Tom Maloney

Thanks Steven, really a sad story. Glad it never showed , because if it did some idiots would try and outdo them Cheers Tom n Chicago

Ok , flipping the channels I came acros this show and I guess what bothers me is they way it is depicting our youth as being a bunch of drinking pot smoking people just on a wild ride in college. Well I guess that's what makes ratings ,seeing the worst in people. There are a number of shows on tv that show the worst in people. I just feel for these people's parents seeing their kids on tv. I am sure a show that showed the good side of people studing to make something of themselves and volunteering to help people would sadly be boring tv. Our networks do the same thing telling me the latest on LL going into rehab for the 90th time. Guess thats why I watch the shows than educate me like explorations of the oceans or the rain forests. I just had to vent, Tom

Hi Phil, Thanks for sharing. You make it look so easy and smooth. I am sure you have spent years perfecting this craft. I like seeing the degree of concentration one has to have. I wish the young green boom ops I run into could see this. To me it is like driving a car, know what's around you at all times, keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors every 5 seconds. Keep the videos coming The only time I have seen the Fisher up close is at NAB. The tie adds class, back in the day even men wore overalls to work also wore a tie, just adds something. Tom n Chicago

Read this , read it twice and just really struck me to be so funny. "You're not required to have extensive or long-term experience but you have to know what you're doing; you have to be able to hold a boom pole really well without making any handling noise and you have to be able to hold it for long periods of time. We will also be using a boom pole stand so you may not need to hold the boom pole the entire time." Tom

Four times a year I have a job where we do instructional videos for large corporations that are 100% female owned, and use female models to do demonstrations using the company's makeup products. I have to wire these women and models who are usually wearing very fashionable clothing. I do wire them in the dressing room before they get in front of cameras. In the room there is one wall completely covered in mirrors. I explain what I would like to do and them seeing what I am doing in the mirror eases everyone's concerns. Since most of the shots are Med or CU I generally get away with the TX being placed on the ankle, they really say this is so much more comfortable than on the waist or bra and wish other sound guys would use the Neo Paxs I think this is more professional than wiring in front of the entire crew on set with everyone talking. Also in the dressing room there is more room to manuver and I always ask them when I am when I am finished if everything looks ok to them, meaning I did not mess up their wardrobe or hair. The ladies seem to like the fact that I ask for their final approval. Of course it helps that most of them are professional and the fact we have worked together before over the years. I can always tell when I have to wire a first timer, they are usally nervous and I do my best to explain how things flow and reassure them everyone on set is working for them. Then I lead them to the set, showing them the path and caution for cables and such. We as sound people are the ones that can make a difference because we besides makeup people have the closest contact with them. One word. RESPECT ! Tom

Senator , I xxxxxed out the location. Here is the response I received after I said please define assist "I'm sorry. I do not know the proper term. Assist on the shoot. With the audio and boom. We need clean audio for the shoot." Tom Chicago

Yesterday I received this E mail. At first I laughed , then I viewed the senders's web site, come to find they have recently graduated from college and I am guessing their age to be about 22-24. They claim to have been interested in film production since the age of 14. ( so impressive ) Also looking at the shoot location and the area where they live ( guessing with mom and dad )to be one of the wealthyist areas around, with home prices of 800k and up. Here is the email "I am shooting a short film April 29th and 30th in xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx and need location audio for both days. I was recommended to you. Would you be free to assist? We can pay $100 a day." First I am going to respond by asking "please define assist " Then if I get a response I am going to send this response that I am plagiarizing from a member on this site. I think is absolutely brilliant. I cannot remember the author of this, please forgive me for borrowing this but I think we have to band together and educate these people that don't have a clue about a fair rate for a days work, not just in this industry. "Typically, a professional sound mixer will not work for less than $450/day minimum for labor only. Most sound mixers also do not offer hourly rates or 1/2 days. For your budget, you are squarely in the student or volunteer categories, and should find someone who is willing to do this project for experience only. Perhaps a (insert school here) student or equivalent. B I don't mean to be too forward, but it's important to understand how our industry works. I hope this helps in your future endeavors."

