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TomBoisseau

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Posts posted by TomBoisseau

  4. Quick Release Boom Systems

    in Equipment

    Posted

    While this has been discussued before, we have seen some recent additions to the market. I would be interested in hearing opinons regarding the the new Sound Guys Solutions QL and the Orka OR-45, (and others I may be unaware of) and how they compare to the Ambient system.

    Thanks,

    Tom

  6. PSC solice mini

    in Equipment

    Posted

    I buy these all the time off of ebay and put a 4p FXLR on them.  They have worked great for all the audio applications I have tried, and there have been quite a few! 

     

    APS AD-740U-1120

     

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/APS-Advanced-Power-Solution-Power-Supply-Model-AD-740U-1120-MDP3-12V-3A-/231361744296?pt=Multipurpose_AC_to_DC_Adapters&hash=item35de3c0da8

     

    There is also a 13.8 volt version, model #: AD-740U-1138 that I frequently use as well.

     

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASP-Power-Supply-AD-740U-1138-13-8V-2-8A-6-PIN-/400213396584?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item5d2e93cc68

     

    Tom

  7. Used mkh60 or new 416?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I don't know guys...

     

    If the OP was never going to purchase any other shotgun (in other words, if you could only have one) I'd think the MKH60 might be a better choice due to it's weight, versatility (attenuation & presence switches), etc.  I understand (for whatever reason) that the '60 is THE mic of choice that Trew Audio sends out in it's "standard" ENG sound packages.

     

    Tom

  9. Burning Bridges

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    smicycle : " because they still want to pay me jack shit. "

    IOW, you had set your price...

    and you said: " plus they were paying me! a lot! "

    and it was apparently a mutually beneficial relationship, somewhat symbiotic, too.

    " all they want to pay me is $450 TOTAL. "

    we are discussing kit : labor in several threads, it seems...

    I work for a huge major client that typically insists on my using their gear, and pays me only for labor.  while some mixers pass on their gigs, I don't!

    BTW: did they ask you to buy your own kit, or did you do that and it is you asking them to now rent yours when they already have a kit that seems to have been serving you both well..?

    " they supplied a pretty mediocre kit. " and I'm guessing that you demonstrated that it isn't about the clubs, but about the golfer.  they, like most of our clients, have been paying you for performance and results, not so much for shiny toys.

    " dealing with their shitty equipment " oops, it has been demoted... now it is shitty equipment ?

    " what I realized now to be "meh" money, " and now you are getting more ambitious..?  -- BTW, it really is not about what we here charge or think of your rates,  you seem to be discussing you and this client.

    " they also expected me to show up and load camera/lighting gear, and in general kind of act as a PA. " I don't know the details of your specific situation, but this is not all that uncommon on many gig's with many clients... typically smaller ones, and so called full service production facilities.

    JP agrees: " In terms of helping carry and set up lights etc, nothing wrong with that on simple small crew jobs (non-union interview type stuff). The one thing is to make sure the sound kit is ready before you help another department, or it makes you look like a slacker. Break down your kit first, then you can help break down light stands and wrap cables. "

    " They also expect for me to pay for a taxi to bring my gear to the production house first, " It is usually up to us to get to work.

    "   I have expressed to them that that makes no f#@king sense, for various (what I assume are) obvious reasons. "

    perhaps from your POV, but perfect sense from theirs;  the question seems to be: do you still want the gig they have to offer you..?

    thus Q#4: why should they meet your recently added demands..? maybe they should go find someone like who you were and give them this opportunity for: " plus they were paying me! a lot! "

    they are used to a PA/grip/utility/sound tech, and you want to be a DPS.

    " They've told me to take it or leave it.  They maintain that absolutely NO ONE get's $550 for labor and $250 for that basic kit in NYC. No soundies get paid that!  That seems an odd position to hold considering I GET PAID THAT BY EVERY OTHER CLIENT I HAVE. "

    you are in a different world than they are. both of these worlds exist!

