My company, Reel Entertainment, Inc. has entered into an exclusive long term multi project distribution deal to create, develop, produce and distribute all forms of entertainment including Unscripted, Scripted, Digital and Short-Form Projects for Broadcast and Cable Platforms.

Starting immediately Reel Entertainment will create and produce new content as well as distribute existing documentary style programming shot in or about China that will be English language programming and air in the US, eventually we will also air English Language programming in China.

What I need is existing programming that is the History, Culture, Lifestyles, Tourist Attractions, Economic Policies, Investment and Partnership Opportunities in China.

We need to deliver the content in XDCAM, but will talk about any programming.

If you have any content or are willing to co-produce. Contact me at 310-733-7311 or e-mail me at brian@reelentertain.com

Thanks, Brian Fitzgerald
Reel Entertainment is a full service film, television and multimedia production company (http://www.reelentertain.com)

A DP friend of mine (ASC member) is re-cutting his reel and he is struggling with capturing his various films off DVD's. I don't have time right now to help him and he needs to get this done ASAP.

He has 9 full-length features which need to be converted to a good quality editable format that he can work with in Final Cut Express. He will be using the footage on his website and on his DVD reel. He's gone through the route of capturing through an A to D firewire converter only to have the output screwed up due to the digital copyguard. He's also been messing around with Handbrake and the like but has run into snags and just doesn't have the time to solve the puzzle further. He will supply the DVD's and Firewire drives, you do the conversions and collect your check.

If interested, please forward an email to me at charlespapert "at" earthlink.net with your estimate of cost and turnaround. Please, only respond if you are reliable, professional and have experience with this process.

By the way, I am aware of the legal implications of ripping DVD's, but it is understood in the industry that those of us whose names are on the credits use the material for our reels and are not in the habit of pirating our own livelihoods.

Charles, while I no longer live on the west coast I could complete this project.


But since you give your advice freely on many forums, let me extend a little free advice.
MPEG Streamclip is a free utility that would be an inexpensive way to get the job done for your friend.

Squared 5 - MPEG Streamclip video converter for Mac and Windows (http://www.squared5.com/)



Good Luck!

Looking for someone from Mobile to New Orleans and/or the Gulf up who has a DVX100A or 100B. We are expanding to cover school plays and civic events, etc. and are looking for a "3rd" camera owner/operator to use when needed.

Thanks.

Scott,

Email sent

Seeking HD Instructional video shooter and editor for DVD

Hello, I am seeing if anyone here is in Vancouver, Canada, and has experience with the HD workflow from shooting to editing to a finished HD master that can be burned to a HD format disc (blu ray) or SD DVD.

That means that you have your own equipment and have edited and made (HD) DVD’s before. I’m looking for some help with a project. If interested, please email me, audio90@shaw.ca

i can be there anytime. jvc hd100u

Let me know I'm located now just two HR fly from my Island and additional to HD cameras I can also provide glidecam operation.

I am in need of an equipped 24p HD shooter for a 2-day weekend short-film shoot. It's indie but there is a budget and you will be paid a reasonable rate (plus meals) based on your capabilities, equipment and experience - let's talk.

I had a shooter lined up but due to scheduling issues it fell through. That setup was a 1080p setup with 35mm goodness. I'm looking for something similar, but if you're a ninja with your camera you can probably make anything look good and I want to talk to you.

Ideally I would love someone with a Sony EX1 / 35mm setup, able to shoulder-mount for the appropriate look. But then I also want a million dollars and a date with Elizabeth Banks and I can't have those either. In other words, I'm flexible, as long as you know what you're doing and can show me.

We're currently looking at late January or early February for the shoot. If you're an out-of-towner I can budget for a hotel stay, but unfortunately I can't pay for travel.

Contact me soon: imran at theseventhlevel.net

Hello,

I am at the very start of Pre-Production on a feature doc to be shot in Toronto, Canada and London England. No details here, but we can talk via email.

I am currently looking for someone to shoot a little bit of footage of specific sites in London. Prefer a 35mm adapter look to match what we will be shooting for the rest of the film.

Material is time sensitive, so please respond soon.

Pay would be deffered.