Richard, I think it's the same all over. Before I took off on this craft ( yes it is a craft) I worked for the largest communications company in America. I had 32 years of experience In the workings of the system, how the outside plant was installed, maintained and repaired. I did not read this in a book, it took years of WORKING , and learning especially from seasoned craftsman. When I retired our group of techicians of about 10 people had over 300 years of experience if you added our years of service. We used to have foreman that came from the ranks, knew the job. Then the company got rid of them, bought in college educated people that knew nothing about our work , the idea was you don't have to know the job, just know how to manage people. Huge mistake,moral went down, all they wanted was numbers . Reason, good numbers equals rate increases oked by the commerce commission and that equals profits for the stock holders. Since I don't have the years of experience in this business or ever been a producer I cannot really judge all the people in this business . What I do know is common sense, problem solving , and respect of others. When on set I see the lack of all this. There are times when I try to interject to solve a problem or draw attention to an unseen problem. Professionals will listen say thank you and take action. The rookies will either ignore you , listen and blow you off and move on. I have no issues with the younger generation. I have a belief if you want to get better at something work with people who know more and are better than something than you are and it will rub off on you. I think these idiots as you call them come in with the feeling they know everything. I don't let it bother me anymore. I say my peice and move on. I had a director once , I asked to hold for about 30 seconds. I was hearing the talents heart beat in very quite scene. The director wouldn't give me the courtesy of asking for what. Just yelled " we have to move on we're running late, let's go." Then after they cut, she is blocking the scene and the camera crew is joking around telling stories and such. I just shut up , thinking they have time to shoot the bull but cannot give me 30 seconds. Then the next week I am on a job 2 fellows do their scene , we cut and "........... Total silence on set . I am blown away. One fellows then asks me " how was I ,all good? I tell him he did slightly step on a line , he says thank you I will correct that. Here is totally professional talent, realizing how it works Try to hang with better people. Trouble is you don't always know to you arrive on set Cheers Later Tom

Just an idea, you should have this collection photographed and create a poster.kind of like the old beer collection posters we had in the 60's or 70's ( I can't remember) Sure sales would be great! Tom Maloney Chicago

Hi, I know this might be way off for some but I would like to ask about stairs and how you handle them with your gear. I am in the Chicago area. When not bagging it I use a PSC cart, venue, Furman power supply, drawers etc. This works fine for hotels, venues on the first floor but lately the 3 flats are killing me. I have two handles mounted low in the front for assistance lifting, but most of the time PAs are well, lets say............. I won"t say it. So it is me humping one step at a time, 3 flat curving staircases are brutal. I can do it but getting tired of it. The other option I am thinking of is mounting the venue, power etc in about a 4 unit rack case, another case with drawers and moving over to a Magliner Mini with shelves and then assemble on location after getting up the stairs. My thinking here the Magliner might be easier in the vertical position for stair climbing. Just curious how others are doing it. I am sure New Yorkers have it sometimes worse than I do. Also interested in the worse case of stairs you have had. I know it can' be just me ! Thanks all Tom

Thanks Larry and all I put the after burners on and got out at warp speed Hope to see everyone in April Tom

Thanks all , the part that scares me is where it says I am responsible for any damage caused by my equiptment or my actions. Maybe I over think it but, my cart pluged in causes a fuse to blow, burns up crappy wiring in the place or worse. Just. Don't think I am going to like working in a older building with this. I am going to talk to him nicely and discuss this before anything. Maybe I should ask to see his production insurance. Thanks all

Hi all, I am sure most of you have signed memo deals and confidentiality agreements Have you ever signed anything like this? "Liability I indemnify the Producer, the owners of any locations used, and the owners of any uninsured rental equipment against any claims and demands of personal injury, damage of property, and death resulting from my work on the production. I understand that I am fully responsible for all necessary personal injury, death, and liability insurances, and am responsible for any damage caused by my actions and by my personal property used during my work on the production. I accept full responsibility for all personal risks during my work on the production. I understand that I will receive credit under the following name in the screen credits of the completed production:" I have read this 3 times , I have never seen anything like this. All it seems to me is protecting the producer from any responsibilty for anything that happens and each crew member is to cover his or her own ass. Like if someone trips over my c stand,breaks a leg that I am responsible. My mind tells me not to sign something like this and go find work elsewhere. I think I should be asking production to show me production insurance and me not signing saying I am responsible Anyone have thoughts ? Seriously have you ever seen anything like this from anyone Thanks Tom Chicago

3 weeks ago Zack !! And start a feature next week ! Haw about an old vacuumed cleaner ?

