atheisticmystic

Yessireebob, Cleve ! Working in hot working kitchens and food trucks without the hood on, quite a few AC units have slipped by my ears due to crew requests. If Mike Wallace asked, I'd say the same...lol. best Steven

Yup, 2001 to be exact. best

When the Canon XL1 first came out they nearly scammed me, advertising prices that only included the body...period. But posting it with photos of the lens, filters, batts chargers, etc. When I read online that they boned other buyers, I called to cancel my order. The man said that he was throwing in the lens and the entire kit. When I asked why he hadnt told me when I ordered it, I swear to you, he said "I wanted to surprise you ". That was the last purchase I ever made. Everything that goes around comes around. best

One of the best things about wiring people up is that theres a chance for me to observe them and get to know them. On this current food show, by the time a restaurant scene is lit, and the producer is rounded up, I have frequently had a full conversation with interesting folk from around the globe. My dashing about, concerned only with footage, not very aware of how she impacts other people, and not very adept at actually reading other people producer is another story. She sits down, slaps on a very forced smile, and jumps right in. When she wrangles customers to be on camera, she purposely undersells the level of committment and time necessary, in order to convince people to participate. This requires some humorous and mindful de-escalation on my part when, after waiting sometimes 30 minutes longer than they were told, Im putting microphones in their clothing. Well, the producer has been on a proverbial fucking tear. Two days ago, I arrive at a table, give the intro and my raison d'etre, and a woman incredulously demands, "What !? I just want to enjoy my lunch." She slams a napkin down on the table, shoots out of her chair, slaps her legs with anger and turns away from me, "Fine, do it !" During all of this, the producer stands, looking at her phone, turned away from the table, wearing the absolute worst "I'm not aware of whats going on, even though the event is three feet from me and I'm in charge" expression ever. I calmly and gently tap the patron on the shoulder, "Ma'am, just tell her you don't want to do it". She does...done. Yesterday, the producer asks a lady on camera to wipe off whatever is on her nose after she had taken a bite of food. Granted, having to wire her up I had the close-up advantage of knowing that the woman had an obvious mole just at the border of her right nostril. The producer somehow hadnt noticed the mole when she introduced herself, so asks the woman to keep wiping. The producer doesnt hear the woman say, "I have a mole", and hands the woman a napkin. Ten feet away, the PA standing next to me looks at me with a horrified look, he gets it. The woman's table companion looks like she'd rather be cleaning a honey wagon with her tongue, she gets it. A few of the dozen patrons watching start sneaking giggles into their ducked hands, they get it. The woman says a second time that she has a mole. "Oh", the producer says. This morning, the on camera chef is making an odd noise at times. Theres only a lav on him, so I know it's him. I've heard the sound before on another chef, and like that gentleman, it never happens over dialogue so I know it's coming from his mouth, and it's not an issue for this fast paced and edited food show. The producer rips the chef (and the roll) out of the food prep by asking loudly, "What is that weird noise, it sounds like a giant, R-R-R-RIBBET ?!" A CAM operator looks at me with a bemused shock, "Did she just say that?" Chef sheepishly admits he grinds his teeth when he's nervous and apologizes in front of the entire crew, his sous-chef....and his kitchen staff. On the occasion that she catches her own overlap, she never says something diplomatic like, "I stepped on your line", but every single time says "I was talking when you talked". Ive seen many people flush as they've misinterpreted that they were just scolded on television by the condescending tone and poorly worded admonishment. And on these moments, I feel a hyper-tangible, down to the duodenum, bowel shaking cringe. best, Steven

Thanks everyone ! Our guy just left to pick up the gear. Have a great Sunday ! best, Steven

Wow, John. I have to say I am surprisingly touched by your birthday wish, thank you very very much. And yes, between everybody pinging their network, I believe they are cobbling it together. It's all about the relationships. Thanks again, John. Have a good one !

In the words of Eddie Izzard, "A f*#ckin jihad on you" best

Behind The Flying Harpoon in Gulf Shores, Alabama, theres a sign that says, "Beware, Gators". I asked the proprietor if it was a decoration...not.

"Sole purpose"...brilliant. I shot in Matamoros, Mexico with a dear friend who had dual citizenship. Moving from Brownsville to Matamoros, we passed thru customs at an arranged time when "a friend of my uncle" was on duty. Now THAT is the way to do it...lol. Best, Steven

Mornin Atlanta ! The Hotel misplaced our G & E package, and we are on site here in Decatur. If anyone knows of anyone who will rent us their G&E gear, please TEXT me your info. (818-400-6817) Thanx, ya'll (plus, ya'll live in a beautiful part of the world !) Best, Steven

Maybe they were focused on their primary task of making bacon. I hope. Best

Brilliant !

+1 Ive always done the same, manually navigating thru the menu using the side-wheel...very quick. best

Really sorry to hear that, and I hope you change your mind. Im sure youll remember how raucous was the acrimony during the "society and the planet" flame-wars...nothing seems that intolerable here anymore (even the reflective one can be adapted to). Thank you for your excellent product and your wonderful contributions. I really hope you find your way back. Best, Steven

Great article, thanks, Crew. I didnt take anything away about balancing work and play, just the message that happiness begins on the inside, and manifests externally as "success". I think people can work or play to excess, and still be happy...if they're truly happy already. Connectedness and gratitude ? Easy to see how those would manifest in a "successful" life, or any field whatsoever ! best

Jose, you seriously get around. Baby in the shower, gospel on the beach...love this job. Shooting tonight in the old United Artist theater, Broadway theater district, Downtown Los Angeles. Cue the pipe organ and evil laughter.

You could do it with this thread in fact.

A product that allows you to sound off-axis, while removing some noise floor ? Who needs good mic placement in this brave new world of idiotic products for idiotic filmmakers ?! Incredible.

Sounds like a great opportunity. If youre an OMB, is there an advantage to being a union boom op ? Best, Steven

Batt drain from a couple of phantom mics ? Try 4x 411a, plus 2x SMQV, PLUS a phantom mic. And I'm a junior mixer. Please clarify Best, Steven

Fucking hilarious ! Donate a wireless kit ? Fuck, I'll donate a human volunteer !!! Prepare for the lightning strike ! Brilliant

Clamming the Essex River, Essex, Massachusetts.Best, Steven

There has already been a song, album, and band named Big Country. They cranked, so good luck ! best

I never saw this post...very funny. My old drummer used to call me Dokken...good times ! best, Steven

This is basically lobster death row. Each crate holds about 100 lbs of bug, which, a hundred years ago, was so plentiful and cheap it was considered trash food, eaten only by peasants and prisoners. New Meadows Lobster, Portland, Maine best, Steven