Send me a PM or mknayman-at-hotmail-dot-com

Current rates

Camera operator $300/day
Camera rental Sony EX1 with letus $600/day

JIM MONTGOMERY
176 Ocean Way
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 234-7521
jmmnt@bellsouth.net


Highly creative, people-oriented, and down-to-earth professional with 30+ years of experience as a highly successful CEO and 4 years experience in the entertainment industry

OPERATIONS / PROJECT MANAGEMENT
VIDEO EDITING
SOUND DESIGN
TEAM BUILDING / LEADERSHIP


SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

* Results oriented, versatile individual with a solid work ethic and natural leadership capabilities to support overall organizational goals for growth and profitability through effective business and financial management.

* Deal effectively with all practical/political aspects of keeping projects running smoothly so director and the rest of the production crew are able to concentrate fully on the creative aspects of the overall entertainment production project.

* Possess the drive, resourcefulness and ability to thrive in challenging environments and utilize superb critical thinking and analytical skills in providing innovative solutions to existing or emerging problems.

* Focus on bottom-line profitability by monitoring and ensuring financial performance aligns with overall organizational goals.

* Sony Certified Editor—Computer proficient in: Windows XP; Adobe Creative Suite; Visual Effects; Microsoft Office: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Internet/email.


RECENT FILM PROJECTS

* Field Producer / Camera / Editor – SFGMedia – “Billfish Adventures” – Episodic Television

o Owned SGMedia; ensure the show got on air—hired crew, provided and ran equipment, served as director, field producer, editor, sound design—negotiated with network for air time.


* Producer / Camera / Editor / Sound Design – SFGMedia - “When It Rains” / “Life Journey” / “Changeling”

o Company owner—show field producer, director, editor, and sound designer; arranged all equipment and facilities, insurance, and payroll; coordinated with the location, created contact sheets and budget reports, and selected and hired the entire crew.


* Producer / Camera / Editor / Sound Design – SFGMedia – “It’s Dark In Here” – Short Film

o Spearheaded all facets of daily operations management from film conception to post production work as field producer, director, editor and sound designer for the film.


* Editor / Sound Design – OpenCut.org – “Susannah” – Short Film

o Editor, sound design.


* Examples of work can be viewed at main7_v7 (http://www.SFGMedia.com) or Show Reel '08 on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/2015915)


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GRIP / ELECTRIC / SPECIAL EFFECTS COORD. / VISUAL EFFECTS EDITOR
July 2008-December 2008, PRODIGY PICTURES, Albuquerque, NM

* Contributed support to 10-man crew; carried out a variety of film making tasks to ensure success of feature film, ‘A Lonely Place for Dying’ (2009 release) that included prop and set design/construction and lighting in addition to titled positions.


CEO
February 1967-January 1999, JAMO INC., Miami, FL

A manufacturer of setting materials, adhesives, and associated products for the ceramic tile industry with 60 employees and $18M in average annual sales.

* Ran a family owned business established in 1967; took over day to day operations in 1972, and in 1982 designed and constructed a fully automated manufacturing facility, purchased the company and instituted a period of rapid growth.

* Successfully reorganized the company into a fully independent, viable entity in 1996 to ensure it did not simply rely on a single individual, the CEO (self), but through its various manufacturing, business and support units.

* During the reorganization, created a management team to provide sound direction and guidance to the company and established new policies/procedures and measurable goals resulting in a 12%-16% net income vs. the 2% industry average.

* Subsequently, in 1998, a major competitor actively pursued the acquisition of Jamo, Inc.; personally led the team that eventually negotiated the lucrative sale—retired in 1999 and began to pursue a creative career in film making.


EDUCATION AND TRAINING

FXPHD – VIDEO & FILM PRODUCTION, Continuous Training
10-Week Internet courses on all aspects of video & film production

MIAMI DADE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Miami, FL
GPA: 4.0 * Business Administration * Graduated 1972


SPECIALIZED TRAINING

* Sony Vegas Certified Editor, Sony USA, Las Vegas, NV, 2007.
* FCP Studio - Familiar

Hi Imran,
I'm in the Fort Lauderdale area, and have no problem doing the shoot in Orlando, as long as you are paying the hotel. I shoot with two hdv Canons (with identical presets)- the XLH1 and A1. I leave my Letus extreme 35mm rig on the h1, and alternate the a1 for, hand held, steadycam, jib or dolly shots. I own all my gear and can bring it. I'll list it below.
Give me a call or email your number and we can talk more.
Regards
Bruce S. Yarock
Yarock Video and Photo (http://www.yarockvideo.com)




954-430-1616 work
954-610-4325 cell
yarock@aol.com

Cameras- HD- Canon XLH1, XHA1, HV10, Sony FX1. Canon 6x HD wide angle lens for XLH1.



