The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook, 2nd Edition

The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook, 2nd Edition

by Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball
Released August 2013
Publisher(s): Focal Press
ISBN: 9781136057977

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Book description

The next best thing to an intensive training workshop on how to use the Steadicam® and become a successful owner-operator, this book brings together interviews and instruction by the world's premier Steadicam professionals to get you up and running with your rig and to improve. The revised edition offers video interviews and footage showing the Steadicam in action on the book's companion website bringing this instruction one step closer to in-person training. Learn all aspects of Steadicam operating in one comprehensive package with hours of video on the website and over 1300 full-color photos and illustration.

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, from buying your best rig to negotiating deals with producers and unit production managers.

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.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Halftitle
  3. Title
  4. Copyright
  5. Contents
  6. Foreword
  7. Preface to the second edition
  8. Introduction
  9. Cut. Print. Great.
  10. How to begin
  11. Section One the steadicam® and its parts
    1. Wearing the Steadicam®
    2. Basic physics
    3. Getting to know the rig
    4. Basic Steadicam® terms
    5. Building the rig
    6. Four balancing acts
    7. Static balance
    8. Dynamic balance
  12. Section Two getting started
    1. Putting on the Steadicam®
    2. Moving with the rig
    3. The right touch
    4. Starting and stopping
    5. The camera’s path
    6. Making the switch
    7. Variations on the line dance
    8. Memorizing the shot
  13. Section Three beyond the basics
    1. Low mode
    2. Navigation
    3. Keeping the camera level
    4. Steadicam® posture
    5. General health and operating
    6. Women and Steadicam®
    7. Are you ready?
    8. My big break by Dan Kneece
  14. Section Four steadicam® and filmmaking
    1. Basic shot design
    2. Take after take by Janice Arthur
    3. Your role as storyteller
    4. Point of view
    5. Moving composition
    6. Strong camera moves
  15. Section Five movement techniques
    1. Would you care to dance?
    2. Moving through space
    3. Floating the camera
    4. No second takes by Peter Abraham
    5. Put the rig on the other side
    6. Negotiating tight spaces
    7. Running with a rig
  16. Section Six framing techniques
    1. More on operating
    2. Framing corrections
    3. Precise framing techniques
    4. Lock offs
    5. Whip pans
    6. Longer lenses
    7. Zoom lenses
    8. Pass-bys
    9. Telling the story
  17. Section Seven Getting to work
    1. Accessories
    2. Focus pulling
    3. Preparing for a shoot
    4. Communication
    5. Using grips wisely
  18. Section Eight extending the range of movement
    1. Inventing the wheel
    2. Configuring the rig
    3. Flying with a motorized stage
    4. Inertial augmentation and balance
    5. Gyros
    6. Vertical control
    7. Arm posts
  19. Section Nine extending the range of options
    1. Steadicam® and vehicles
    2. To ride or not to ride?
    3. Hard mount or soft mount
    4. Safety, speed, communication
    5. Types of vehicles
    6. Endurance a test of mind and body by Brant Fagan
    7. Vehicles to avoid
    8. This is just a little part of the Turkish helicopter story by Jakob Bonfils
    9. Interesting vehicles we like
  20. Section Ten the business side of steadicam®
    1. Buying a Steadicam®
    2. Negotiating your deal
    3. Advertising
    4. Insurance
  21. Section Eleven unique environments and requirements: special skills, gear, and accessories
    1. Weather alerts
    2. Survivor no. 1 by Scott Lakey
    3. Documentaries and industrials
    4. Capturing reality by Chris Fawcett
    5. Video and Steadicam
    6. Steadicam® and live TV by Lars Riis
    7. Heavy cameras
    8. Unintended consequences
    9. Lightweight rigs
    10. Steadicam® light by Garrett Brown
    11. Lightweight Steadicam®
    12. Garrett’s big night out
    13. DSLR cameras and Steadicam®
  22. Section Twelve new directions
    1. Sometimes I dream in Tango™
    2. Steadicam® in 3D
  23. Section Thirteen experienced operator
    1. The right attitude
    2. Additional concerns
    3. How do we get this shot? by Charles Papert
    4. Breaking the rules
    5. The emotional stuff
    6. Long shots
    7. A great walk and talk
    8. The long Steadicam® shot by Larry McConkey
    9. Camera Darwinism
    10. and Action!
  24. Conclusion
    1. How was it?
    2. Acknowledgments
    3. DVD References
    4. Websites
  25. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook, 2nd Edition
  • Author(s): Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball
  • Release date: August 2013
  • Publisher(s): Focal Press
  • ISBN: 9781136057977