...And two steps back seems to be where we are technologically on the set some days. Sure there are new innovations in lights, which are more powerful and compact; film stocks that seem to capture more detail than the trained eye; lenses and remote systems that take the audience to places heretofore only imagined, and visual effects wizardry that blows the mind—yet the likelihood that we as operators may be saddled with unergonomical cameras while handholding three-minute takes seems archaic at best. I’m speaking of course of digital video cameras that are heavy, unbalanced and in cases where a zoom lens is affixed, three-feet long!

Are these more technologically advanced than the lighter, more ergonomically designed film cameras that have shown huge improvements over the last 30 years? Not only are we shooting with cameras that are tethered with cables that lie underfoot, but we must endure those low resolution black & white viewfinders that shine in our eyes. OK, that’s my rant and it is somewhat satisfying to express the consensus of other operators who deal with these concerns day in and day out. Hey, at least we have chiropractic and eye care plans, right?

There is relief on the horizon. Panavision has announced and shown a prototype of their new GENESIS Digital camera, and ARRI plans to release a digital version of the 435ES called the D-20, which will encompass an optical viewfinder and rotating mirror shutter—these will be “camera systems” using existing 35mm lenses and accessories that will best serve the operator and directors of photography who sometimes feel saddled with hybrid equipment.

However, it must also be stated that without the pioneering efforts of manufacturers from the digital world these new systems might never have been realized. I look forward to taking three steps forward with these innovative systems in 2005. Once again, form will follow function.

Membership Directory and Survey
By now all Guild members have received their 2004 Directory Questionnaire and Member survey. Both are important to review and return. There isn’t a camera truck that I step onto these days that does not have the current Membership Directory & Resource Guide “on the bench” in plain view. There was great resistance for many years in publishing such a directory, but now no working member is without one. Updating the next edition (2005) serves as a detailed business card for other crewmembers as well as production people to review our work.

The brand new Member Survey will serve as an invaluable guide in helping our National Executive Board to better understand who we are as members both regionally and nationally, and how best to serve us in the future. Much dedication went into devising this comprehensive document with kudos to Gabor Kover, Guy Olds, Allen Daviau, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Kristin Glover, Lisa Guerriero, Baird Steptoe and all members of the Membership Services and Diversity committees for taking their responsibility seriously as National Executive Board members as well as to their committee assignments. Please take 10-15 minutes to complete and return your survey ASAP. Survey results will be published in a future edition of Camera Angles.

Michael Frediani, SOC
Editor-in-Chief
mike@icgmagazine.com