if there is any interest out there.

FS: SOUND DEVICES 442 Mixer

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:47:13 +0000

I have a sound devices 442 mixer for sale. All working, a touch if expected cosmetic wear from the petrol bag it lived in.

$1200 plus shipping.

Thanks for looking.
Sandor
Also have:
195d wireless x2
Audio technica 1800 series stereo hop
72 comteks (i)
Listen tech tx/rx's

FS: SD 744t

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:03:21 +0000

Sound Devices 744t for sale. Purchased last year. Good condition--see pictures.

included:

standard sony battery

power supply

2 X ta3 cables

2 X ta3 to xlr cables

$2800

location: Los Angeles

can ship

Serial Number: 460706179003

Drive Size: 160gb

Attached Images

FS Lectrosonics LMa/R1a ifb kit block 21

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:45:15 +0000

For Sale: Block 21 IFB kit for sale. LMa transmitter and R1a receiver. Purchased four years ago for a client that just had to have a set of headphones. Used them on set four times. That client is gone. They have been a bench warmer for me ever since. Time for them to go to a good home. They work perfectly. Never been abused, nice clean set. No cables. Just transmitter, receiver, belt case, and a Lectro soft bag. Oh and I still have the manuals. Asking $1000. and buyer pays shipping. I live in Orlando FL.

Attached Images

from mandy

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:21:41 +0000

Payment is on a lo/no/deferred basis.

Hold on to your wallets sound operators,

We are looking for someone to record high quality sound for our web series. And we are looking to pay you very little. It will be a full 4 day shoot and we can offer you 450 total. Our sets run very smoothly, we have water, crafty, and we don't buy pizza for lunch.

I could tell you that the project is a great one, and that we love working with people that work well with us on future work, BUT you've heard it all before.

Contact me if you are interested, please include a little sample of something you recorded sound for.

-Addison, Director

Briefcase Mixers - Cooper vs Neve

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:57:49 +0000

Sup Y'all -

I've been keeping my eyes pealed for the best breifcase sized mixer to fit my needs. As a production sound mixer/recording engineer/musician I'm always trying to get the most out of my gear. I'm looking to find the ideal mixer to fit the following needs.

1) on stage: in on eof my bands, we use alot analog samplers and prefer to have some mix control on stage. 2 track mix goes to on stage amps, direct outs to FOH, pre/DI quality a must

2) film production sound (front end to my Nomad)

3) additional A+ quality pres to add to my mobile music interface (ULN-8, 2882 + DSP, RME FF800, Macbook)

4) summing mixer: summing stems from my DAW for final mixes

key components are pre quality, direct outs, size and cost. I've never used any cooper boards - curious how the pre's compare to neves/API's etc. I've seen some pretty cool looking old 8 channel Neve briefcase mixers modded to have direct outs but they seem difficult to find. curious what recommendations people might have. Any opinions on the Neve 5060?

cheers!

MikeSound

Robert Redford Silent Movie Surprise Hit of Cannes!

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:05:53 +0000

Rut Roh...

http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/05/22/robert-redford-silent-movie-surprise-hit-of-cannes

Steve Wytas

www.audio911.com

An Officer and a Gentleman

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:01:30 +0000

A slideshow that I did to honor Taylor Hackford and our work together on "An Officer and a Gentleman". I gave this to Taylor to use at the CAS Awards Show which we all know he did not use. Instead, Taylor rambled on for 40 minutes longer than he was supposed to talk, got Crew Chamberlain's name wrong (called him Drew), and secured for himself a place in the record books for the longest running acceptance speech in history. In any case, I like this little slideshow (pictures provided by my wife Carol who was the Unit Still Photographer on the movie). Hope you enjoy it, or not, I think it's pretty cool.

Selling ProTools licence not related to any hardware

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:01:24 +0000

Hello,

I just sold my PT10 licence and already transferred to the iLock to the new owner who can now happily work with it.
We filled also the "transfer of ownership" form and here starts the hell:

I bought PT7 M-powered few years ago, boxed with no hardware, as we could do with no problem, then I bough an M-Audio Profire Lightbridge separately and lived happy for a while.
Last December I cross-graded to the new PT10 that doesn't need any hardware and kept using my M-Audio with no problem.
Then I decided to sell the software (that is not attached to any hardware) and a lovely guy bought it.
He just called the UK support and has been treated very rudely and not nice at all, just because the form is requiring to write down also the hardware and its serial number to it.
That means they are forcing me to sell MY hardware, that I don't want to sell, to him, that doesn't want it, and it is NOT connected at all to the software, so it wouldn't work anyway bureocratic-wise.
I just tried to call the UK support myself but they are shut ad before being treated like an idiot, tomorrow, because of their lacking bureaucracy, I would like to know if someone had this same experience and how has been sorted out and in case what's the name of lovely person we can call at Avid UK who can help us out with this issue and be happy PT users?

