SteadiDave
David Lawson
Steadicam Operator Owner
Ten Pieces Of Information
Steadicams are awesome pieces of equipment. I love using them to bring motion to amateur film and documentary work. However, as with any piece of equipment you need the right tool for the job and knowing some of the more commonly faced issues I've had will help you plan your project. Please use the contact info at the bottom of each page to talk more. I'm friendly and don't bite. So, here are my ten pieces of information to help you on the way.
Operators will need a safe sheltered area to setup, tune and store the system whilst on set/location. We can't set the system up with wind or rain howling around us.
Yes we need to rehearse the shot much like actors. Operators can't just turn up and do the job. Like actors we need to practice a bit. You've taken months to get to this stage, we need a bit of time too.
Operating is manual work, we need breaks. And lunch, and more breaks.
The operator has the final say in their own Health & Safety. Discuss any potential issues, such as trip hazards, before we arrive on set. When we say "No!", it usually offends and most times could have been avoided with a little bit of forward planning. - Dialogue before the day goes a very long way.
Most operators will lightly jog with a rig. We will not run with a rig - that is what vehicles are for.
On outdoor locations wind or rain can and will cause problems.
Have you thought about a Focus Puller (AC-1)? Both hands of a Steadicam operator are used to control the rig. Focus will need adjustment if the subject to camera distance changes. But, you knew that - right! The Steadicam system transmits video, wireless to a monitor, and the Focus Puller controls the lens focus with a separate wireless control unit. Yes I have the equipment, but I don't own the people.
If you decide to change anything (and we do mean anything - some lenses, cables, etc) about the Steadicam rig it will need to be re-tuned - this means a small downtime, so plan your schedule.
Filming up a hill or a remote location? Think about how to get a Steadicam system there. If the terrain is not as smooth as a gym hall or good pavement, extra hands will be needed to get the kit to and from the location.
Steadicam operators are here to enhance your project with motion. We therefore do want to know about character moods and your ideas of composition to achieve this. Stuck? - Ask us.
Email: dave@steadidave.uk