[Steve Martin]

Great points Steve. Like many small businesses that are stretched thin, we do some things well and could benefit from some improvement on others.

There are several items on the “would you like fries” bundling list that we can implement. The “I didn’t know you offer that” comment rings especially true.

We’ll continue to look into the possibility of a sales person, but sometimes mining in your own back yard is the quickest way to find the gold.

Thanks for taking the time to post – I really appreciate it!

All my best,
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Dennis,

There may be such an adapter. But be careful. The image that the 2/3″ lens projects onto the chipset is much larger than the camera will be looking for. As a result the widest setting on the lens will not be nearly as wide as you would expect – (i.e if it were on the 2/3″ chip camera it was designed for)

I have a cannon wide angle lens that came off of a 1/2″ camera. Using an adapter, I can mount it on my HPX300 (1/3″ camera). So I give up quite o bit of “width” but I’m OK with it in most situations since it’s much better glass than the stock lens that came with the HPX300.

Putting a 2/3″ lens onto a 1/3″ is likely to exasperate that issue to point of futility. Perhaps there are adapters that actually reduce the image to project onto the 1/3″ chipset. I didn’t see any such adapter wen i did my search 7 months ago when I bought my 300.

Best of luck,
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Yep, that makes complete sense. Thanks to both you and John for the insight.

Best,
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Thank you to all who took the time to respond to my post. Your kindness and willingness to share information is very much appreciated!

I’m leaning towards making a switch to P2 and am hoping to get my hands on a Pany HPX300 from my dealer for testing this week.

Thanks again!

Steve Martin
Omni Productions
Orlando, FL

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the insight! I’m looking to get my hands on an HPX300 in the next few days for some testing. From everything I’ve read it appears quite good – with the exception of the lens. But I have a high end cannon lens from a 1/2″ camera that I can use with an adapter. Granted, I’ll give up some width.

BTW, who do you rent P2 cards locally in Orlando? VER? Others? I’d like to catch up with you – perhaps we can talk off line?

Thanks again for the feedback!

All my best,
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Ditto on Parallels. Our production company has 5 simultaneous QuickBooks users. The data resides on a windows machine, but 3 of us access the data files from our mac over the network without a flaw. It’s nice to not have to re-boot into Windows.

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Hi Christina,

I started my business many years ago as a DJ while in college. While I no longer do that kind of work, I’m sure that a lot of my experience remains relevant. At least from a business standpoint. Most of this is pretty universal and can be adapted to most service business models.

Step One – pick a niche market: Sure, a DJ can do almost any kind of event, but form a marketing standpoint – focus on a niche that he’s particularly good at. For the purpose of examples, lets say it’s weddings. This doesn’t mean he’ll turn down other work, just that you focus your marketing energy toward your best prospects for success.

Step Two – Research that Market. Who are the DJs that currently dominate that market? Check their websites. Know the competition. Is there anything he does (or doesn’t do) that can be considered a competitive advantage over the others? If so, make sure to exploit that advantage in your marketing materials (brochure, website, facebook, twitter, email blasts, etc…)

Step Three – Speaking of marketing materials… Create a clear and well focused brand identity for the business. Use the info you gather from steps 1 & 2. Maybe its about the type of music he specializes in . Perhaps it’s price (example – “The Most Expensive DJ in town – and worth every penny!”). Whatever it the niche, make sure the brand identity supports it 100%

Step Four – Determine who influences the market: Catering halls, bridal consultants, publications & websites that brides use as a resource for information. Talk to all of these people to see how they might be able to help you get his name in front of clients. This is likely some combination of networking, advertising, booths at wedding shows, etc…

Step Five – Work your butt off. Starting a business isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, ingenuity and tenacity to be successful. Especially in a tough economy.

Good Luck!
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Gary,

Have you ever used a workflow similar to the example I posted (i.e recapturing from the original tape source using a different codec)?

Thanks,
Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Thanks Gary,

I looked at the site again and you’re right. If it were a snake, it would of bit me!

Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!

[Steve Martin]

Thanks Jbaumchen,

That was my original thought as well. I ended up quoting the job at 1.5x if they wanted the authoring files. But did not include any working files (i.e layered PSDs, ProTools audio etc…). Only the finished production elements plus the Authoring Files to animate them. I probably gave it away too cheap but what they heck – it’s only $$!

They’re main concern was to be able to translate into various languages which I really didn’t want any part of anyways. Mostly b/c I would have to rely on outside translaters and I can’t be certain if it’s correct and didn’t want that hassle factor in my life.

We’ll see how it goes and if I get the job. We’ll know soon.

I appreciate your input – this is agreat forum for advise!

Steve

Production is fun – but lets not forget: Nobody ever died on the video table!