Check out these new products that were designed by my buddy Brandon David of King Midas Films.  Brandon and I started making films together back in 1996 with an Arri-s, a Bogen tripod, Tri-X reversal film, and my ’92 Plymouth (RIP).

One day we were chatting about the whole DSLR craze and how much we hated the fact that a simple hand held rig cost a ton of cash and all the sliders are poop.  Brandon felt he could design something that was simpler, cheaper, and work just as well or even better than the stuff from Redrock Micro, Zacuto, etc…  The next thing I know a prototype showed up at my door and it was great!  I gave him some feedback and he incorporated all my suggestions as well as other professional DP’s suggestions into his design.

The stuff is awesome.  I have used it on several projects and love it.  The slider is smooth as butta’ and the hand held rig is simple and effective.  The stuff is all designed for DIY filmmakers so the price is right and they don’t require a lot of expensive support tools that are common on bigger sets but too much to carry for a one man band.  For example, you can support the slider’s tracks with 2 baby light stands and the shoulder mount rolls up like a burrito into a neat carrying satchel you can throw over you shoulder while you ride the subway.  All the parts are hand made in the USA (in his next door neighbor’s house) by Americans!

For more information check out www.MidasMount.com.  You can order the slider from EVS www.evsonline.com. The 3′ slider kit sells for $350 and the 6″ kit sells for $395. You can purchase the shoulder rig at the Midas Mount showroom, 4774 Imlay Ave., Culver City, 90230. Call Adonis Clarke for rental or sales info at 310-733-6496 M-F 10-6.

Bonus points for anyone who spots the ugly guy on the www.MidasMount.com site!