The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook

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!

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

About the Author :
Holway is the co-inventor of the Steadicam(R) and is known as one of the premier Steadicam(R) 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(R) operator and served as the first president of the Steadicam(R) Operator's Association and remains an active member today. Hayball has over 10 years experience as a Steadicam(R) operator and instructor. An experienced cinematographer, she has authored a number of bestselling titles in photography.

Review :
"The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook is the most comprehensive and complete text available on Steadicam equipment and operation. It is essential reading for beginners and experienced operators alike." -Dan Kneece, President of the Society of Steadicam Operators "This is the first book to demystify the operation of the Steadicam" -Paul Taylor: Steadicam, owner - operator / fifteen year advanced Steadicam workshop lead instructor and developer of Steadicam instructional techniques "Precision is key when it comes to pulling off a successful Steadicam shot, and it is also the best word to describe what makes The Steadicam Operatorâ?Ts Handbook essential reading. Written by veteran operators Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball, it is a treasure trove of specific, detailed information regarding the theory and practice of Steadicam operation.Intelligent but not dryly academic, and complete but never overwhelming, The Steadicam Operatorâ?Ts Handbook is a must." - Jim Hemphill, American Cinematographer