Jim Feeley

Pretty soon, things might get a bit more crowded around here. From Ars Technica: "[The 45-day trial of Google's white spaces database] doesn't necessarily signal that Google itself is on the cusp of creating wireless networks using white spaces spectrum, although it could. Google has already become an Internet service provider with Google Fiber in Kansas City and has offered free public Wi-Fi in a small part of New York City and Mountain View. "This has nothing to do with Google creating a wireless network, though Google is interested in the business and could, potentially, create a white space network on down the line," Steven Crowley, a wireless engineer who blogs about the FCC, wrote in an e-mail." The not-too-long article: http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/02/googles-white-spaces-database-goes-live-in-test-next-week/

Phew. Glad things are mostly OK. As I age, 90% is something I'll gladly take for most things.

To be clear: I do a small part in putting this thing on. Many others do more, and at least one of them gets little or no recognition (but perhaps she prefers it that way). Eric started it. Now it's a group effort, which is cool.

No worries Alexander. Perfectly legit questions.

So, outside of the usual production-audio suspects, what are you all most interested in seeing at NAB? Let's not just say "Sony, Panasonic, etc." But if there's a particular item at some big-vendor booth that you think I/we might otherwise miss, please chime in: Me: Old friends Digital Bolex (they'll be in a few booths...Not a camera for me, I think, but I hope they have something cool) (Whoops...dinner time. More later)...What would you add?

I've attended NAB with expo-only, exhibitor, and press passes (sometimes covering technology, sometimes covering policy/lobbying/etc). I was also one of the people who started what is now called the Post|Production World conference at NAB. So I've had pretty deep access to everything NAB offers at their annual lobbying fundraiser. But luckily, I never had to pay for a conference pass. Bottom line: The classes and conference presentations are uneven. Some are informative and valuable. Some are just marketing. Dig into what's described on these two pages and see if any of it looks really valuable to you. These days, the conferences and training cover a lot more than just broadcasting issues, but not really much on production audio: http://nabshow.com/2013/education/conferences/ http://nabshow.com/2013/education/training/ And then check out some of the free "PIT" sessions that will be on the show floor: http://nabshow.com/2013/education/pits.asp These tend to be marketing vehicles for various exhibitors, but some of the presentations purposely cram in valuable and useful information along with their sales pitch. And you can attend those sessions with just an expo-only pass. And plenty of big vendors have famous and/or clever users in their booths presenting talks on how they used that vendor's equipment in some real-world project. As long as you can filter out the sales pitch, these can be fun and sometimes useful. So my guess: If one of the conferences or training sessions seems super-useful to you AND you have a boss who will foot the bill for an expensive pass, go for it. Otherwise, you only need an expo-only pass.

I'm going to start a new thread, "NAB- what to see and do" so we can keep clearly separate conversations on party planning and show attending. OK?

Brian, the ONLY way to solve this problem will be for you to buy me a beer at the Satay Grille. Kidding. We use a secret word in case spammers or others try to fill the RSVP list with junk. On the RSVP spreadsheet, I just changed your two RAMPS entries to Kudelski, so you're good to go.

> So, can anyone recommend a sturdy location hard drive instead of the Rugged? Two LaCie Rugged drives. I hear fairly frequent tails of LaCie failures; but is that because of poor design/ventilation of the cases (one theory) or because they sell so many drives we of course hear more about their failures than we do of failures from a vendor with smaller sales? Got me. Anyway, here are some brands of portable drives I've worked with that seem pretty reliable: Glyph http://www.glyphtech.com/ CalDigit http://www.CalDigit.com/ And I see (and end up using) drives in cases from G-Technology, LaCie, and Macsales/OWC. The drives seem to rarely fail. The power supplies and electronics in the cases fail somewhat more often (but not all that frequently)...usually, just putting the drive in a new case (or in a toaster drive dock like the NewerTech Voyager) gets us through the problem. HTH, Jim

Hi everyone, Six weeks until THE HIGHLIGHT OF NAB. If your plans for Vegas have solidified and you plan to join a few dozen of us for dinner on Tuesday April 9 then please RSVP by filling out this simple form: http://bit.ly/yHt6G9 The secret word is: Kudelski Thanks!

Cute Steve. :-)

More Anne -> Simon love: http://entertainment.time.com/2012/12/06/anne-hathaway-on-les-miz-singing-live-and-the-power-of-hugh-jackman/ Q&A Anne Hathaway on Les Miz, Singing Live and the Power of Hugh Jackman By Jesse DorrisDec. 06, 2012 ++++ How was the experience of having to perform live? I spoke with sound mixer Simon Hayes earlier— Oh, thank you, Simon Hayes! Please, please, please give him an Oscar. It’s a breakthrough, and I don’t know anyone else who could have done it. I’ve never been in this situation before, where 99% of the performances are what’s used in the film. ++++

I agree with Jon, Phil, and the rest. Nothing inherently wrong with mics on cameras, and sometimes useful (though of course relying on only an on-camera mic isn't great, etc). Speaking of cheap mics on DSLRs- Rode has a new version of their Videomic. Integrates a sexy-red Rycote Lyre mount; cool. They describe the mic as very directional; dang...I'd prefer something a little wide. Haven't seen or heard this mic. Not expecting too much, but I'd guess we'll be seeing them around. More info here: http://www.rodemic.com/videomic

Guys, the Herman Miller Aeron chairs are good for some people, but don't go all reduser.net. No single chair best serves all people (as Marc points out above). And lots of ergo design advancements have been made since the Aeron debuted in the mid 90s. Humanscale is reportedly a bit ahead of the curve. But really, the best thing to do is to find someone who can find and fit the best chair--hell, the best workstation environment--for you. Marc, have you seen anyone about your carpal tunnel issues? I've spoken with a number of people (including several close friends and former colleagues) who had to change careers because of such issues. Would hate for that to happen to you.

