Florida Addict
 

Great, now, just one day later, I'm addicted to DVInfo.

Perfect site for me, I will read much more than I post. But you will get my two cents worth (and it will probably be worth-less.)

No, honestly, I've been working professionally for a long time... network, major-market and independent. I am of the opinion that DV has given everyone an even playing field, and that could not be more exciting for the television industry.

Thanks for having me!

Hey Dave!

Another one from Florida? Cool! I've been thinking there's something in the air down there that makes Florida DV guys wacky. (As evidence, I cite names like Rick, Keith, Mike....)

Maybe one of these days you'll fill in your location so we can narrow down the insanity? ;) But most of all, have fun, and welcome!!!

:P Thhhhhhpt!

And to you Dave, welcome aboard!

Lorinda- wacky and seasoned, that's me.

I really liked your site, good to see people smiling, you guys look like you love your craft, and if that's so, I am right proud to know ya.

Idaho! Wooo, gotta be cold up there?

I edited my profile to show a location, it's only my second day in, so safe to say I will be around.

Hello Keith, I've heard of you guys at VA.

I'm really hoping it was good stuff you heard?

See what I mean, Dave? ;)

Indian Rocks Beach, huh? Well, that blows my theory that all the *wacky* Florida DV'ers live on the east coast! lol!

There's an old thread around here somewhere about a bunch of us getting together for a day in Miami--maybe late May. Not sure it'll happen this year, but keep an eye out for us!

And yeah, it's been a little chilly over here in Idaho.

Dang, another left coaster!
 

Welcome Dave,

Seems that all who want to go out and play are far north or south of me on the East coast, or they're on the West coast. Then there is Idaho!!!!! :) At least we Floridians are warm! :)

We do have to have that Miami get together this year!


Best of luck to the whole gang-----Mike

Hey, I'm warm! ;)

Warm, you? :) The Weather Channel says 35, please step outdoors! :D

Let's see, supposted to be about 75 here tomorrow! And, I'll be out on a boat sailfishing!

Mike

Hey- it was cold down here, so don't let Mike fool you. I actually had to put on a shirt with sleeves today! Brrrr!

SHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH!

Don't tell her that! I actually wore long pants today for about the third time in over a year. But, then again I was up at 4:00am, and was supposed to be on a boat today. I've been working very hard to make her jealous! :)

Mike

Hey... At least we aren't so bundled up, that we look like a tick about to pop ;)
And I hear what you're saying about pants. I've lost like 40 pounds since the last time I wore these jeans, and they are literally falling off me! At least I'll be able to go back to my standard shorts and t shirt tomorrow :)

I've been thinking there's something in the air down there that makes Florida DV guys wacky.


Either that, or something to do with hurricanes. :)

Them hurrycanes make for great kite flyin ;)

Hurricanes, 'we don't need no stinkin' Hurricanes', but I know a little bout it:

Things to do/or not when shooting a Hurricane.

1) Stay away from power poles
2) Cruise in a high clearance vehicle
3) Never give up your camera (or your body) to the elements for one shot
4) Lots of back up fuel...

...and never, ever try to BS the National Guard personnel (they have a serious mentality, very anal folk).

Oh and one more thing, pack lot's of food. Egg Salad sandwiches were going for twenty bucks each to field crews stranded on the Charleston peninsula after Hurricane Hugo.

More tips available, so little time.

By the way, thanks for such a warm welcome, what a cool site!

Gotta go edit, aloha!

Hey, Hurricanes are nothing but air, well a little rain too, but it's all hot air! I taped the last hurricane, but made the big mistake of leaving the focus on auto. When the rain hit the filter on the lens, it changed the focus. I only did it because I was going in and out and wiping the camera down in between, probably 30 times. I had no power to view he footage, much of which was not focused well!------Damn!

Hey Hurricanes are fun, if you don't have big losses! No fun last year, this year no damage. This was my fifth.

Come-on Lorinda, no guts no glory! Come for that visit!

Mike

*warning! Extreme Rant Ahead!*
 

My take on hurricanes-
Ok, so I am a Floridian, and have been for pretty much 40 years now. I have seen hurricanes come and go, and had many a great party during them. Then came Charlie, Francis, and Jeanne, back in 2004... We lost power in the first one, along with some shingles and our skylight. Then, with Francis, we lost a few more shingles, and our power, but we now had a generator, so it wasn't too bad.

By the time they were done with us, it was time for the insurance company to have it's way with us. Since they didn't bother to come out till all the storms were over, we had a healthy jungle of mold growing throughout the house. They brought in a Mold removal company, which literally gutted our home, until there was nothing but the outside walls and roof left. Then, to make matters worse, they gave us a grand total of $53,000 to rebuild the entire house. But it gets even worse, because the check was made out to our mortgage company, Ameriquest.

It has been an uphill battle ever since, because the retards at Ameriquest refuse to release the repair money to us, until the house is 100% finished. Whenever we need to buy anything, or have any work done, we need to get an estimate, send it in, where they lose it. We then send it again, and they sit on it for a month, and send us a check. We then need to have a signed lien release waver from the contractor, saying that they have been fully compensated, and hold no lien on our home. We send this in, and of course, they lose that as well.

Well, since the mold people had started, we were unable to live here. The insurance company was paying a housing allowance, so that we wouldn't be forced to live in our car, but only for 12 months. In which time, the house is still far from being done, because the people at Ameriquest still haven't given out the money. After all the crap we went through, they are still refusing to give it up till the house is finished.