Digital SLR's- Nikon D200, Nikon D80.



SLR lenses- 17-55 f2.8,70-200 f2.8 VR, 18-200 VR, 85mm F1.4, 50mm F1.8, Tamron wide angle.



Steadycam style rig (Indicam).



Varizoom "Cinevate" dolly with rubber track (quick set up).



Kessler crane/jib (8"or 12").



Letus extreme 35mm adapter with 7 Nikon prime lenses. Used for a more cinematic look, including shallow depth of field and selective focus.



Stabilizers- Dv multirig pro, Tiffen steady stick, cb 105, manfrotto monopod.



Tripods- 3 bogen tripods with 505 and 503 fluid heads.



Lights- Frezzi 50 watt mini fill with soft box for on camera. 2 x 600 watt halogens with soft boxes and barn doors. Fill lights. Additonal Arri kit and hmi's available.



Audio- Several mics (shotgun, hypercadiod, cardiod) Soundevices 302 location mixer. Edirol R- 09 digital recorder. Boom, large mic boom stand on wheels.

Sennheiser wireless lavs with hand held mics.



Back drop-18' wide back drop stand with various color cloth back grounds.



Green screen- Green screen back drop and lighting for professional green screen work

Hi there.

David is perfectly right! StreamClip is the way to go. I had the exact same troubled workflow and now I stick with streamclip... as an aside jes deinterlace is a handy app to have in the tool box to

I need an interview shot outside of Ft. Worth Texas. This is only a couple of questions, so very quick. I have shot all other material with a Z1, so something comparable would be great. Please respond for more info. Thanks.

No Problem. We will shoot interview for you with any HD format if you wish. Including full 1080P.

Please contact 972-968-0600 (Bluebonnet Media Group, INC)

The job has been covered, Thanks all.

Thanks all to those who replied here or via email. I have secured someone for this project. Appreciate the responses!

I'm looking for contacts in the North of England to discuss filmmaking and perhaps collaborate on a film project.

I am a very keen amateur director living in York. I've just finished shooting my second film, Project Magenta, and although I'm still editing I feel the need to start thinking about the next exciting project!

Roll camera!

Please visit
Huston Talent Agency (http://hutsontalentagency.com/)
if we can assist you in your search for talent or casting services.

Hi Stuart I am an hour away in Co Durham kit list as follows and PM me if you wish to talk more:

Sony S270 HDV/DVcam camera
Sony Z7 HDV/DVcam camera
Full audio shooting kit inc 3x radio mics
Small lighting kit (2xredheads, IDX cam light)
Final cut pro edit suites X2
Avid laptop edit set-up
Pro Tools 002 dubbing set-up inc DV toolkit

This thread is to share my work covering my lastest live concert show. Take a look at the video link below, and if you like what you see then don't hesitate to contact me. I'll cover your video production needs and editing.

Video Production and Editing provided by Mad Visions Prod.
Miami Disco Fever Live Concert - Highlights only on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/2752902)

Thank You,
Marlon Anthony Diaz
madvisionpro [at] gmail [dot] com

p.s. Bruce Yarock from this forum was also involved on this project. I recommend working with him anytime.

As a DJ from the 70's this is back to my youth, I still have all my 12 inch singles and citronic disco decks too!
Thanks for sharing it here.

marlon,
Excellent job. That was a fun gig, and hope we get a chance to work on more concets and music videos.
Bruce Yarock
Yarock Video and Photo (http://www.yarockvideo.com)

looks like a blast to film, but of course I want to know what your gear was to take on this size of a production! Were you shooting with PD170s?

I saw headphones on a camera person, where those just for monitoring camera audio, or crew radio links?

Looks like the jib was a Kessler? Correct?

How many hundred feet of cable did you need to get your video back to the video mixer? And what video mixer did you use?