Reminds me of the revolutionary products from Funk Logic such as the Algorhythmic Prosecutor, Digilog Dynamicator, and Palindrometer: And the even more lamented Funkilyzer (sadly, I can't even remember the proper name and spelling of this)...and other products that never quite made it out the door: http://www.funklogic.com/ideas-that-almost-were

Clearly Phil has better luck with lead vocalists than I had :-) I certainly agree about difference between a band and a film crew.

> if you have a passionate and committed crew. Sounds like in this case, there isn't anyone on the crew with solid audio post experience. If the filmmaker can't find someone to provide that service for free, she's going to need to pay. And this thread has provided some useful thoughts on dealing with that. But again, filmmaking is the new rock-and-roll. When people form bands, or post notices that they need a drummer, they expect respondents to provide craft and equipment for free. That same approach is now pervasive in the indie film world. That's all fine; like with most bands, that sort of filmmaking is a passionate hobby. I have nothing against passionate hobbies, but I have bills to pay and a family to raise. I can't work every free gig that comes my way (though as I said, I do work a few gratis gigs). Budget isn't everything, but it is something.

Mark wrote: > I got to work with friends... I'll help out friends for free on their passion projects, but I'm much less likely to work for free or super-cheap for someone I don't know. If she can't find a friend who's willing to help (or an interested, experienced, and willing stranger), maybe she could try to raise a little more money. If picture is locked, then should could try showing it to friends, having a fundraising house party, appeal to individual donors (but not the cast & crew...they've already given enough, presumably). Maybe apply for finishing funds, but that could take a long while. Here's some basic fundraising info on the site of Women Make Movies (a NYC-based group that I hear good things about, btw): http://www.wmm.com/filmmakers/members/sponsored_fundraising.shtml I mean, if she could get $5,000 she'll have a better shot at a mix that does justice to everyone's hard work.

We have a dozen people signed up right now. Are you coming? Then let us know by filling out the RSVP form: http://bit.ly/yHt6G9 The secret word is: Kudelski

Good points Steven and Crew. I alternate between a standing and sitting desk (different tasks on different desks). But if you're looking for a single desk, I think an adjustable desk is the way to go. Martin & Ziegler make nice heavy-duty stuff (nice people, too): http://www.martinandziegler.com/ I don't have one of their desks, but some friends do. There are of course other options.

View chairs like shoes; it's gotta fit you. A guy I know runs the UC Berkeley/UCSF Ergonomics Program. They do research ranging from microbiology to epidemiology. Also see patients, consult, and all that. Anyway, a few years ago when I was looking for a new chair, he suggested I talk to the people at Humanscale and check out their Freedom chairs: http://www.humanscale.com/products/category_detail.cfm?category=seating Humanscale has an office in LA, but that may be aimed at corporate sales: http://www.humanscale.com/about/locations.cfm Their chairs are available at a lot of places...but even more than recommendations from colleagues, you need to find a place with enough expertise to fit you to the chair best for you. Mail order is probably not optimal for chairs: http://shop.humanscale.com/about/stores.cfm Don't know what retailer in LA to suggest.

You can get the specs and such for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera here: http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/ It currently offers these frame rates: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p

Justan, I agree. The mic is clever though I don't think unique. And things could be worse. Much worse: Hacking Apple iPhone earbuds to get audio for an interview in your next film! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPjL2COL2_Y

Based on past experiences reviewing Azden equipment, I wouldn't recommend their products for...well, I wouldn't recommend their products. Since you'll be a one-man-band, a compact mixer/recorder sounds like a good option. I mean, since it sounds like you intend to shoot and record everything yourself, how much stuff do you want to mess around with? Maybe that small Fostex R302 recorder/mixer. Or maybe even a Tascam DR-100mkII. Maybe a Sound Devices MixPre-D as a front end. Whatever you bring, make sure you have a backup system (like at a Zoom or another Tascam recorder) in case your primary system goes down. Maybe you'll find someone with equipment you can borrow or rent. And considering how far you're traveling and how much work you're putting into the project, try to raise a little more money. Morrie Warshawski has some good ideas about that: http://www.warshawski.com/books.html Get all your friends to agree to visit one less bar or coffee shop per week for the duration of your trip. And have them advance you the money the would have spent on drinks. Your trip is going to be a great experience. And you're preparing for a career in sound. Make sure you don't come back from Mongolia thinking "if only I had better equipment during the trip." Have a wonderful trip.

It's going to be $60 USD. Something for their growing iPhone line, like the iXY http://www.ixymic.com/ These aren't the droids we're looking for.