[Craig Alan]

Well at least we are not settling our differences by killing each other anymore. Oh wait, we still are.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

You might want to observe how much light is coming through the window at different times of the day and plan your shoot accordingly. Which direction is the window facing?

You might also show your client the difficulty of shooting into a light source. I’m sure the view they have in mind is the one they see, not the overexposed one that would result in proper exposure of your subject’s face.

Ask them if they are willing to spring for the rental of HMIs. Give them a real quote. You look professional and they understand what is involved in getting the look they want.

You might talk them into getting a shot(s) of the view, maybe even a P.O.V. shot(s) and then using the window light as a key or fill for much of the interview.

If the view is really so important to the message, then the audio of the interview might be used as a V.O. for parts of it. You could start the shot with the client silhouetted against a nicely exposed view out the window and then track the camera around to face the client so the window light acts as a fill or key.

I remember another thread here in which after posting jpegs of a room and windows, the pros here gave more specific advice.

My guess is the folks in charge of the building don’t want any damage to the wall or window. But gel won’t leave any. Particularly if you clean it up afterwards with some cleaner and a soft rag.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

https://www.slashfilm.com/2009/12/05/movie-trailer-chris-rocks-death-at-a-funeral-remake/

Scroll down to movie trailer. “I was like, “Damn!,” aired (nationally, I think) on TV. I hear the phrase “You’re damn straight,” often. Granted, I’ve also heard the word “darn” used in its place.

I think you’re safe.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

What ports do you have? You do not want to store your media on your system drive. So you need at least firewire 400 for DV and firewire 800 for HDV or the like.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

If you don’t need to edit on the road:
Get a Mac Pro. Much better for editing. It will stay current longer and will give you lots of options for upgrading. Buy a Dell monitor if you can’t afford the Cinema Display.

If you do need to edit on the road:
The 17″ has an ExpressCard/34 slot which no other book has in the current line-up. You really need this to edit. If you are editing using any tape-based media, then you need the firewire port to connect your deck/cam. Now you are left with no input for your media drive. Even if you are not using tape, you can use the ExpressCard/34 slot to connect via esata, which is faster than firewire 800 and will work well with external raids. If you do get offered an editing gig, who knows what media your client might ask you to edit. The express slot can be used to ingest almost anything if you add the right card.

Also: You do not want to store your media on your system drive when working in FCP! Do a search and you’ll learn why.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

And being inside clothing or a bag or pocket will not effect performance?

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

Now I get it. I thought you meant the strap of a bra as a general-purpose strap. I’ll check out location sound. I’m starting to think of just getting a large piece of Velcro strapping that can double back on itself and clip the transmitter on that.

Have you had any problems if the antenna is underneath clothes?

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

Hi Ty,

No, just in general. From stage to interviews to speakers in front of group. Sometimes the transmitter needs to be hidden and sometimes just comfortable. Though the whole purpose of the lav is to be as inconspicuous as possible.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

Thanks Michael,

Are you using a commercial waist strap? I see a couple of brands on BH but I can’t tell if they would fit the sennheiser transmitter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=waist+strap+for+transmitter&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Are you cutting off the cups of the bra, leaving the strap? And then what? You use the belt clip of the transmitter clipped on to the strap?

I don’t see the “smaller” strap for the lower leg though this waist strap claims it works for either.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/503733-REG/Petrol_PWTB_L_BLACK_PWTB_TranStrap_Large_Waist.html#features.

Do you have a different link/product?

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Craig Alan]

try reset button.

try a different cable.

try connecting, powered on, cued up, then launch editing program.

OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.