Jason,
We were shooting with 4 XLH1's and a Canon A1` . Im was shooting with an A1 on a steadycam, and my assistant had my H1 on a Kessler jib (in back). There was another fancy jib in front. It had a varizoom remote head and was up front on one side of the stage.
Marlon was viewing 4 of the cameras with a video mixer, and I think he had some communication system with 2 or 3 of the guys.
I had a good time, although my back was sore after 4 hours of flying the steadycam.
Bruce yarock
Yarock Video and Photo (http://www.yarockvideo.com)

Sent you a PM Gary

Job Title: Wedding Cinematographer / Editor
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $12.00 Per Hour + Contracts

High-end wedding photography studio is looking for a full-time / contracted videographer to handle an end-to-end wedding cinematography business. Responsibilities would include capturing audio & video on wedding day, editing the video, and working with clients to create deliverables. We will provide everything - marketing, branding, administrative support, office space, Mac Pro editing workstation, software, video equipment, and supporting gear. All we need you to do is walk in the door & be the perfect person!

Experience: We're looking for someone who is already familiar with the wedding videography world, but is ready to take their work to the next level. We're looking to become leaders in the area through creativity & new ideas. The compensation will be a combination of a base rate of $12/hr during all training phases, and then as contracts develop, a 60% cut of all profits. If you've been a second shooter for a few years, and you're looking for an opportunity to lead your own division, this is your chance! Stedicam experience is a must. Editing work will be done in the Final Cut Suite...experience a must. Prefer experience with Apple Color and enhacning video using color products available on market.

I need videographers for a video shoot on Saturday Feb 14th Valentines Day. You must have your own HVX200, or other P2 based camera since I'm working with DVCPRO HD only. This will be a music video of a large electronic music/light performance art group. There will be multiple cameras.

Skills and qualities I'm looking for in videographers:

Able to establish shots and manually focus very quickly.
Ability to keep one eye on your shot, with your other around the rest of the space to find your next shot.
Stylized framing - you have a razor sharp mental sensor when you're getting a winning shot, and if not, to move on, reposition, re-frame, etc.
Have experience shooting live bands.

You'll need to be available as early as noon on Saturday for the 1st part of the shoot. The 2nd part of the shoot will be at 1am that night, and will last till 2-3am.

Pay is $250 for the day. If you are interested and feel that you're a good match, email me with some examples of your work and contact info.

I am producing a character led fly on the wall documentary on motorbike club racing in ENGLAND...

Think; TT 'A Film Documentary', search Google for clips of it. See here:

TT : A FILM DOCUMENTARY - Pitlane Direct (http://www.dukevideo.com.au/product.asp?P_ID=337)

I need a camera operator who MUST own there own equipment (camera, sound) to co-direct with me and who can sacrifice around 12 FULL weekends (between FEB - OCT) as well as a period at the end of October to work with me on the edit (I have a editing studio).

Your Travel, Accommodation, Food, Beer and fun times will be provided etc as well as a generous share in the profit (to be agreed by contract prior to starting). We are currently in talks to various channels.

Please pass this onto anyone you may know and ask them to email me their CV along with examples of their work. Remember we have NO budget for equipment rentals so person MUST have their own camera, sound etc (and we don't mean a video phone!).

Hurry filming needs to start Feb 21.

Kind Regards
Richard Andrews
07919857370
richard@richardandrewsphotography.co.uk
RICHARD ANDREWS PHOTOGRAPHY (http://www.richardandrewsphotography.co.uk)

looks like a blast to film, but of course I want to know what your gear was to take on this size of a production! Were you shooting with PD170s?

I saw headphones on a camera person, where those just for monitoring camera audio, or crew radio links?

Looks like the jib was a Kessler? Correct?

How many hundred feet of cable did you need to get your video back to the video mixer? And what video mixer did you use?


like Bruce mentioned, ill add that the video mixer was the Sony anycast with preview monitors. i was only using 100 feet cables, i had amp in case i needed them, but there was no need. Yes, i had 4 cameraman hooked up to a two-way system so I can guide them as I look through the anycast. i had the anycast hooked up to a video projector on stage to feed some live footage but the stage crew had some diffculty with the screen so that didn't show. It was all shot in HD at 30 frames progressive to miniDV tapes, edited with Final Cut Studio 2, and Adobe After Effects. Two cranes, one in the front and another in the back, a tripod cam, steadycam (the robot cam), and stage cam.

thanks for viewing...