I wish those hurricanes had been more thorough. I also wish Ameriquest gets hit by a mudslide... then a brushfire... then an earthquake or three, just in case they are still twitching. But, I'm not bitter. Just one straw short of going postal maybe, but not bitter.

Hurricane Jeanne? That's my middle name, Mike.....so I've been there! (Sorry about the damage, Keith.) ;)

Thhhhpt!


:P

That really sucks Keith! Have you contacted an attorney?

Mike

Only lawyers we spoke with, assured us that the mortgage contracts covered them.

Good God, what a nightmare! I'm sure you called the Insurance Commissioner’s office? Got to rattle the politicians... especially Charlie Crist's office (SOS), he wants to be Governor so bad, he'd do anything for a vote, you'd be surprised!

I never thought I would see the day that companies like All State and State Farm (and all of their jack) turn tail and run from clients after a storm. But they do/did, leaving so many people like you in there wake. But they're an insurance company; you half expect them to try to get over on you, not a mortgage company, that is despicable.

Sorry I wedged open your wound, I did not mean to be so glib about Hurricanes... I know better.

We are so lucky on the west coast, but that too is just an anomaly. We will get ours. Unfortunately, you really find out what kind of company you are doing business with when a crisis occurs.

My mother-in-law lives in PSL, she got quite lucky, only lost her back porch.
Another 'ex-mother-in-law' in Melbourne, few problems for her too.

Go figure.

It was having to talk to the retards at Ameriquest yesterday, that really did it. I swear they sit outside the special olympics and recruit. I mean, what kind of genius decides that you really don't need the insurance money to repair your home, when they have an inspector taking pictures of the home being gutted? And now that it has been over a year, they are wondering why it isn't done. Duh!?!?!

Every time I have to deal with them, I just feel like gutting the house, taking everything out of it, Sawing through all the studs, filling all the pipes with cement, and letting them have it back.

And Dave... It is I who owes you an appology, for hijacking your introduction thread, and being a downer.

But still, welcome to the boards!

Let's have the meeting in Orlando - centrally located and we can take a break at Disney and shoot each other with the characters. Or at the Alligator farm!

Oh, I should mention that I just recently moved to Clermont FLorida, about 30 miles to EPCOT. And I now live on the 7th tee of the only mountain golf course in Florida (Diamond Players).

I am waiting for the day that I get up and put on a sweater because it dropped all the way down to 72 degrees. Maybe next winter? For now I still wear short sleeves down to 50 degrees.

I've got my Marlboro Hoody on, with my shorts and sandles. About time to switch out to a t shirt now.

Another Floridian
 

Hello all,

Ive manily been on the DMN forum but DVi looks like it is more popular. Im located in Rockledge over by Cocoa Beach.

Vegas 6 user and just purchased an FX1.

Brian

Hey Brian- You're in sniping distance! Hello, and welcome.

Gatorland's a hoot Steve, I did a shoot there once. Got some big bull gator to 'nip' my lens, at his eye level, it was a really killer shot.

Truth: if you charge at a gator, it will turn tail and run. One of the guy's at Gatorland showed me how to do it. He also showed me how to 'call' a gator and still to this day, when I'm near fresh water, it works. I can call 'em right up to me.

Don't get me wrong, I never would mess with a gator, they're grossly, fascinating creatures with very simple minds. Kinda like Photogs!

Welcome to FLA, the nuttiest flippin' state in the union, you'll love it!

It's kinda like 'Alice's Restaurant’; you can get most anything you want.

Right Keith?

"ceptin Alice..."

"My bro..."

You're starting to freak me out man... where do you know me from?

I don't, I promise! Just heard tell of your company, don't remember where, maybe in a leasing house or in education circles.

Been around a long time, met many people... I ain't trying to freak you out!

Could'nt believe you know 'Alice'.

When you threw out that line, I was sure you knew me from somewhere. I like to throw that line out once in a while... You can get anything you want. Those who know, will respond. Those who don't, just look at you funny :)

I get a lot of funny looks.

Me too... I'm almost taking it personal :)

Aye, be careful to give due respect to hurricanes, and realize that the likes of Jeanne, Frances, etc are meteorological pipsqueaks compared to the storms of the 1930's, 40's, and 50's. If you think 04 was a nightmare (which it was)… just wait until the next few decades are over! : (

I have been in the eye of a category five, a high-end four, two cat 1's, and numerous tropical storms. My forefathers moved to Miami in the early 1900’s, and we still have the stories and pictures of the hell that they went through (and some 8mm film of Betsey in 65’!).

Seeing how we are moving back to such times today, I suppose there is a bright side: nothing is more awesome and more frightening... and as full of cinematic potential.

I would absolutely love to see some of the stuff captured by my Florida brethren in the midst of these most recent tempests. A collaboration (documenting a storm at different times as it trekked across the state) would be something, no?

Great idea, I can get plenty of stuff on the West Coast... we'll make it a true collaborative effort.

A DVinfo original.

WAIT, did I just volunteer myself for 'another' project?

oh, ah, NM!

I got the reference. In fact, I heard the whole thing on an Internet radio station the other day, and the movie was on TV a week or two back. Arlo shows up at Epcot almost every year. I have some footage in SD if anyone wants it. Samples here: http://www.stevengotz.com/arlo.htm

I don't want a pickle...