I was considering attending the training help in Plymouth MA. Has anyone any experience or thoughts on this. Is it worth it?

Are there any video available for the setup and operation of the Glidecam V-8?

Tom Hereford
www.motorcityproductions.com

Maybe I should consider producing a installation/operations video myself after I'm dooly trained up.

There is someone on this board who has stated they are working on a training video but I can't speak for him and do not know if that is still on the table. I think there is definitely a market for it, and I would love to see one done. Elite Video is making a killing on Ebay selling their poorly produced DV Lighting Videos that they make in their garage.

I'm surprised that Glidecam itself hasn't come out with a training video, as I hear many people give up too easily on the Glidecam because its hard to learn the proper technique. I'm trying to keep my cool but the truth is I just don't know if I'm doing it right, or if I really have the proper dynamic balance. I would think a vid would bolster more interest and sales. I'd be willing to pay some of the resident experts here generously for an hour or two lesson on the V8. I'm a visual learner and I really need to see how others use the system.

BTW, what is that training you are refering to in MA? Is there more info on that online somewhere?

goto glidecam.com for training info. They do it pretty regularly. The next one will probably be in about 4 weeks. Its take three students to have a class. I tried to get in before a shoot on the 6th but it appears that is not going to happen.

Maybe I'll see you there.

cool thanks, didn't know they did that. I will definitley look into that.

I'll also be calling up Glide Cam about a training weekend, we may all be together - a little DVi meet, heh.

I was hoping for something within Canada, but so far I have found no authorized workshops here.

Just called up Glidecam and enrolled in a training in January 7th and 8th. I talked for a bit with the instructor on the phone and it sounds like it should be a fun and worthwhile class. He told me I will be in the same class as you Tom, so looks like we'll be meeting soon. See you there! Andrew he said someone from California is also in the class, so I guess he wasn't talking about you. There may be room left.

Yes I signed up today. See ya there. Let me know what Hotel your staying at.

Well that's good news guys, I'll have to stick my head in and say "Hi". Tom is a very nice guy, and very knowledgable...you'll have a great class!

What kind of prices would I be looking at for hotel expenses? I've heard MA is pricey.

go through expedia.com. You'll find much better pricing on hotels there. Alot better than calling directly to the hotel.

Are you guys bringing your own equipment? I'd like to but I would want to carry onto the plane.

If I can't get a really cheap airfair, I will drive. So if hotels cost too much, I'll just pack the arctic sleeping bag and campout in the car. :D So I can bring my gear in the trunk

I would estimate 11 hours drivetime for me, but in January it may take a few extra hours depending on road conditions.

I think I will be flying and I'm not sure what hotel I will be staying at. My brother lives in Boston so I might end up crashing with him.

I am going to bring my sled, monitor, and my Canon XL1s. They have Glidecams there of course but I want to bring my own sled so I can get it balanced out properly. I figure my own arm and vest are less important to adjust at the training, and since they are so big I won't be bringing those. I guess I will just try to fit it all on a carry-on for the flight because knowing my luck if I checked it my bags would get lost.

I'm really excited about the class. I think this is what I need to get started on the right foot. BTW, Tom, are you going for both days or only one day? I figured the extra day couldn't hurt, as long as I'm making the trip up there, might as well do the whole thing.

Another thing that pleases me is the price. $400 for two full days of training with only 3-4 people in a class is a good deal. I've taken computer training courses with over 15 in a class that cost up to $1500. Not my cup of tea.

I'm taking the two days. I have the gold spring setup so I'll need to bring everything.

Tom, if you're driving from Detroit, are you driving through Ontario, or around the lakes?

12 hour drive for me. I'm going to fly.

Andrew, Are you registered yet?

just wanted to post back and say I finished the Glidecam training. It was well worth it and I learned a lot. We started by just learning all the components and how to balance the rig, then we went through a bunch of excercises and learned a lot of moves like the Don Juan and whip pan etc. Its a great way to make sure you have the proper technique and I'm glad I waited before I did much practicing. We taped ourselves and studied the footage.

Tom the instructor is a really cool guy and he made sure my rig was all set up before I left. He had some guys drill a couple of holes in my sled to pass cables through, and helped me balance everything out with my monitor.

Definitley worth it for those guys who are new to the Glidecam. I feel months ahead now.

Ditto. One of our guys, Gary Allison, said much the same thing about the class. I wish I could have gone.

Practice practice practice....

Hi guys,
I am a new owner of a V8. I have been practicing daily...it is slowly coming. I want to know how the training went and where it was held.

Is anybody doing a video? I think this would be a big help for people who can't make it to the training.

Also has anybody re-engineered their V8 or 16 to have the support arm coming from the back of the vest. I find with it mounted on the front it is quite taxing, and have heard if mounted on the back you gain alot more endurance?

Hi again Taylor:

I know that Glidecam is planning a training video or series of videos. Mine will be non-rig specific, as I already have committments from numerous manufacturers to have their equipment represented.

As far as back-mounted vests, yes, there are a few out there. Here's one (http://www.actionproducts.ch/), and here's the original (http://www.xsample.ca/danielsauvedesigns/design.htm), which I own. You do gain endurance from this design, but it is a difficult design to mass-produce compared to a front-mounted design. The Suave vest requires a series of measurements of the individual operator, and costs $9000, for instance!

Thanks Charles P,
From talking with Cody he has a back mounted design in his book, so I think I will try to get one built with my modified Glidecam vest and a new support arm.

Don't you need a longer arm for a back-mounted vest (just
wondering)?

The arm snakes around to the side and ends up with the arm finding the exact same position by the time it gets to the front. This arm, because it is so long, needs to be extremely rigid. On the Suave vest, it is one big chunk of carbon fibre, very impressive.

Hi Charles,
From your above post, do you think it is possible to modify my rig for back mount and still use my existing support arm?

I am running a V8.

Taylor:

The arm should be fine, but I think you are looking at building a whole new vest rather than modifiying the present one.

What exactly are you experiencing with your front mounted vest, fatigue-wise? My guess is that the rig is trying to get away from you (that has to do with the exit angle of the arm) and you have to use force to keep it in front, and/or lean way back. Also, you need to keep the rig as close to your body as possible to help with fatigue

Basically fatigue, I'm an old guy 44 ..good shape but hurt my back this summer. Have spoken to Cody and he says by going to the back mount he can operate for an hour no problem.

Do you know Steve Campanelli?