Burnies Grip and Lighting

Nice soft lighting, for a to camera delivery, instrucal cosmetics shoot!

Many circumstances go into producing a shoot, budgeting is usually the most difficult factor. I think we all have been in those situations where you’re pulling together a crew less than 12 hours before the shoot!!

I love the emotion these shots invoke! Early morning, alone in a gym, doing what you have to do to make your day productive.
The day I learned lighting was only about emotion is the day I became a professional.

There are so many great locations in San Diego like the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego!!

Another Shoot in San Diego!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎉🎊

Merry Christmas Everyone 🎄🎁🎅🏼🤶🏻❄️☃️

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BIG SHOOT

'Twas the night before shooting, throughout the whole set,Not a creature was stirring, not even a pet.
C-stands were hung by the grip truck with care, In hopes that St. Gaffer soon would be there.

The actors, in trailers, slept snug in their beds, While visions of Oscars danced in their heads.
I liad on my furniepad after checking each clip,
I had just closed all my apps and settled down for a quick grip nap.

When out near the trucks there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my pad to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen props Gave a lustre of midday to objects and tops.
When what to my wondering eyes who should appear, But a miniature van, and eight tiny grips near.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Gaffer, oh so slick.

More rapid than script changes his coursers they came, He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now Dolly! Now Slider! Now Pan and Tilt! On Coffee! On Bagels! On, Donuts and Starbucks
To the top of the set! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

So up to the set-top the coursers they flew With the van full of gear, and St. Gaffer there too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the set roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Gaffer came with a bound.

He was dressed all in denim, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and snow.

A bundle of lights he had flung on his back, He looked like a gaffer just opening his pack.
Oh his eyes how they twinkled!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And rigged all the lights; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his van, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew to the next double dip, as quick as a missile.

But that night, as he flew out of sight, I heard him exclaim!

"Merry Shooting to all, and to all a good-light!"

Merry Christmas My Production Brothers and Sisters 🎅🏼👵🏼🎄

From my Chat GTP “Media Production Mentor”

Insurance costs in equipment rental, especially for camera and lens equipment, is crucial in the media production industry.

Insurance Types: There are typically two main types of insurance for equipment rental:

* Short-Term Insurance: This covers the rental period only. It's often used by productions that don't own their equipment or for one-off projects.

* Annual Policies: These are more cost-effective for production companies that frequently rent equipment. They cover multiple rentals over a year

Coverage Scope:

* Damage: Covers repair costs if the equipment is damaged.

* Loss or Theft: Important for high-value items like cameras and lenses, this covers the replacement costs if equipment is lost or stolen.

* Liability: This covers injuries or property damage caused by the equipment.

Cost Factors:

* Value of Equipment: Insurance premiums are often a percentage of the total value of the rented equipment.

* Rental Duration: Longer rental periods typically mean higher insurance costs.

* Risk Assessment: Factors like the production location and the nature of the shoot (e.g., action scenes, underwater shoots) can affect premiums.

Deductibles: Most policies have deductibles, meaning the production would pay a certain amount before insurance covers the rest. Lower deductibles often result in higher premiums.

* Certificate of Insurance (COI): Rental houses usually require a COI before releasing equipment. This document proves that the production has insurance covering the rented items.

* Additional Insured: Sometimes, rental houses or locations might want to be listed as an "additional insured" on the policy for extra protection.

* Claim Process: In case of damage or loss, there's a specific process for filing claims, which usually includes providing a police report for thefts.

* Cost-Efficiency: For camera departments, balancing insurance costs with the budget is key. Over-insuring can be as costly as under-insuring.

Advice for Camera Departments:

* Always verify insurance coverage before renting equipment.

* Be clear on policy details, especially regarding what is and isn’t covered.

* Maintain good equipment handling practices to minimize risk.

In summary, understanding and managing insurance for equipment rentals is a vital aspect of ensuring smooth operation and financial protection in media production. It’s particularly relevant for camera departments given the high value and sensitivity of their equipment.

Loading In!!!

Just wrote this to a friend who complained the production company was altering his payroll.
If you won't defend yourself, don't expect anyone else to!

