Craig Phelps

Cannot stress the importance of deal memos and signed documents enough. I just shot and edited two pieces for Major News Site X, INC and they were flat out refusing to pay for a day of rental, double time, and turnaround time. They also attempted to force me into signing an agreement AFTER the fact with the wrong rates, guaranteed hours, and OT breakdown. It wasn't until the CEO of their payroll company got involved that everything was squared away. During the 2016 election, I got a call from a Unnamed Candidate X's campaign office pretending to be the rights holder for a debate, lying about it multiple times on multiple occasions. It wasn't until they sent out the credentialing forms - where they're required to put their organization - that the truth came out. Get. Everything. In. Writing.

Exactly what Kevin said. Workshop and lessons first, brand name rig second. :)

I'd say grab the vest first; it's the most personal part of the rig. That way you'll have your own whenever you rent, borrow, or steal a rig. ;)

I've done both. It's definitely an investment, but also incredibly invaluable. It's a great way to make sure it's for you too, especially before you drop that money on a rig. ;)

Greg Smith does excellent one-on-one lessons in LA. www.SteadicamLessons.com The SOA Workshop is an amazing six-day workshop. https://www.steadicam-ops.com/soa_registration/4

I drove half-way across the country to train with Greg. That should say it all. :D

In case you haven't seen it yet: https://instagram.com/p/BU2WiyBgStm/

I took the SOA Workshop in October and, I have to say, it was one of the best experiences of my life. With that being said, I picked up my rig just a couple weeks ago and wanted to make sure I was dialed in with things, so I gave the one and only Greg Smith a call. I have to say, 2 days of his one-on-one lessons is a game changer. Having a veteran op like Greg there critiquing and giving advice on everything from set-life and business to, obviously, the actual operating is absolutely incredible. Putting that into a one-on-one scenario? Get outta here! Loved the SOA workshop, but this, for me, was an extra huge help; especially after not wearing the rig for a while as a new op. He assessed where I was at and designed the entire two days around working on specific parts of operating. Going over drills and walk-through in different scenarios. Technique-drill-real World application. An excellent teacher for sure! Can't recommend his service enough. Plus, the beach is right there. ;)

Bad thing about a lot of these games/shows on college campuses is you are forced to rely on students provided by the university. Half the time it's not even somebody remotely interested in television or film; it's burnt me a few times running handheld. The inexperience can be frustrating at best, dangerous at worst.

Greetings all. Handheld, video, and utility guy here in St. Louis interested in the art of live steadicam operation. I know the routine from reading through the backlogs by now; book, workshop, training tapes before even thinking about anything else. I wanted to introduce myself regardless. Also, there is a steadicam op down behind home plate here at Busch Stadium right now. Is that any of you fine gentlemen by chance? Anyways, pleasure to meet you all. Hope to join your ranks sooner rather than later. Have a good one! -Craig Phelps