Clean house........If it has not been used in 5 years we don't need it

Figure lots of others are posting so here is mine . Looking to connect and meet members of IATSE here in Chicago. I call the hall every week, don' t expect to get work without referrals. I am a member of IBEW 1220, but not really a hiring hall. I do a lot of my own work, corporate , small independents but always looking for more challenges So if you want a mature, focused and level headed person with excellent work ethics would appreciate the chance. Also a big thanks here to all the members here whom I have purchased gear from and sold to this past year Happy Holidays Tom Maloney Chicago www.slatemic.com

a little off the topic but.... the biggest idiot of the year award should go to the dumb ass reporter who just asked the medical examiner "what were the kids were they wearing" You should go get a different job. What a stupid ass question to ask. What do you think 1st graders wear to school? If you don't have a relevant question shut your mouth !

Vin, posted info for you Tom

Vin , sorry to take so long getting back to you. Been redoing a kitchen I will try to explain this, got a lot of these ideas from other members here, little trial and error also. I installed two casters on the rear of the cart, the bottom of the casters are the the same level as the tail gate on level ground, so when you roll cart towards Element the casters are on top of the lowered tailgate. Then I ordered some motorcycle peg stands, really very inexpensive. Installed them on the front on the cart. Down position for moving around thru doors etc. Up position for lifting, cart balances very well, simply lift, rolls into the Element . I also installed some slider pads on the back of the handle, Really slides well on Element"s plastic flooring, once in , you can strap it in securely to the exposed rear seat brackets or you will find tilting up the cart , it will stand upright. I strap mine to the passenger seat or keep it flat sideways behind both seats. what ever you do use some good ratchet straps and make them tight as possible, you don"t want this cart or anything flying around or coming at you at 70 mile per hour. ( average speed in the Chicago area Safety first. hope these pictures help. Be safe Tom Maloney Chicago

Just to add to Georges comment. I have an Element and happy with it. I haul a PSC upright cart. Do not use ramps, simply installed two casters on the rear frame just above where they meet the tail gate, lift from the front bottom ( installed two motorcycle pegs ) and the cart lifts and balances nicely and rolls into the car. I can either lay it flat sideways or stand it up and strap to the passengers seat. Leaves a lot of room for other cases and a R&R cart. Hope this helps Tom Maloney Chicago

It's the same all over. It seems to me to be a lack of mutual respect. Like everyone says I do my job and move on and do not take it personally when they ignore me. What really irritates me is they ask for quite when trying to block and run lines and focus lighting but cannot give you 30 secs. Last week I did work with some seasoned actors here in Chicago. At the end of each take there was complete silence, no chatter , laughter anything. They would quietly ask if it was good for sound , I replied you did step on a line , they admitted it said sorry and would correct next take. At the end of the night I complemented them on their professionalism and thanked them for the science I between takes Tom Maloney Chicago

Right before a musical talent shoot ( kind of American Idol style ) the director is going crazy trying to get things moving ( poor planning ) , tells me the MC girl needs a wireless handheld "do you have one ?". I quickly slap on a Uh400A to an EV spin around had it to the beautiful young lady and burst out with " you're hot" She smiles, comes back with " thanks i get that lot " we both smile and laugh and I tell her well that also but I meant your mic is on. You have to realize this young lady could be my daughter. I tell her I would never address a woman like that , I would say you are a very pretty young lady. During the week she bought me cookies and treats and we had a ongoing joke going, she would ask me "Tom , am I hot , and I would reply "Susan you are smoking hot " The crew would smile look at us but never comment. Just proves how respecting people can make a job fun and enjoyable Tom Chicago

Never heard of putting them on a mic itself. In theatre work we place the TX unit in a condom with a little cotton on top only to protect the unit from perspiration from the actors. Tom Maloney Chicago,IL

I do this a lot I make a file called notes and before each scene with multi takes I give them some info about each track mix L mix R , ISO bob on 3 ISO sue on 4 etc. Also all info such as the noise you hear is a leaf blower outside which director refused to hold for ......

I purchased a used venue 24/25 a while back. It works like a champ. I use it in a studio and small indi films. It is all block 24 and the thing I really like is the software from Lectrosonics that lets me scan for clear freqs from my laptop, Makes for a very easy set up' I use ac for power not yet decided on a dc source setup.One thing that is a challenge is I get a lot of work involving 2 or 3 story locations with no elevators and the cart it a workout. I have been thinking for those jobs to transfer the venue and Furman power supply to a small SKB Rack case. Also I have been thinking of having Lectrosonics change the narrow band to a wide band unit. What I don't understand what antennas one would use with wide band since the SNA has to be set to a set frequency. Hope this helps, I guess it comes down to what works best for you Cheers Tom