I recently worked with Olly Lawer (seen left) who runs an online video production company called opl productions over in Norwich. He asked me to be his “production assistant” for the day, helping with client communication, and supporting him and another camera operator as they both worked on a “web video” shoot for one of his clients.
I was totally in my element, with 2 amazing cameras, and two focused but relaxed guys who loved their work.
David Crute
Using the power of Google, Olly hired the talents of David Crute (above) with his amazing Steadi cam rig. With 20 years experience in broadcast filming, including large film productions, pop videos and tv adverts, it was really great to work with a seasoned pro, who was very friendly, very focused and just loved talking about his work!
I spent most of the day “shadowing” Dave, making sure he didnt bump into things as he used his Steadi-cam rig for some lovely sweeping shots of the people in the factory hard at work. As the floor was slippery in places, and he does a lot of “walking backwards” it was important I was right behind him just incase he lost his balance.
I don’t know the make of his camera, but lets just say it was extremely expensive! To put it into perspective, his “view finder” cost more than my camera does! 
The great news is that we are all meeting up again next month for another day’s shoot at the same location, where perhaps even more “toys” will be used, and Dave has also promised me that I can wear the Steadi-cam rig to see what it feels like! (Im definitely going to do a video blog about that!)
I have started my own Flickr account, so if you want to see the rest of the pictures I took of this film shoot then please click on the picture below and you will be taken to the Flickr website to view them.
What a great experience, Phil. That looks really fun and fascinating.
Oh Yes it’s definitely a Sony without a doubt, looks like a more advanced model than my 20 year old machine, but the design trademakrs are still there
Luis
What Dave Crute’s camera? yes I think it was a Sony for sure…. His VIEWFINDER cost more than my whole camera set up! :O)
Don’t know about that! I’m sure the steady cam is worth a few bob
The flip colour viewer is certainly much better than the original 1.5 or 2″” eye cup screen that comes as bog standard, totally useless when used with a steady cam.
Boy talking about this takes me back years to the days when digital filming and editing was still in its infancy, it was a real pros arena, nowadays anyone and their brothers consider themselves as video producers LOL! much like photography !!