One-Man Band Rig?

[stu aull]

I agree with most of what Mike P. says here, esp his reference to Steve Gibby's notes on RED as EFP cameras. Steve's comments are worthy read.
REDs _can_ be made very light (relatively speaking) and simple for Run-and-Gun. For me it was really a matter of (1) wanting a RED [Scarlet in my case] and (2) taking the time to MAKE it work!
The Good News is: these camera's, starting as just a Brain-box, can be configured to most ANYthing!
The Bad News: you have to configure them
I think if you look at some 80% of the rigs featured by ops here on RedUser, most cameras a pretty seriously decked-out with a LOT of accessories (matte boxes, follow focus, LCDs, etc etc). These end up being very big, bulky packages. In the defense of this, these are no more so than comparable Alexa or other big Cine Rigs. And this is fine for what they are using them for. But the truth is, as some have illustrated here, you CAN rig up a very lean-and-mean RED package. The BOMB is amazing, the Sidehandle can be programmed to all your personal preferences and settings (including realtime audio level control I should mention). These, a Brick and handle, a sweet medium zoom of your preferred focal length, a shoulder pad, plus a REDMAG and you are ready to roll.

I came from 25yrs of all-in-one shouldered Sony Betacams - I _know_ what an EFP-ready rig should be like. REDs are not THAT camera. But if you _want_ to use one, you can come pretty damn close.
My only caveat to Mike P. s suggestion about a rental would be this: unless the rental is kitted out in much the way you would ultimately like to use "yours" (and at this point, you prob don't know what that LOOKS like?!), it might end up being more of an incorrect and negative experience than you expect. REDs have a singular and pretty specific work-flow, and only extended use will allow you to get your head around that. This is not a criticism, just a reality check. More useful to you might be to crew up with a local RED user and observe and work with them and their rig in the real world to see how these amazing devices can be used.

Best of Luck
Stu Aull
SX199 Alaska

 

[Neil Dearman]

Okay very simple, Run & Gun Rig, RED Camera (Built Ready to do, light weight but fully functional) About 50%-70% of my shoots I am a one man band here are tips that I use to get the job done and really helps.
1. Don't Panic, filming on your own with a RED is scary, but makes you a better shooter/person (Better shooter, Director, Producer, Everything cause you are in charge)
2. Build your rig light but fully functional (Use DSLR Lenses, for weight and function, My rig isn't pretty but gets the job done, WC A-Box, WC C-Box, RED touch 5 w/ Hoodman, Atomos Samurai Blade, WC Cheese plates/Top Plates, RED Bricks, Side Handle, RED Volts, Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone, WC Bridge Plate 15 Studio, WC 15 LW)
3.Have a Pelican Case for Extra Cards, Batterys, anything else you need (have a staging area for your case, usually your car is the best bet)
4. If filming broll put on ear buds and listen to your favorite music (this is a life saver and calms you down, really really helps)
5. Get and Use a Professional Shoulder Rig (WC is my choice) and your best bet for Run and Gun
6.Have a lightweight bag (I use a bag for like your cleats or shoes, Great for Batteries, media, rain gear)
7.Don't film where you feel like you are going to get robbed, I live in GA and usually packing if I am filming by myself, if you can't do that use the buddy system)
8. If using sticks get something lightweight and simple to set up and use (I use Manfrotto MVT502AM, light weight and cheap)
9. Shoot Slow Mo on RED, use external Recorder for Realtime (unless you need sound)

I have a ton more but please add more great thread!!!!

 

[Neil Dearman]

Forgot to show my Rig,