    They have the jobs, and there are, as we keep saying in other threads, plenty of people, --just like you were!-- who would maybe kill for these gigs...(maybe someone still working retail ?)

    " If I mention that they also expect me to pay for transporting my gear, they tell me to just use theirs. "

    yep!

    " The difficult part is that there are other mixers who are willing to take that shit rate (older guys, of all people), and it lets the client get away with this nonsense, so I have no bargaining power whatsoever. "

    yep...

    that is (show) business

    " I'm not the same person I was over 2 years ago when I started "

    yep, but the gig has not changed; it is the same gig it was before... as you have summed it up, a chance to learn, and grow " plus they were paying me! a lot! "  " while working with this company doing the job(s) they needed done at the rates they were paying.

    " I've poured countless hours into this so I can get the job done right so that I can earn a proper rate. "

    yep... elsewhere

     

    "  They either still see me as a PA or really don't respect what we do. "

    it is the former, more than the latter!  it isn't what they see you as, but what they see their gigs as.

     

    " to see if anyone had gone through a similar situation and how it was resolved - or wasn't. "

    yep, and yep.

     

    I am a bit surprised that they are giving you $100 more for your gear at all... they already have their own!

    let me point out that I have been building this reply as I first read your post, and I have yet to see what others have said here...

     

    I'm already convinced that you are ready to become less available (if at all) when this client calls to book you. (that is the how to resolve it)... real simple, and they won't bother you more than once or twice.

    after all that you already know: " it seems like I've outgrown them. "

    it is up to you, how you part company, as there are: 50 ways to leave your lover  and there is that old saying about being careful about whose toes you step on while going up the ladder, as you may meet them again on the way down...  you may meet these folks again, elsewhere...

     

    " My oldest client is being difficult and unfair (so say I)."

    they could well be saying the same thing about you...

     

    "  Am I an entitled ass "

    possibly, but that is not the topic here...

    .

     JF, and AFM (+ more) said it well...

    and you may meet these folks elsewhere with bigger budgets!

    AD's first comment was fine, but then he added: " With due respect your former employer sounds like an asshat. "  and I disagree with that.  the little production house is no more an asshat than the OP.  The OP has grown, the gig hasn't!

    CM: " It would appear these folks do not really get it, and probably never will.. "...

    I disagree with this as well...  actually they get it, the OP doesn't get it.

    KS: " You might think you're burning a bridge "

    that depends... on how the exit scene is played.

    I like what JB said : " You're making something that is quite simple into a defensive confrontation, which results in you coming across as an amateur... Let me offer some perspective on it this way: If a doctor defensively argued why his rates were justified, would you return to that practitioner, or would you opt for a doctor who approached your health care as a competent professional? "  and some folks get great care (and have their lives saved) at the Free Clinic.

     

    simi: " So that went poorly. " no it did not!

     

     

    "  I'm also amazed the Senator hasn't chimed in to call me an idiot yet.  WONDERS NEVER CEASE. "

    sorry I'm late... just got here...

    note that I did not call you an idiot, but you have unreasonable expectations ...(of your client)

     

     

    Senator,

     

    I think you are wise in your observations and counsel and have provided some real "balance" here. 

     

    Sometimes we, as we should, (especially in our early years) move forward in our craft, while some of our clients do not.  To this day I can think of quite a number my early clients who still continue to do low budget jobs and can no longer afford me.  It is no criticism of these clients.  In fact most of them have a good business, employ a number of full time people, and are providing a reasonable income for themselves and their employees, while delivering a much needed "economical" product for their clients. 

     

    However there are a few of these low budget producers, who I really like and view them more as friends.  They still don't pay a great rate, and their budgets have not increased much, but they took a chance on me when I was "green" and we developed some very close relationships.   As a result, I continue to work with a few of them (at a rather low rather rate) BECAUSE I WANT TO!

     

    There is no reason to be angry with someone who is unwilling to pay your rate.  That is their prerogative!  Your prerogative is to turn them down.  Contrary to popular belief, not all producers are evil!  In fact MOST are not!