Thanks a lot.

Ema

RF Explorer (palm-sized scanner)

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:15:55 +0000

a palm-sized scanner. the spectrum analyzer is a handy and affordable palm-sized box that scans a range of frequencies and tells you what’s nearby.

http://livedesignonline.com/sound/closer-look-rf-explorer-scanning-wireless-world?NL=LIVE-03&Issue=LIVE-03_20130523_LIVE-03_716&YM_RID=peterlopata@yahoo.com&sfvc4enews=42

FS- Sound Devices CL-1

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:34:02 +0000

Sound Devices CL-1 for sale with cable... $ 275.00

Can post pic if needed....

thanks,

Darryl L. Frank CAS

d3soundman@yahoo.com

Documentary shoot - rigging a car

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:23:34 +0000

I'm getting ready for a five-week documentary project which is basically a road movie, and will feature long stints in an SUV. I'm planning on rigging it semi-permanently with a 552 wired to two (or three) planted mics. I'll use a separate bag for the walk-and-talk portions of the shoot, with wireless mics and a boom. The driver and the passenger –the two subjects of the film– will be mic'd in the car as well, but I'd rather rely on the planted mics for the driving segments.

I have a couple of concerns, which I hope you guys might help me address:

First: the plan is to start recording on the mixer in the "hero" car (which is rigged with GoPros and, occasionally, A camera in the back seat) when we start driving, and letting it record non stop. A Comtek will send a feed to the follow car, which I'll be riding in, and I'll listen in along with Producer. So, the main question is, how will I know if the recorder stopped recording, or if there was any problem with the recording itself?

Second: I'm thinking of planting two Trams on the sunshade in front of each subject in the car, and possibly a CUB somewhere in between them. A fellow mixer suggested having two CUBs, one aimed at each subject. I also read, in another thread here, that Simon Hayes used two short shotguns near the footwells to good effect. I don't want to make our stars self-conscious, so am not a big fan of that idea - but I welcome any comments or suggestions you may have as far as mic selection and placement in the car.

Third: A camera wil always have a shotgun mic mounted onboard, as well as a camera hop feeding whatever I'm recording. The idea is to avoid slates while, at the same time, having decent reference sound for dailies. We still don't know what camera (probably an ENG-type Panasonic) we'll be using, but there's a good chance it'll have four-channel capability - I'm planning on feeding the onboard shotgun to two channels, with different gain levels, so as to avoid extremes and guaranteeing useable audio. My question is, should I be concerned because the onboard channel goes straight to camera, and isn't being recorded by me?

Well, that's what I'm working on. I appreciate you all taking the time to read this long post, and I welcome any thoughts or insights you're willing to share with me.

Cheers,

FS: Cooper 106 fader modules

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:30:25 +0000

I have a handful of Cooper 106 fader modules that I am putting up for sale.

For Cooper owners, these are great if you are ready to finally add that 7th channel or if you simply want to replace a bad channel.

I'm asking $700 per module.

They are very easy to install. I will be happy to walk you through the installation if you need help.

I also have (1) Cooper 106 stereo module with full wiring harness for sale, also $700. (not pictured)

- Steven

SD 302 with Kata bag

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:54:33 +0000

Excellent shape SD 302 with Kata pouch bag. Very light combo. Minimalist and comfortable. 1200$

Is there a 3 Channel Mixer, 3 Channel Recorder out there?

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:21:26 +0000

This is something that I've always wanted. Anyone else feel the same way?

Looking for San Francisco Mentor

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:35:56 +0000

Hello,

I have posted a similar topic on this forum before but got no response. Hoping for a different result this time. I am a young broadcast mixer/a2 who is looking to learn the art of location mixing and recording. I have been getting a steady flow of reality and corporate gigs, but if I had the opportunity to do a job with more than a few lavs I would not be prepared.

I am hoping to find an experienced mixer in the Bay Area to show me the ropes. I'd love to stop by a set and 2nd or 3rd for a day, but even an email dialogue with a successful local mixer would be awesome. Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks.

Haskell Wexler talks about "Medium Cool"

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:46:14 +0000

My father talks about the origins of "Medium Cool" as part of the Criterion release of his groundbreaking movie.

