My Job, An Introduction, part 3 of 7

Ron "switching" on the rack.

To continue my series about my job, My Job, An Introduction, Part 1,  My Job, An Introduction, part 2, I shared how we connected the video cameras with cables to the production truck.  However, now I am sharing about the racks we use which are smaller versions of the production truck.  They allow Jim flexibility when videoing in multiple locations.   Usually, they are put in out-of-the-way places in the back of the auditorium or by an entrance door.  No matter where it is placed, everyone is eager to search it out to watch their friends perform.  Bribes of Jolly Ranchers may have been quietly offered in the past for close-ups of themselves; however, the crew is much too honorable to ever take advantage of the situation, I am sure.

Just like the truck, miles of cables are run from the cameras to the rack and are always neat and organized.

It is all kerfunkled.

After the show, the equipment is disassembled, cables rolled and Gaff tape removed.  Each person sticks it on their clothes so no pieces will be left.  They often end up wearing it home.

After the show, the rack's lid is attached so it can be boxed up and transported.

Now the really fun work begins.  All three cameras, with studio kits, viewfinders, rear zooms and focus controls,  plus additional sundry items are put (shoved) in cases.

"Are we having fun yet?

Next, the cables are added.

 

Teamwork is required to close the lid.

Each case has wheels on the side so it becomes a dolly when turned upright. Everything is stacked on top because the more you stack, the less you carry.

If you were not amazed before, you will be now.   Both cases, plus the tripods, plus all the cables, the sales table, football, monitors, the list goes on and on, will be stuffed into the back of Jim's jeep. He first measured the jeep when he decided to begin using racks then worked backward to see what would fit. 

There is an exact order as to how things are stacked.  If Jim slams on the brakes, no one wants the items behind his head to fly forward and give him a concussion, not that it has happened before.

First, the rack is loaded, as the rain begins to fall.  Why does it always rain when we are loading?

Then while everyone is working hard shoving the heavy equipment into the jeep, Jim writes the paychecks for the evening.  He always gets the easy jobs.  As long as they don't bounce, no one cares if they are soggy with spit.

"Add a few extra zeros please Jim" suggested Dustin.

It did fit.

But will the door shut?

It all fits! GROOVY!

There is just enough room for the driver and maybe a cup of coffee.  No wait, there is ALWAYS room for coffee on the drive home.

Done for the night.  Now it is time to drive two hours home, unload and reload for the next day's shoot.

Next, I will share a typical day.