"I know you are an experienced qualified tech. You need to find the people that will pay for the skills you have earned.
You have to use your power, if you let these people walk on you now, then where is the line? People have tried to rip me off like that I made it very clear there would be a price to pay.
I walked into their office, closed the door behind me, looked them in the eye and told them the way it was going to be.
I was scared, didn't know how it was going to turn out, but when I did it I took my power back and got my money.
You never gain without letting go.
That launched me to believe in myself and do whatever I needed to take care of myself.
Don't let the bully take your lunch money!
You can't soar with the eagles if you keep scratching with the chickens!
Start kicking ass NOW!!"

Never Stop Believing 🎬

Happy Holidays!!

Some shoots you always remember!

We were doing product shots at the producers house. I wasn’t overly excited about it but when we got there, saw the products, and the message we were sending, and really fell in love with these
looks. I could really feel the shot!

It’s about how you feel about the picture!

May look a bit of a mess, but not a single item moved on the way to Palm Springs 🌴!!

OK, the Grip Truck is full!!

✔️ARRIMAX 18K w/ Ballast
✔️Roadrunner Stand
✔️(2) M18’s
✔️7000w Generator
✔️Complete Fisher 10 Dolly
✔️(4) 8ft track
✔️(2) Kino Flo Select 30’s
✔️400 Joker
✔️2000w Generator
✔️Standard 3 Ton package

Off to Palm Springs! Let ‘er rip!!

GIVE ME YOUR INPUT!! I want YOUR thoughts and Ideas!

Maintaining profitability in rental equipment for media production.

* Strategic Pricing and Packaging:
Start with competitive base package pricing to attract customers. Then, encourage upselling with premium equipment or additional services. This approach helps in covering basic costs while maximizing potential revenue through upsells.

* Cost Control and Budgeting:
Carefully manage costs related to labor, insurance, transportation, repairs, and facilities. Regularly review and adjust budgets based on these fluctuating costs to maintain profitability.

* Efficient Inventory Management:
Keep track of all equipment to ensure optimal usage and minimize idle inventory. Implement a system that tracks the lifecycle of each item, schedules regular maintenance, and identifies when it’s more cost-effective to replace rather than repair.

* Insurance and Risk Management:
Adequate insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your investment. It safeguards against losses from accidents, theft, or damage. Regularly review your policies to ensure they match the current value and risks associated with your inventory.

* Quality Maintenance and Repairs:
Regular and quality maintenance prolongs the life of your equipment, ensuring it remains rentable for longer. This reduces the frequency and cost of major repairs and replacements.

* Sub-rental Logistics:
If you sub-rent equipment to meet demand, efficiently manage these logistics to ensure they’re cost-effective. Factor in transportation costs, potential delays, and the reliability of sub-rental partners.

* Customer Relationship Management:
Build strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business. Understand their needs and preferences, offer excellent customer service, and consider loyalty programs or discounts for regular customers.

* Market Analysis and Adaptation:
Stay informed about the latest trends in media production and technology. Adapting your inventory to meet market demands can keep your business relevant and competitive.

* Sustainability Practices:
Implement eco-friendly practices like energy-efficient storage facilities or investing in durable, long-lasting equipment. This not only reduces operational costs but also appeals to environmentally conscious customers.

* Diversification:
Consider diversifying your rental offerings to cater to a broader range of clients or to provide complementary services, such as crew hire, transport, or post-production facilities.

* Training and Education:
Ensure your staff is well-trained in handling, maintenance, and customer service. This improves the efficiency of operations and enhances customer experience, leading to repeat business and referrals.

By combining these strategies, you can create a rental equipment business in media production.
It’s about balancing cost control with quality service, staying adaptive to market change.

How many of you have seen one of these on your jobs? Send a picture and get extra points!!

"Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiam." - Winston Churchill
(It’s not as hard as you might think!)

Advice to remember!! 🤔

“Just be yourself, unless your an as***le, then please, be someone else"

- Craig Burnie Burns

"I'm proud to be part of a generation that was once mesmerized by Lite-Brites… but now complains if we can't live stream HD video on our phones."- ?

Always love lighting like this!! Brad Elsey

"In making movies, you can't be surprised when a problem comes up. You can only be surprised when a problem doesn't come up."
-Dino De Laurentiis

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 🦃 🍽 Enjoy the day you’ll probably working straight through the rest of the year 🎅🏼!!