Volume 3, Issue 1, page 2

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Pedolly Goes to "Mars"

Hollywood, CA--Thanks to the folks at CBS our new Pedolly made its way onto the spacecraft being used to shoot the made for TV movie, "Journey to Mars." With the help of Larry Heider, Phil Wilson, Wiley Live and Ted Morales, a new "skateboard type" base was constructed for the Pedolly® column, which was used to get into the tightest corners within the small space capsule. The Pedolly column can be removed and used separate from the base. The small base, coupled with the new wheels, made it possible to move readily around the capsule's tight quarters...

Interview with Grip Albert Ramos and Documentary Filmmaker Ron Cicero

Albert Ramos, one of Hollywood's leading grips, and Ron Cicero, who is currently making his documentary film, The A Guide to Making Movies, gives us some of their views on film making.

by Christine C. Huenergardt

North Hollywood, CA--We had the opportunity to interview Ron Cicero and Albert Ramos, while filming some inserts for Cicero's documentary video, tentatively called, The A Guide to Making Movies.
The video focuses on various interviews with many well known movie professionals, from Directors to Grips. Albert Ramos, a well established Grip, has many movies to his acclaim. Beginning with Coal Miners Daughter, and The Blues Brothers to Naked Gun 33 1/3 and On Deadly Ground (to name a few) gave us some of his views on filmmaking.

Chapman: Are you happy with the selection of equipment Chapman has to offer? What additions, if any, would you like to see Chapman incorporate into its inventory?

Albert: I am very happy with the selection of equipment Chapman offers. I particularly like to use the Hustler Dolly (number 40). I also like to use the Titan mobile crane, as well as, the stage cranes. I like the selection of accessories Chapman has to meet my needs.

Chapman: Have you been able to achieve the shot you desire with Chapman Equipment? Can you give us an example?

Albert: I haven't laid out a shot that I haven't been able to do yet. I am always challenged with the roundy-round question when I use the Hustler dolly and each time I can prove that this feature is not necessary for shots in confined areas. Most times, when I have used the roundy-round feature, it hasn't given me the results that I can get with using the Hustler in conventional steering. Roundy-round steering will over react to a move that requires a subtle movement.

Chapman: How do you feel about the Chapman Hustler Dolly?

Albert: I really like using the Hustler. I am one of the few grips who have the Hustler Dolly with a Hybrid valve in it. I like to be able to move the arm quickly. The Hustler with the Hybrid valve allows me to follow the actors' movement.

Chapman: Do you have any suggestions for Chapman to incorporate in the future to further meet your production values and needs?

Albert: Keep up the quality control and service on the equipment. I am very happy with Chapman's Service Department in L.A. headed by Frank Requena. I am very concerned with the maintenance of my equipment because the equipments performance will reflect on my performance. Frank has always made sure the equipment I use is received in top working condition.

Chapman: What is the grip's responsiblity? What personal satisfaction do you receive from your work?

Albert: The grip's responsibility is to move the camera. I like to see the results and see the flow of the shot I get on screen from moving the camera.

Chapman: What is the most difficult moves you have had to do?

Albert: In a small room or confined area, with movement within this restricted area.

Chapman: Do you still use the Hustler within confined quarters?

Albert: Yes.

Chapman: How does camera support contribute to the creative process of film making?

Albert: A lot of times the movement of the camera will create the mood of the scene. For instance, to create loneliness, I will dolly out making the actor become smaller and smaller or for impact I will dolly in rather quickly. Other times, to give life to a scene that has a lot of dialogue, I will do a creeper move (a very slow move) to keep the scene alive.

Chapman: Any final comments that you would like to make to summarize your thoughts about Chapman / Leonard?

Ron: It is important to ask questions and have good communication with all the people and vendors you deal with involved in making your production. Don't be afraid to ask if you have a question about a product.

Albert: It is important to have good rapport with the companies and people you are working with. Thank you, Albert and Ron, for your time. We will look forward to seeing Albert Ramos's work on Mel Brook's new film, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, as well as, seeing Ron Ciceros informative video, The A Guide to Making Movies . We wish you both the best!