Lemo vs Ptap/Dtap

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:56:55 +0000

I'm working on a new power solution that rides on the back of one of our video rigs to help clean up our power/multiple battery needs ahead of going to haiti in a week. We typically run a pix 240 and a bunch of other camera accessories, and I can't seem to make up my mind about if the entire power solution should be designed around using lemo plugs or ptap/dtap connections. It seems that most of the battery plates with multiple connections are using lemo, but I can't decide if it's worth the extra cost, verse using the 1-4 ptap multi connector, or the sandwich adapter. Any suggestions as to the positives or negatives of using one connector over the other would be helpful.

We are a completely in-house production unit, so I have the ability to spec the entire system as opposed to having to adapt to someone else's.

Zaxcom IFB and nomad

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:46:03 +0000

I currently using Nomad lite as recorder and old comtek as IFB . Recently , i would like to upgrade my IFB . I noticed the ERX2 can been accepting audio from Zaxnet , so does it mean i caould upgrade my nomad to Nomad 10 or nomad 6( now no more available ) ? I can transmitting the IFB audio direct form my nomad to ERx2? It will save a lot from buying a IFB 100 /200 transmitter.

is the range good for IFb , or i do need IFB 100 or 200 for IFB audio transferring?

and what eaxctly the upgrade cost now from Nomad lite to next verson , since the product line change, the previous info can not applied.

and for camera link , same ? can use nomad directly transferring audio feed?

thanks a lot .

Jacky

WTB: Timecode Slate

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:21:36 +0000

Hi all.

Looking to buy a used timecode slate in "very good" or "good" condition. Also looking for the right cables to jam sync the Alexa and the Sony F5. Please PM me.

Thanks in advance!

FS: Sound Devices 302 with Petrol bag

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:17:03 +0000

Used 302 with used petrol bag. Mixer is in full working order SN 400808102010

Mixer has been used off and on for a while, but is still in good shape and ready for work.

I'm selling because it sits in my office more than it gets used.

$900 with bag, and will not sell separately. Mixer alone retails new for $1599.

Buyer pays all shipping costs from Phoenix & will ship after funds clear. Please PM if interested, thanks.

Cheers,

Attached Images

BOUGHT: LECTRO r1a Receiver *delete!

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:55:46 +0000

bought

Is it wierd that

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:13:32 +0000

I found this auction on ebay from TAI Audio...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LECTROSONICS-HM-DIGITAL-HYBRID-WIRELESS-UHF-PLUG-ON-TRANSMITTER-BLOCK-21-/111074526135?pt=US_Other_Pro_Audio&hash=item19dc8ec3b7

Am I missing something here?? Because they are listing this for almost $400 more than with the other "Usuals" sell it for..

ex.. http://www.trewaudio.com/store/Lectrosonics-HM-Plug-On-Transmitter.html

TAI doesnt list their prices (which is annoying).

I was under the impression that the authorized resellers of lectro would maintain price consistency because its such a small market...Maybe I was mis-informed.

695 Quarterly Shout Out.

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:44:07 +0000

I always enjoy receiving my issue of the 695 Quarterly and this new one is no exception. All of it was good as usual but I really enjoyed Mark Ulano's message. It is indeed a new day for us and all the crafts in film making. Good read. Thanks to the team that puts it out. Big fan.

CrewC

Magliner Sound Cart

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:35:22 +0000

Offers?

Full production magliner sound cart with three levels of shelves and drawer, drilled for cabling.

Book of Mormon optional!

mickfowlerproductions@gmail.com

Attached Images

FS: lectro block 26 UT400

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:30:18 +0000

Block 26 UT400 with cardioid capsule. Excellent clean shape with case. 625.
Selling as i never ended up putting it to proper use. Looking for new owner that will put it to work.

SMa Connects, No audio

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:01:13 +0000

Hey all,

I've got an SMa on set here - connecting to UCR-411a.

I'm getting levels on the transmitter (so the lav is fine) as well as full RF on the receiver, but no audio on receiver. I've checked all the settings on the receiver and can't find anything wrong. Also sent to a different receiver and had the same problem. Different freq, no change...

Any thoughts?

WTS: Pelican 1651 replacement foam for 1650 case

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:43:06 +0000

I just bought a Pelican case and am putting in internal dividers/lid organizer so I have a brand new 4pc set of foam for sale.

Cheapest I've found online is $70, so let's say $45 + shipping.

