The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook
- 1st Edition - February 3, 2009
- Latest edition
- Authors: Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball
- Language: English
Camera operators and video enthusiasts around the world search for the training and information they need to successfully use the Steadicam®, the most versatile tool for moving a… Read more
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Description
Description
Camera operators and video enthusiasts around the world search for the training and information they need to successfully use the Steadicam®, the most versatile tool for moving a motion picture or video camera. Every year, about 500 people in the world are lucky enough to take an intensive training workshop (some of the top workshops are taught by the authors of this book), but these workshops are expensive and sell out as a matter of course: the instructors simply can't keep up with the high demand. As a result, the vast majority of people have no practical way to learn what has become an essential camera operating skill. For the first time, THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK illuminates all aspects of Steadicam operating in one comprehensive package. With over 1300 full-color photos, it's the comprehensive how-to and why-to book for the amateur, semi-pro, and professional.
Written by the premier Steadicam instructors in the world, this book covers everything a cameraman needs to get started using a Steadicam rig and to get better. Both informational and inspirational, THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK moves from the physics and balancing of a Steadicam, through a series of step-by-step line dances and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking – how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera setup.
The book discusses the wide array of equipment and accessories currently available, and it also illustrates the latest operating techniques and tricks, a variety of strategies for working with others, and the business side of a Steadicam career. Also included are observations and anecdotes - inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary - written by a number of other experienced Steadicam operators around the world, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well.
Foreword written by Garrett Brown!
Written by the premier Steadicam instructors in the world, this book covers everything a cameraman needs to get started using a Steadicam rig and to get better. Both informational and inspirational, THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK moves from the physics and balancing of a Steadicam, through a series of step-by-step line dances and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking – how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera setup.
The book discusses the wide array of equipment and accessories currently available, and it also illustrates the latest operating techniques and tricks, a variety of strategies for working with others, and the business side of a Steadicam career. Also included are observations and anecdotes - inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary - written by a number of other experienced Steadicam operators around the world, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well.
Foreword written by Garrett Brown!
Key features
Key features
* Written by the premier Steadicam experts in the world
* Offers the opportunity for novice camera operators to learn the skill sets needed to build and move forward in their careers
* Lavishly illustrated in full color to show the various techniques, equipment, and line dances used by Steadicam operators
* The techniques presented in this book apply to any type of Steadicam rig
* Provides a comprehensive understanding of the skill sets to successfully operate a Steadicam, including techniques not even covered in official workshops
Readership
Readership
Steadicam operators (aspiring and current), camera operators, camera assistants, cinematographers, students of film and video production
Table of contents
Table of contents
INTRODUCTION
Cut. Print. Great.
The history of the Steadicam is pretty well known
How to begin
SECTION ONE: the Steadicam® and its parts
Wearing the Steadicam®
Basic Physics
Getting to know the rig: Basic Steadicam terms
Build the Steadicam
Four balancing acts
Static balance
Dynamic balance
SECTION TWO: getting started
Putting on the Steadicam
Moving with the rig
The right touch
Starting and stopping
The camera's path
Making the switch
Variations on the line dance
Memorizing the shot
SECTION THREE: beyond the basics
Low mode
Navigation
Keeping the camera level
Steadicam posture
General health and operating
Women and Steadicam
Are you ready?
My big break by Dan Kneece
SECTION FOUR: Steadicam® and filmmaking
Basic shot design
Take after take by Janice Arthur
your role as storyteller
Point of view
Moving composition
Strong camera moves
SECTION FIVE: movement techniques
Would you care to dance?
Moving through space
Floating the camera
No second takes by Peter Abraham
Putting the rig on the other side
Negotiating tight spaces
Running with a rig
SECTION SIX: framing techniques
More on operating
Framing corrections
Precise framing techniques
Lock offs
Whip pans
Longer lenses
Zoom lenses
Pass-bys
Telling the story
SECTION SEVEN: getting to work
Accessories
Focus pulling
Preparing for a shoot
Communication
Using grips wisely
SECTION EIGHT: extending the range of movement
Inventing the wheel
Configuring the rig
Flying with a motorized stage
Inertial augmentation and balance
Gyros Vertical control
Arm posts
SECTION NINE: extending the range of options Steadicam® and vehicles
To ride or not to ride?
Hard mount or soft mount
Safety, speed, communication
Types of vehicles
Endurance by Brant Fagan
Vehicles to avoid
Turkish helicopter by Jacob Bonfils
Interesting vehicles we like
SECTION TEN: the business side of Steadicam
Buying a Steadicam
Negotiating your deal
Advertising Insurance
SECTION ELEVEN: unique environments and requirements
Weather alerts
Survivor No. 1 by Scott Lakey
Documentaries and industrials
Capturing reality by Chris Fawcett
Video and Steadicam Steadicam and live TV by Lars Riis
Heavy cameras
Unintended consequences
Lightweight rigs
Steadicam light by Garrett Brown
Lightweight Steadicam
Garrett's big night out
SECTION TWELVE: the experienced operator
The right attitude
Additional concerns
How do we get this shot? by Charles Papert
Breaking the rules
The emotional stuff
Long shots
A great walk and talk
The long Steadicam shot by Larry McConkey
Camera Darwinism ...and Action!
CONCLUSION
How was it?
Acknowledgments
DVD References
Websites
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: February 3, 2009
- Language: English
About the authors
About the authors
JH
Jerry Holway
Holway is the co-inventor of the Steadicam® and is known as one of the premier Steadicam® instructors in the world. His workshops are routinely sold out, leaving a lengthy line of eager participants. He has spent over 25 years as a Steadicam® operator and served as the first president of the Steadicam® Operator’s Association and remains an active member today.
Affiliations and expertise
co-inventor of the Steadicam® and known as one of the premier Steadicam® instructors in the world. His workshops routinely sell out, leaving a lengthy line of eager participants. He has spent over 25 years as a Steadicam® operator and served as the first president of the Steadicam® Operator’s Association and remains an active member todayLH
Laurie Hayball
Hayball has over 10 years experience as a Steadicam® operator and instructor. An experienced cinematographer, she has authored a number of bestselling titles in photography.
Affiliations and expertise
Experienced Steadicam operator, instructor, & photographer.View book on ScienceDirect
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