The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook

Using grips wisely

to guide, to build, to rig

Traditionally, grips move the camera around, build platforms and rigs for the camera and the lights, and take on just about any other task required by the DP. They are extremely useful on set and extremely useful to Steadicam operators.

Grips guide us, adapt vehicles for our use, keep us safe on cranes, push us around on dollies, hump the rig back to number one, build platforms, ramps, and stairs, hold flags for the wind, operate half the Buddycam, catch us when we trip, fend off unruly fans in concerts, and make themselves useful in thousands of ways. Without grips, our operating would be severely ...