I just received a call from a client looking for a videographer for the pre-Oscar ceremonies in LA. I'm not going to be able to make the trip, so here's the info I know - go for it.

madhu.bhatiajha@gmail.com

Dates: Feb. 21-22

BTW, I did let her know I'd post the info here, so you won't get yelled at (-:

like Bruce mentioned, ill add that the video mixer was the Sony anycast with preview monitors. i was only using 100 feet cables, i had amp in case i needed them, but there was no need. Yes, i had 4 cameraman hooked up to a two-way system so I can guide them as I look through the anycast. i had the anycast hooked up to a video projector on stage to feed some live footage but the stage crew had some diffculty with the screen so that didn't show. It was all shot in HD at 30 frames progressive to miniDV tapes, edited with Final Cut Studio 2, and Adobe After Effects. Two cranes, one in the front and another in the back, a tripod cam, steadycam (the robot cam), and stage cam.

thanks for viewing...

Oooo the Anycast! I'll trade you my Videonics MX-1 for your Anycast? ;-) hehe. Great job with the production.

I'm a videographer with a US engineering firm that has a some offices in the UK as well. I am going need a local videographer to shoot some footage near Derby, UK (Location could change, still receiving details). As far as I know, the project will calling for shooting some interviews at that office, plus some possible location B-Roll. I only need the footage shot and then sent back to me to do an edit. If you are locally in Derby and can shoot in the next couple weeks. Please direct message me your info so I can get back to you. Thanks. :)


*Footage needs to be "delivered" in NTSC Format, and either HDV or HD resolution. :)

This listing is directed toward anyone who lives in the South Florida area. I am a young and ambitious local producer who is looking for film techies that wish to take part in something VERY special.

I have been working with a writer for a little over one month now and we have finalized a fantastic script that is gritty film festival material. I am currently interviewing cameramen and Director's of Photography as well as sound crews in order to assemble an upbeat, excited team that will bring this narrative film to life. We intend on shooting it with the utmost production value in hopes that it could possibly make a film festival circuit run. I currently work for the Miami International Film Festival and have already begun making plans for it to debue in the festival next Spring. The staff is already excited to see how it turns out. If it tuns out half as decent as the script is written, then it should not be a problem getting it into the festival. So.....

CALLING ALL DP'S AND ANYONE WHO WISHES TO HAVE A CREDIBLE FILM IN THEIR PORTFOLIO. DON'T LET A GREAT EXERIENCE PASS YOU BY MY FRIENDS. If you are interested and would like to speak with me in detail, contact me at:

nick.orsini@yahoo.com (preferred)
or
nick@miamifilmfestival.com (if necessary)

Best Regards,
Nick Orsini

Hi Emrys
You may find someone more suitable but if not let me know.
I'm in West London so Derby is a 2.5 hour drive. That's not such a problem. And you seem unsure of the location anyway - so perhaps it may be London.
However my camera is a Canon XH A1 and it shoots PAL only. That sounds as if it is a problem.
If you get stuck, give me a shout.

Oooo the Anycast! I'll trade you my Videonics MX-1 for your Anycast? ;-) hehe. Great job with the production.

yea the anycast is sweet, Sony makes two models, the SD and HD version. If you using HD cameras, you can still use the SD anycast, and just downgrade to SD to the anycast for preview purpose only. You can even edit on the fly if you want to set it up that way, it also has many other features. I recommend.

Hi, we're going to be shooting a feature film later this year in Georgia - probably in September. Financing is being provided locally so we would like to hire a DP from the state. If you're a native, drop us a line and let us know where or how we can see your work. The screenplay is a beautifully written, dark comedy about a group of women who accidentally kill the mayor and cannot figure out how to dispose of the body.

Here is a trailer for our last feature:
YouTube - THE WATERMELON (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAcG9qtYN48)

Thanks. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Lori

Email sent

David Wright
hdcamera@mac.com
www.lunaseafilms.com

Looking to document your travels, US or Europe. Both my husband and myself are looking to travel, and travel with your family/friends. Have passports, will travel. Pricing varies. Contact Celecvideo@aol for a consult. Cheers.

Hello:
I have a friend who is shooting a wedding in may.
He wanted to rent my 110, i don't lend or rent my equit.
does anyone know of a place that rents pro equit. in the ft. lauderdale area?