WTB Pelican 1655 internal dividers / 1659 Lid Organizer

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:38:44 +0000

I just bought a Pelican 1650 case and want to purchase the 1655 internal dividers and 1659 lid organizer. Before buying new I was wondering if anyone had used ones for sale.

Thanks.

Wtb/iso Aeta mixy

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:11:51 +0000

Looking to find a aeta mixy. 3 channel analog /digital mixer. Let me know if you have one you want to sell.
Thanks, Pat

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD

Rode blimp with amazon credit?

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:05:45 +0000

I wish i could quote the whole thing, but theres A review on US amazon from a Ron M claiming the Rode blimp is the best zeppelin system. He begins by mentioning that he has tried them all, literally hundreds.

First, are you Ron m? We don't have a registered Ron?

Second the review says nothing of transparency of sound, its wind dampening, nor it's LF behavior. Where would you rank this "best" wind system in regards to results?

I have amazon credit I thought I'd explore, but I only see k-tek and pro? On the site

Cheers!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Looking for: small, basic Bell+light system

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:39:08 +0000

hoping for a donation (with receipt for tax purposes) as one of my schools has redone a photo stage to be a decent sound-stage. there are two entrance doors, so need 2 x wig-wag's, and one bell along with base electronics (AC powered) and a remote control ...

anyone..?

PM OK...

Booster12 on Cantar X Line In

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:25:56 +0000

Hello Again!

For my next gig I want to record 2 boom mics and 4 audio ltd. 2040 radio mics to a Cantar-X2 (which has 5 mic ins...). As many stated here earlier (e.g. post #28 http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?/topic/14069-audio-ltd-2040-transmitterreceiver-vs-audio-ltd-cxir-with-mini-tx/?hl=audio+ltd) it would generally be best to use the 2040s at line level by using the unbalanced and phase inverted headphone out of the Rx's and wiring these to the 4 line ins of the cantar (that way having all 5 mic ins free for booms and other stuff). Unfortunately the rental doesnt support this setup, their cables use the balanced mic output of the 6 pin lemo connector and they are not really keen on changing the cables. They say I should use the aaton booster12 at one of the cantar-x line ins (1/2 or 3/4) in order to somewhat boost the mic level of two Rx's and handle them on line ins while the other two Rx's go to regular mic ins. While this is certainly not an optimal workaround, my first question was if its possible to use the booster in that way at all. The aaton booster12 (http://www.aaton.com/products/sound/cantar/booster12.php) is specifically designed to boost the stereo line OUT of the cantar by +12dB. Unfortunately I cant find any information as to how this boost is physically achieved (does the line out supply some kind of dc power to run the booster??) in order to understand wether that design would allow for an application on the line ins. Could anybody clarify this and/or even check on a Cantar?

Thanks in advance!

secure mounting of a plugon

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:09:24 +0000

I use my TRX742 right on top of the pole. The connection between just the TRX´s female XLR and the counterpart on my various mic mounts doesn´t feel very secure. There is just too much play. It even makes noise.

With my Panamic pole I use some velcro on both sides.

I was wondering if anyone found a clever solution to get a better grip?

Sennheiser´s SKP got that very nice secure ring. Neutrik even offers that as a standalone connector - unfortunately female only. I would need a male version as I don´t want to DIY my TRX ...

Attached Images

FS: Peter Engh extension cable quick release /XLR7F to XLR7M / 50'

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:01:04 +0000

I have for sale a gently used Peter Engh extension cable - 50 Feet.

Neutrik 7-pin connections on Quick Release points.

I purchased this a few years ago used from a fellow sound mixer.

Pictures are of the actual item selling.

$150 USPS Priority Mail shipped.

Please contact me with any questions.

I prefer to sell within the US.

Thank You for your time,

Greg

Attached Images

100 Films | 100 Behind the Scenes Photos (1931-2012)

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:56:57 +0000

100 Films | 100 Behind the Scenes Photos (1931-2012)

http://imgur.com/a/Ep395

Cine Gear Expo - 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:52:12 +0000

If you're in the Los Angeles area May 31st - June 2nd and would like to see Trew Audio at Cine Gear Expo, stop by booth #153.

FREE online registration ends May 25. 2013 10:00am PDT after that time $ 25.00 at the door.

Link to register: https://www.speedbadge.com/sreg2.php?s=cinegear

Map of show floor: http://www.mapyourshow.com/shows/index.cfm?show_id=cge13

Show details.