     

    Tom

  15. Need help: Lectro SMa battery problem

    in Equipment

    Posted

    I have used the paste.

     

    This is a different problem.  It seems it is possible to tighten the thumb screw just a little too much to where it appears some sort of "short" occurs.  This is characterized by the power LED lighting up red almost immediately with a new battery, which will drain the battery VERY quickly.  If however, I loosen the thumb screw just a little, then the LED turns green and all is well. 

     

    Tom

  19. Oktava MC-012 with SD 633

    in Equipment

    Posted

    In my experience the filter does increase the noise of the mic. SD rolloff is fine so I'd take it off. Best advice would be to try for yourself.

    Sadly I DO notice an increase in noise when using the hi pass filter on the Oktava. Often the ambient noise or air handling systems in the room are such that the additional "hiss" is not noticed, but in a quite studio it defiantely is!

    Tom

  21. "Standard" Gear Packages

    in Equipment

    Posted

    Senator,

     

    You are correct, and we in this business have much reason to be grateful.  Often we forget that the "median" individual income in the US is about $30,000 a year.  While there might be a few "new folks" on this site that are only bringing in that amount, most of us are doing quite a bit better.

     

    Now, of course, as good business men and women we should negotiate the best rate we can possibly achieve.  But we are in a free market with all the benefits and competition, and competition is usually a good thing, provided it doesn't turn into "war".  I have never understood people/companies who want to "crush" their competition.  Why?  The competition are people too with families to feed just like you and me.  I think we should focus on doing the best we can for ourselves and our families, but never with the "intent" of making the others suffer.   I certainly would like to get a higher rate for my sound package, and this sort of discussion may actually promote such (unless someone here uses it to undercut everyone else).  With so many cable channels and an increasing number of our society receiving their entertainment via so many diverse internet channels, we will likely continue to see an increase of work, but at a lower rate.  Sadly, the "golden" age of film production (and the rates we used to get) is over, however, comparatively speaking, we all can still do quite well. 

     

    I find this fascinating.  Studies have shown that there is no difference in a person's "happiness" who has only a "moderate" income,  to that of a billionaire!  Many of us (including myself) often think we would be happier with more money. But it is not so!

     

    So go ahead.  Be shrewd, cleaver, and conduct you business wisely, but with honesty and integrity.  Remember however, while you may end up with more stuff, your happiness with not likely improve.  That comes from somewhere else!

     

    Tom
     

    RVD: " The number varies from mixer to mixer, "

    sure it does, as I suspect Jan includes more at six + booms, than George probably does (4 ?) for the putrid rates he gets.

     

    Jan: " Our kit rates should be going up all the time. Gear's less expensive but we're required to own more of it to do the job as it's evolved. The longer we own it, the more is invested in maintenance and accoutrements. "

    of course, but it is a competitive world out there, and the studios are especially greedy (thus WB has its own sound equipment)...

     

    " getting $600/day " that isn't unreasonable, and you are doing well at not taking a 'hit' on the weekly.

    " Plus, $2 over scale, auto fuel and parking reimbursement. " a bump which you have earned the right to ask for, and deserve to be paid (IOW, you are worth it, and your show is glad to have you and willing to pay for the quality you bring!)

     

    " On some level in our hearts we believe this kind of discussion to be unsavory. "

    I'm sure there is a bit of that, but it is personal, and, as I've said several times, the world is a competitive place.  Thanks, once again, for your candor.

     

    I think my point with GF was more about our sometimes not realizing how good we have it.

  23. Listen to camera return on X3 or X4 SD 633

    in Equipment

    Posted

    I've been giving this issue a lot of thought.

    What if you built a "y" cable from the camera return AND a second "y" cable (of sorts) that went to your IFB transmitter with an A/B switch that would in one position route X3/X4 to the IFB, and in the other position connect to the "y" cable of the camera return to the IFB?

    Tom

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