BenSemanoff.com

I began my Steadicam career under the assumption that operating Steadicam was as easy as strapping on a Steadicam and shooting. That couldn’t have been further from the truth, and thank God I hadn’t obligated myself to any work using a Steadicam or I would have seriously embarrassed myself. I bought my first Steadicam years ago with the expectation of using it in the production of a corporate video. I was in the process of starting my own business and thought that a prosumer grade Steadicam was a sound investment. It was, but not without a significant commitment to learning how to operate it.

My assumption that Steadicam was “automatic” is not unique. In fact, it’s the assumption of most people both inside and outside of the industry that Steadicam just works. Today, with the increased availability of equipment and information more and more people claim themselves to be “Steadicam Operators.” However, this has resulted in more and more Directors, Producers and DP’s being left with a sour taste in their mouths after a self-proclaimed Steadicam Operator has provided them with a costly demonstration that Steadicam requires not only strength, but skill, endurance and a flare for the aesthetic.

Young Steadicam Operators are faced with the classic Catch 22. How do you get a job without experience, but how do you get experience without getting a job. First, it’s important to get proper training. It’s like learning to play golf… create good habits and techniques now. Take a good Steadicam Workshop such as the one offered by the Steadicam Operators Association. Then practice, practice, practice. Once you feel ready to take on your first job… start small. Know what you’re getting into ahead of time, and ask for advice from other Steadicam Ops. Don’t get in over your head… there’s nothing worse than holding up a production due to inexperience, or even worse, not delivering on your promise.

Those that are hiring Steadicam Ops need to realize that all operators and equipment are NOT created equal. So know who you are hiring and the equipment they are bringing to the table. Work with operators that have been recommended by people you trust. Look at their credits, and if theirs time take a look at their reel. As for equipment, it’s unrealistic to expect those hiring Steadicam Ops to keep up with the quickly advancing technology. So be clear with your expectations. Make sure the operator knows the camera you are working with, and the lenses you will be using for the shots you have planned. If possible, coordinate a conversation between the DP and Steadicam Operator as early as possible so that they can discuss your needs and how to best achieve them. And unless you’re feeling really generous, I’d avoid putting your faith into the camera operator that says “why don’t we rent a Steadicam, I can operate.’ This will seldom save you or the production time or money.

I received my first formal Steadicam instruction at a Steadicam Operators Association Workshop in 2002 lead by Garrett Brown, Steadicam Inventor. One of Garrett’s lectures focused on a discussion about “The Look.” The Look is the composure that a Steadicam Operator should maintain while working. Initially, I didn’t understand why this was so important… but I’ve come to learn that this is paramount to being a good operator.

I was finally able to understood the importance of this concept after an experience I had with someone in our office. I am one of the owners of a film & video production house in Philadelphia called Top Hat Productions LLC. One day I came across one of our employees struggling with a computer. It was misbehaving and causing him delays and occasional losses in work. These types of problems are understandable when it comes to computers… we’ve all had those days. However, this employee was getting visibly agitated. I honestly thought he was going to suffer a stroke right in front of me. This is when I finally understood why Garrett was so passionate about “The Look.” Watching this employee struggle made me feel bad for him. As his employer, it made me feel like I was torturing him by making him do his job. It didn’t really matter how good he was technically at doing his job. That went out the window. At that moment, his inability to keep his cool made me feel like a bad person.

After this experience, I understood that it was critical that I did my job while maintaining my composure. As a Steadicam Operator, our job is not only technical and creative… its physical. This is what we signed up for. So after a long take, when you’re hanging your rig back up… avoid making those grimacing faces. When they want to go for another take… never sigh. Instead, wear a smile on your face… and no matter how heavy that rig feels maintain “The Look.”