Hi from The Netherlands at DVinfo.net

Thijo van Beek · January 27th, 2010, 06:24 AM

Hi everyone,

My name is Thijo van Beek, 55 years old (or young) and since only a few years I am a free-lance cameraman.
I live in Nieuw-Vennep in Haarlemmermeer, a part in the west of the country .

I have been a truck driver for over 30 years, but not in heart.
In 2004 I had two strokes in a week, and was not allowed to drive a truck no more.
My strokes didn't give me too many problems after a year, thank God!
I had to stay home and watch TV for the rest of my live.

That is not my idea of living, so I realized this was my chance to do what I always dreamed of: making films.

I worked on that 24/7 almost.
Did some courses, spended a lot of money, took every change to learn as much as possible,
as soon as possible.

Now since December I finally have my own very (!) small business: Red Baron Media.
The sad part is two weeks later my wife, who was excited as I was, suddenly died, two days before Christmas.
I haven't touched a camera for a few months, until a great chance came up, she also would have been sooooooo proud of.
I was asked to do the camerawork for a film about useless violence, people killing each other
just because they don’t like the face or so.

After that film some more work came up, and I am happy to do what I’m doing.
Still I don’t make big money, but life looks great again, although missing my Bettie still is a pain.

I would love to get in contact with people in filmmaking around the world, professionals or not.

I have a Sony HVR V1 and a Sony HVR S270 at this moment.
And lots of other equipment, like a 4 mtr crane, and a 9 mtr trackdolly (since yesterday)

Hope to hear from you guys! ( and girls of course!)

Thijo van Beek

Lorinda Norton · January 27th, 2010, 11:41 AM

Hello Thijo,

My deep sympathy in the loss of your wife. You have been through a lot of upheaval and sorrow in a short amount of time.

But your attitude is wonderful. You're going to do some great things! Congratulations on making a film that not only would have made your Bettie proud but sounds like it could help others.

Looking forward to hearing about more projects from you.

Mario Vermunt · February 3rd, 2010, 08:17 AM

Hallo Thijo,

Greetings from a fellow Dutchman. Had a look at your website and must say that you have a professional approach. I too have always dreamed of making films. From back when I was 13 and got a GAF 64 XL super 8 camera (I am looking at 47 at this time).

Apart from the artistic approach (which is most important in my point of view) I also always have liked the technical side. At the age of 17 I filmed with a synchronized Uher Report recorder (wonderful machine by the way). I skipped the start of the video era because it was such a giant step backward. Now I have been filming (serious) video for a couple of years.

Maybe we could do a project together sometime (like having a go at the DV Challenge).

See you around.

Mario

January 27th, 2010, 06:24 AM	#1
Thijo van Beek Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Holland Posts: 45	Hi from The Netherlands Hi everyone, My name is Thijo van Beek, 55 years old (or young) and since only a few years I am a free-lance cameraman. I live in Nieuw-Vennep in Haarlemmermeer, a part in the west of the country . I have been a truck driver for over 30 years, but not in heart. In 2004 I had two strokes in a week, and was not allowed to drive a truck no more. My strokes didn't give me too many problems after a year, thank God! I had to stay home and watch TV for the rest of my live. That is not my idea of living, so I realized this was my chance to do what I always dreamed of: making films. I worked on that 24/7 almost. Did some courses, spended a lot of money, took every change to learn as much as possible, as soon as possible. Now since December I finally have my own very (!) small business: Red Baron Media. The sad part is two weeks later my wife, who was excited as I was, suddenly died, two days before Christmas. I haven't touched a camera for a few months, until a great chance came up, she also would have been sooooooo proud of. I was asked to do the camerawork for a film about useless violence, people killing each other just because they don’t like the face or so. After that film some more work came up, and I am happy to do what I’m doing. Still I don’t make big money, but life looks great again, although missing my Bettie still is a pain. I would love to get in contact with people in filmmaking around the world, professionals or not. I have a Sony HVR V1 and a Sony HVR S270 at this moment. And lots of other equipment, like a 4 mtr crane, and a 9 mtr trackdolly (since yesterday) Hope to hear from you guys! ( and girls of course!) Thijo van Beek __________________ Thijo (PAL)Camera's, editing software, computer are there. Now the skills... Last edited by Thijo van Beek; January 27th, 2010 at 06:26 AM. Reason: bad English

January 27th, 2010, 11:41 AM	#2
Lorinda Norton Wrangler Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southwest Idaho, USA Posts: 3,066	Hello Thijo, My deep sympathy in the loss of your wife. You have been through a lot of upheaval and sorrow in a short amount of time. But your attitude is wonderful. You're going to do some great things! Congratulations on making a film that not only would have made your Bettie proud but sounds like it could help others. Looking forward to hearing about more projects from you. __________________ Lorinda

February 3rd, 2010, 08:17 AM	#3
Mario Vermunt Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands Posts: 77	Hallo Thijo, Greetings from a fellow Dutchman. Had a look at your website and must say that you have a professional approach. I too have always dreamed of making films. From back when I was 13 and got a GAF 64 XL super 8 camera (I am looking at 47 at this time). Apart from the artistic approach (which is most important in my point of view) I also always have liked the technical side. At the age of 17 I filmed with a synchronized Uher Report recorder (wonderful machine by the way). I skipped the start of the video era because it was such a giant step backward. Now I have been filming (serious) video for a couple of years. Maybe we could do a project together sometime (like having a go at the DV Challenge). See you around. Mario