The Studios at Paramount
Hollywood, CA 90038
(No Entrance at the Front Gate on Melrose)

Exhibition and Premiere Seminars
Friday, May 31, 2013 – Hours: 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 1, 2013 – Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Film Series at Cine Gear Expo
Thursday, May 30, 2013 – Hours: TBD
Friday, May 31, 2013 – Hours: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Reception)

Master Class Seminars
Sunday, June 2, 2013 – Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (various Hollywood locations)

Parking
Parking will be available in the following Paramount Parking Structures:
Gower (801 N. Gower)
Van Ness (783 Van Ness)
Lemon Grove (5675 Lemon Grove)

Oktava Low End Rumble with HPF

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:48:13 +0000

Hello,

I am using an Oktava MK-012 with the Hyper Cardiod capsule plus the HPF and I get a really low end rumble (I think around 20Hz) when it is mounted on a boom , do you have this issue as well.

I do not get to overload the preamps with handling noise since I am using the HPF but it seems really strange to me that almost all my recording have this low end noise that is not even audible but is really present.

Should not the HPF remove the low-end? why they are still there? Should I use the HPF on my mixer as well or there is a problem with my microphone?

Thanks.

Lithium Polymer batteries

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:56:41 +0000

Hello all,

I'm making a minimal-pack trip to the USA and have been looking for an alternative to the usual NP-1 suspects with regard to batteries. I've come across a company called Tracer

(http://www.deben.com/tracer-battery-packs.html) which makes LiPo packs for the hunting community and at a reasonable price, 8AH/12v for around US$160, which seems like a good deal. I'm just wondering of anyone has any experience of using this type of battery on a home-brew BDS, or straight powering and, if so, if there's anything I should know about.

It'll be used to power my ST450, which only uses 7 Watts, so it should give me a decent length of time per charge.

Any information or caveats much appreciated.

Thanks,

John

Equipment advice

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:36:03 +0000

Hi,

During my time in film college I found myself always being asked to be sound operator on our projects, hence earning me the title "sound guy" so now that I am finished college and wish to specialise in sound I guess it's time for this "sound guy" to get some proper equipment.

My very small kit is as follows

Zoom h4n
Rode ntg-3
Senheiser g2 x2
Sound devices 302 (ordering soon)

So is there any other essentials you guys could recommend to a guy starting out? So I can get some work or even be considered for work. We all have to start someplace,

Thanks guys

Meon LiFe Update Available

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:04 +0000

Remote Audio is now offering an update for all Meon LiFe units manufactured before April 15, 2013. The update ensures reliable switching to/from battery power in the event of a brown out or similar AC power irregularity. The update is also beneficial in certain circumstances when the Meon LiFe is used in conjunction with a gas powered generator or power conditioning device (e.g. Furman).

Parts and installation will be free of charge. Customers will be responsible for all shipping charges. Service will be performed at Remote Audio’s main office in Nashville, TN. Customers in the Los Angeles, CA area may alternatively bring their unit to Trew Audio’s LA location, an authorized Remote Audio service center.

If you are interested in getting the update, please contact our main office first for a Return Authorization number and further information. You can contact us at 615-256-3513 or info@remoteaudio.com. Please have your unit’s serial number ready when you contact us.

Thank you.

Same problem, expressed by a crew wife.

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:21:11 +0000

Another perspective of the same serious problem.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wife-of--Nashville--Crew-Member-Speaks-Out-on-State-of-Industry.html?soid=1102118098353&aid=4lfhJJ8tEeU

Wife Of 'Nashville' Crew Member Speaks Out On Industry

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:01:52 +0000

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:30am | Newsroom

Category:

Santa Clarita News

By Micaela Bensko

A letter to our entertainment industry:

I probably shouldn't be writing this. I have always prided my tight lips after a steamy episode of pillow talk. Too many things happen during my husband's day that could easily end up in The Enquirer. But this isn't about gossip. It's about heads that rarely get to fall on a pillow.

Ten months ago, my husband Don was tapped as Production Supervisor of the most touted new show on television, "Nashville" on ABC, created by Callie Khouri, Oscar-winning writer of "Thelma and Louise." This show was hot. But not in Cleveland. It was in Nashville. The last time I hit Music City was as a young and struggling songwriter who couldn't catch a break.

Now we sat atop my favorite skyline, complete with the Batman Building. (It's not really Batman's, it just looks like Batman.)

