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 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.”

What are the best shoes for Steadicam Operation?

Wardrobe is a regular topic at Steadicam Workshops. I’ve been on a never ending quest to find the best socks, underwear, pants, belts, hats, shirts, and yes… shoes for Steadicam operation. This BLOG will lead off a series of BLOGs intended to discuss the apparel that’s best suited for Steadicam operating… and how seriously operators take their wardrobe when going to work.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right pair of shoes for Steadicam. When I pick shoes, the first consideration is safety. I want all the support I can get… especially on those days spent on stairs. Like a surgeon… our hands are critical to our profession, but perhaps even more important are our feet and ankles. One missed step could result in a twisted ankle. So I want as much support as I can get to prevent a sprain or strain from occurring. So when it comes to safety, I opt for some kind of high-top. And the extra support has certainly made a difference on several occasions.

Another important factor is breath ability of the shoe. I often see students at workshops wearing leather boots, and although that offers some support… I personally wouldn’t choose leather boots as my Steadicam footwear. Let’s face it… our job is strenuous. My feet sweat. So I want something that breathes… so that by the end of the day I’m not floating in my shoes. Again, our feet are important. So irritation, rash, etc. needs to be avoided. I typically opt for a sneaker or hiking shoe. I like something that’s either intended to absorb moisture, or allow your feet to breathe enough for that moisture to evaporate.

Comfort would be next on my list. You’re not only going to be on your feet all day, but you’re going to be carrying an extra 80 - 100lbs for most of the day. So comfort is key! This becomes a matter of personal preference. Some people need arch support, others don’t. Here I would encourage you to experiment. See what feels better after 12hrs or so. Don’t count on shoes that are usually comfortable on a weekend hike, to be comfortable after an intense day of Steadicam. So I encourage experimentation. Don’t just accept what you’ve already got in the closet. Trust me; a comfortable shoe will be worth every penny. After lots of experimentation, I found that hiking sneakers were the best for me… and I even found a brand I like the best. Salomon makes a large selection of hiking shoes from low cut to high top. I go for the high top. They lace up quick, are comfortable around the ankle, offer the support and breath ability I need, and after a long day’s work… my feet feel pretty good.

Finally, how are the shoes to operate in? This is a critical factor. However, I think the above three factors take precedence. It’s important that the shoe offers enough sensation to feel your surroundings… especially when you’re locked off and are trying make sure you know where that door frame or step is before you start moving again. Also, do you have enough control with the shoes to creep ever so delicately, and RUN ever so safely. Running with the Steadicam is dangerous enough… so its important that you have a shoe that’s light enough to run in, doesn’t trip you up, and offers the support you need to stop or when the ground is uneven.

The shoe you wear should be considered with the same amount of care as the sled you fly… but it comes down to personal preference. These are some of the factors I take into consideration when choosing my footwear. What’s your preference?