Thank You
Joe

Moved here from the ProHD forum.

Thread title changed from "camera" to "Seeking ProHD rental in Fort Lauderdale"

Please avoid ambiguous thread titles -- thanks in advance,

Joe,
In case he needs another shooter, in addition to a camera, I shoot lots of weddings and have a a Canon H1, A1, HV30 (soon), and a Sony FX1, plus wireless lavs, on cam lights, etc. I'm in Pembroke Pines. ( I also don't rent my gear, unless I'm part of the shoot).
Bruce Yarock
Yarock Video and Photo (http://www.yarockvideo.com)

Looking to meet with producers to talk about a travel series I would like to develop to submit to travel channels, sports channels and geographic channels.

Please see a short demonstration on my demo reel if you may be unfamiliar with the sport.

Please contact me on info@basementvision.com

I am located in the South of England.

Alex Brown

I'm looking to rent a few things in El Paso this weekend:

Small jib (Porta-Jib Traveller size)
Panasonic LH900 LCD monitor
Mattebox for EX1 with set of grads
Light stands, stingers, etc.

We're actually shooting in Marfa but we fly into El Paso and I figured there's a better chance of renting there. Does anyone know of a place that might fit the bill?

Many thanks.

K

Oh, and we're also looking for a fog/haze machine for rent in the area. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I have a rather odd request. I am making a documentary and I have been struggling with the content I have been getting because it is so central to my geographical location. The content of the film is so different depending on who you talk to and where they live. It is a music related subject and therefore, different parts of the world have different scenes and interpretations of the same general ideas.

My idea is this. Get a bunch of fellow filmmakers all over the world to help shoot this thing. Even if it is just one interview with one person in a place other then my state of Minnesota... It will make for a much more broad depiction of the content.

If anyone is interested, lets chat, I don't know exactly how this will work, but I thought I should at least put it out there and see what people think. I would obviously be taking this project from being a personal thing, to something that I would share with everyone involved, including the credits and all of the positives that may come if it is successful. I have put up a clip on YouTube that actually has gotten a lot of response from the community, but I want to take the film in a different direction than where it is in this clip. I also have it on vimeo where I color corrected and touched it up a little bit.

Check out the clip, and PM or email me if you are interested in helping out. I have people in tons of major cities ready to be interviewed, I just need someone with a camera to shoot it! Thanks guys.

Chris

Youtube Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVbjgwirr58&feature=channel_page

Vimeo Version: Its a Hardcore Life Documentary Preview (Hardcore Dancing) on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1988414)

An Israeli television station needs a cameraman to shoot a red carpet event this Wed Feb 11. I was going to shoot it because they thought it was for Saturday but the actual date was wednesday so I can't do it. but I'm out of town now.

You must have a PAL mini dv camera. Also must have a sun gun light or light panels and a stick mic would be good. If you don't have these, I can rent them to you at a good rate.

So you would need to shoot it then fed ex the tapes to them.

Pay was quoted at me at $1000 for you and your gear. I can't lock you in that this rate but that's what they offered me.

Please email me at ed(at)kittyguerrilla.com if you are interested.

Thanks!
Edward David
Director of Photography
Ed David * Cinematographer (http://www.kittyguerrilla.com)

I could really use someone's help here. I've got a VHS of my favorite band playing a show on German TV. It's in PAL, obviously. Unfortunately I don't have a PAL deck here in the States. So I'm looking for someone that can convert the VHS to DVD (keeping it in PAL). I don't need any menus or anything, a standalone VHS/DVD burner would be fine. I'll pay for shipping and will give you some extra money for your time.

Can somebody help me?

I don't know if this will help, but we had some kids in Ukraine and I had to deal with the conversion problem. I think Samsung that made a VCR to convert PAL and some other formats to NTSC and vice versa. The name was "World" something as I recall. I bought one at Fry's a year or two or three ago. I think if you converted a PAL VHS to a NTSC VHS you could then capture the NTSC video to your computer and then burn a DVD from the resulting file. If this interests you, I'll get the name, model, etc. of the VCR and perhaps you can locate one on Craigs or something. I should also say that I recall that this particular VCR had a reputation for a power supply (I think it was power supply) weakness.

www.basementvision.com/demoreel_small.mov - demo reel