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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Becoming a RedTech

John Bannister

John Bannister

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Hi Team, in a few earlier posts I saw reference to "approved Red Techs" I was wondering just what the process was to becoming one? I would be dead serious to follow this path and offer approved services in my area. I did email Red using the contact page on this forum but that was some time ago and I have not had a reaponse. Just wondering if any Red Techs out there have their ears on ;)
 
Just get as much experience as you can, and get yourself known in your film making community. The school of life is always the best, at least for people on a film set.
 
Hi John,

Although I certainly don't have all the answers I can make a few suggestions that should help. By hopefully making you a better technician and therefore stand out from other DMTs or DITS...especially if you are wanting to specialize in Red.
These suggestions are based on my experience and should be taken as personal. Your mileage may vary. In a few short years I have found myself working on incredible and inspiring projects on a scale larger than I ever imagined. I am very fortunate and appreciate the opportunities I've been presented. I always say yes to work if I can. Even if it's a sixth day or a commercial on a weekend. Yup, 38 and single! Anyways, hopefully your significant other understands your focus if you choose to say yes to any and all work opportunities.

Be calm and never panic. Especially on set...even if you are surrounded by chaos. Respect the schedule of the production but don't ever rush. If you have a doubt STOP and double check. Stay out of the way and keep chitchat to the minimum especially around camera. Be over-prepared. Keep spare HDMI cables, iphone/blackberry chargers, HDMI/DVI adapters, CDs, inverters etc in the car "just in case". You can be a hero if props or set dec wants to plug a laptop into a TV in the BG or the makeup girl needs to charge her Blackberry. Little things add up and justify your presence to other departments IMHO. Over estimate download and transfer times because it always takes longer. Progress bars lie and move slower after wrap:-)

Ask production on the AC a few questions before the shoot. Things like…will production have backup drives that are eSATA? Will we be recording audio to camera? Does editorial want transcoded files? (If so, always record a scratch track to camera and charge extra).

Get to know the cameras first and foremost. Menus, quirks, bugs, framerates, sensor weaknesses (rolling shutter), etc. Know and respect the 1st AC as your job is to not only have their back on set but at first you may be doubling as a 2nd AC and Data Manager. Just saying'. The 1st AC will always prefer their own 2nd and rightfully so...but knowing the camera (Red or Epic) in addition to being a decent 2nd AC will keep you busy. 1st ACs and PMs will get you work and spread the word. Especially if you show up before call (esp on small jobs) and are there to help carry cases, move carts and find out "safe areas" to setup from the AD if possible. Avoid spots near craft service unless you consider eating a second paycheck or want a "Body by Kirkland".

Treat media more importantly than anyone on set or in production. Keep exposed cards in Pelican cases. Always copy/clone/duplicate off the camera original. Keep track of reel numbers and catch mistakes on the slate or when the cards are being formatted. Communicating errors off radio whenever possible is usually appreciated. Remove any drinks that are put within a 5ft radius of your cart. If it was the DPs get him another one:-) Minimum 3 copies personally. At least 2 separate physical drives that are stored and kept in different locations. UPS always and battery power/generators/inverters if needed. Find out ahead of time!

Communicate with the DP. This can be tricky as sometimes often DPs now know are tech saavy and self sufficient. In which case you are there to notice things, manage the data, comment when needed and have a presence without getting in the way. Keep your eyes open. Not necessarily to the new wardrobe girl but to the monitor(s). If the makeup looks thick find the makeup girl and bring her to the monitor and ask (don't draw attention). Grabbing a few framegrabs for the DP for reference never hurts …but be conscious of the implications/legalities. A usb stick is cheap and tax deductible.

Master Redcine X and I'd say Resolve if you can. I haven't had time to learn Resolve myself but dream of time off this winter to learn the software.

And It's getting late so I'll add:

Don't be afraid to invest in yourself and your kit. In my case that meant taking a gamble and buying a Red early on. It shows commitment and puts you a step above. Not only a few nice shirts but cardreaders, laptop(s), a redrocket card, broadcast monitor, Red bumper stickers etc. Have options and backups.
Get your own 50' AC cable (so the Genny op doesn't have to wait while you download after wrap in the Whole Foods Parking Lot). Your gear will grow with you but dit gear in general does pay itself off relatively quickly…compared to 2575s, lenses, etc. which you'll want for your Epic package eventually:-)

Get a nice cart and Tower/Rocket as soon as you can. Wait for the new thunderbolt towers and make it as light as you can. My carts are Backstage EFX which are great but heavy and kind of limit my mobility. Although I "had to have it" A Tangent wave sits on my top shelf although is rarely used in RCX. I find the lift/gamma/gain settings too sensitive and it gets bumped and clicked by onlookers which is no laughing matter. I will say it attracts attention and justifies the cart rental. Rarely plugged in !!

I hope that helps you in some way.

Cheers,


BBroz
 
AndrewThomas said:
I think he is talking about being certified by Red to do repairs on Red gear.
Click to expand...

That's how I interpreted it too... I think.

There is/was a program for this, but it seems to have gone away or something. Back when it was first mentioned, we were told to email Kelly if interested. It was more of a consideration thing I think for various facilities. For example, Offhollywood is an authorized service center for RED cameras. They can do most repairs, but things like sensor upgrades still need to be handled directly by RED.

If RED is still offering training in such a way, I'd be interested. There's no one else in my area stepping up to do it, that I'm aware of.
 
What did Sim Video and other places like them have to go through to become "certified" to do repairs?
 
I'm teaching a 3 day RED DIT workshop in Dublin Ireland next week, but he workshop is already at maximum. It will be the 2nd one I've done in Ireland, and hope to do more in other countries. As many of you know, I've been an assistant instructor at REDucation 5 times. Viva la VonCard!

Von
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
That's how I interpreted it too... I think.

There is/was a program for this, but it seems to have gone away or something. Back when it was first mentioned, we were told to email Kelly if interested. It was more of a consideration thing I think for various facilities. For example, Offhollywood is an authorized service center for RED cameras. They can do most repairs, but things like sensor upgrades still need to be handled directly by RED.

If RED is still offering training in such a way, I'd be interested. There's no one else in my area stepping up to do it, that I'm aware of.
Click to expand...

Yep this was what I was looking for Jeff, and your right, there is a need but few places where Red is even heard of in my area. And its not as though we are under a rock either. The Last Samurai was film right in the center of my city at the local park. ...if there is a course or program, I am IN!
 
Well, if theres an actual certification then id be interested in hearing about it.

The hair pulling frustration of sending cameras from here for service would be nice to live without.
 
Me too. This would be right up my alley and there really needs to be service techs in places other than NYC.
 
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