With our family based in Los Angeles, the experience of being bi-coastal sounded romantic. And it was for a while. Until I witnessed how hard the crew worked. The 14-20 hour days with an unrelenting schedule due to issues beyond their control. (I have since been corrected by my husband that he rarely worked twenty-hour days. Nineteen, yes.) Don is no stranger to production hours or studio dynamics, his resume includes Co-Producer of Big Love Don was the Production Supervisor of "Nashville". Every square-inch of every set, location, stage, is because of a dedicated team led in part by him and Line Producer Loucas George.

Until last week that is.

You know you've made it in Hollywood, when a studio replaces your team, and doesn't even bother to call.

We have always been fortunate. In a business where many rarely find work, the work has always found my husband. Because Don is good. He is real. He will never tell you what you want to hear when fifty million dollars is at stake. He will tell you what you need to hear. And that's why he is unique. He does not schmooze anyone. Networking is not his thing.

His thing is family. He lives for stolen moments, when he kisses his children on the top of their heads and holds me in his arms. Because these moments are his fuel. For working days when lunch comes at midnight.

Season One of "Nashville" was a blessing in many ways. One of my dear friends, Judith Hoag, was cast as Connie Britton's sister Tandy, so it was a special event in my life on a personal level.

The show itself, however, faced challenges. Nashville was a town unrigged for the immediacy of needs by a television series. Lionsgate had never done a network series. It had a star who worried, and a creator who cared so much it broke his heart, a community that was filled with pride, a small cafe with bluebirds that became famous overnight, and in the midst of it all, a life on the crew was almost lost; It happened during a string of endless and exhausting shoot days. This is not new to production, but a string of delayed scripts and tripping storylines kept everyone on edge. Then one of our crew lost his footing while rigging for a huge arena shoot at The Bridgestone Arena. He fell twenty feet and could have died. So he could make a living.

I met Don when he was an accountant on a small, untested pilot called "Arrested Development." He had a vision for his future, to work his way up the ladder. Don doesn't say much that doesn't happen. Like the night we sat at Puckett's in Franklin and he shared his concern for this show we loved, that could lose its way if it wasn't careful, if certain people would only care more. Livelihoods were compromised by the shuffling of decisions back in Los Angeles. Decisions made by men and women in suits behind desks who didn't know the right questions to ask.

Don has already been offered other shows, some closer to home, so I can fold into his arms more often. I am writing because something needs to change in an industry we have loved as a family. Television is a fascinating medium when studios and production teams are on the same page. But what about when they aren't, which is now so often the norm? It becomes a cliche. Bringing good stories to life was and is a dream for so many young people who reach for the stars, only to realize the Heavens were moved to another location. And the humanity in the process has been lost.

Why aren't shooting hours regulated, so men don't fall from the sky? Why is it that so may suits who are home by dinnertime to see their children, seem incapable of caring about people as much as their numbers? We need to look at this, because in the end, we are all just trying to experience something real. Even if it's only make believe.

The studios will argue they must shoot long hours because of their budget, the deadlines, the people that call them at midnight. The reality is, nothing is important when the humanity in the process is lost. When the writers' hands are tied. And when the very people who broke their backs to create something special were never even told they were being replaced. Like my husband and Loucas George. Not a phone call or a thank you for all they had done.I am so tired of seeing the emotional toll the industry takes on so many in production and on the crew who work so hard all for a paycheck and a wrap party they are too exhausted to attend.

I do not begrudge the studio for its decision to make changes, I am just saddened in how they did it and even more-so by the fact that this is the norm. Everyone moves on, but it's how we are let go that makes the experience that was, worthwhile.

This letter is for the men and women of "Nashville" who now may not know where their next job will be and for the ones we left behind. You are appreciated more than you will ever know. You made this show possible through excruciating days that turned into nights that turned into days. When lunch was at midnight. And you still smiled. You made it happen. And you made something good. So good, it is getting a second chance for the world to see what you made possible.

Most of all, thank you to Callie Khouri. Upon hearing of the news, and how things were handled, she called Don. She made Don smile because she told him he mattered. She shared in the loss and that he will be missed. And she reminded me, a production wife, that there are good people in this industry who truly do wish that they could make it different.

This is a love letter to "Nashville" and the city we have grown to love with all of our heart. Tootsies, The Loveless, The Bluebird Cafe. We will miss you for now, but will return to love you more than we ever could before - all the way to the top of the Batman Building.

Micaela Bensko

Blog: http://www.moanavida.com

Micaela Bensko is vice president of Rebuilding America's Warriors, providing free reconstructive surgery to our troops returning from war.

North America .

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:22:35 +0000

Anyone been watching this ?
Some of the most beautiful footage I have ever seen.
Can't even imagine the work involved