Buster Arrieta

How long can withstand continuous up or support a steadicam operator carrying the day?

EXACTLY...!!! (dot)

Chris... How much could be the rest time between shots? How much could be the maxime time of continuos operating P/day -Vs- human body resist? Thanks Buster

Use a "Mako Head" Best.

Hi Alan, thanks for that offer - very nice! I would like to have a copy. My email is bustercam@yahoo.com Thank you very much. Buster Arrieta http://www.geocities.com/bustercam/page.html bustercam@yahoo.com

ACF-50 ANTICORROSIVE/LUBRICANT SanVal (at Van Nuys Airport) mail order 800- 423-3281 Call for Details: (800)423-3281 National (800)924-9658 California Telephone In Van Nuys Area: (818) 786-8274 In California: (800) 924-9658 Outside California: (800) 423-3281 FAX 818-786-9072 Address 7444 Valjean Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406 Electronic mail General Information: san-val@san-val.com

Thanks, Alec. Yes I am looking to full my own focus with a gimbal mounted device too. What do you think about (Bartech + M-One)...? For lenses Canon/Fujinon? on steadicam?.

The two best wireless follow focus devices are the Bartech and the Preston systems. The preston is pricier but a solid device that won't let you down and it can handle three channels. The Bartech is a single channel system that you can link together to get more than one channel but it does become bulkier as a handset. Both are superb products, but if cost is a factor and you only need one channel I highly recommend the Bartech, bang for you buck you can't beat it. Also I should mention that both manufacturer's have superb customer service. links: Bartech : http://www.bartechengineering.com/ Preston: http://www.prestoncinema.com/products_FI+Z.html Joshua Harrison Thanks, Joshua. What do you think about (Bartech + M-One)...? For lenses Canon/Fujinon? on steadicam?. Thanks, Alec. Yes I am looking to full my own focus with a gimbal mounted device too

Which the best follow focus device is for Canon and Fujinon HD lenses?

Me too, look at this... some shots made with zooming ZOE III : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2898231816053595744 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=28...amp;q=bustercam http://bustercam.blogspot.com

I thank to all the good and healthy critic In that way I believe we help ourselves all to improve and to polish our work http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2898231816053595744 http://bustercam.blogspot.com http://www.geocities.com/bustercam/page.html

Look at this... http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid=2898231816053595744

Thanks, Jason Have you some pictures and ref of LCD Monitor, Clamp and Bracket ?

ALL, thinking about converting the EFP CRT to a LCD monitor. those with a EFP and who have converted to LCD, would you kindly mind telling me whats involved and if you can do it yourself? are there different bracket options for the EFP or is it only one or two? im interested in HD monitoring. search queries did not turn up the info i am looking for. thanks kindly in advance.... Buster Arrieta

Thank you so much for the replies. I have gone out and bought the Silica Gel packs and have brought some WD40 and some grease for my arm. NO... WD40... NO... YES... ACF-50... YES... It is Better... Is Ideal

Thanks! Mr. and Sir... all the forum, for your help, concept and opinion about this item. There are tests of effort carried out in laboratory where the proportional rest is indicated to the effort, I thought or I believed that those BBC-Rules they were universal and of common global agreement of the union in benefit of the health of the steadicam operators. Anyway I apologize them a thousand pardons or if in some moment I offended or I hurt some of my colleagues but it was not that my intention. Apologize the confusion for terrible English that I dominate. Pardon for my life, respected and dear colleagues. Buster Arrieta

SAFETY RULES NEVER EVER TOUCH the Steadicam or operator. DO NOT PUSH the Steadicam operator to make him/her go faster. DO NOT PULL on the Steadicam operator (unless you are the spotter and you have both worked out the shot) Do Not Grab the post or touch the monitor to adjust the framing for the Steadicam operator. Simply ask the operator to adjust the framing... the operator will be more than happy to do it for you. The rig is extremely heavy not to mention extremely expensive and the operator has to balance up to 100 lbs of gear on his/her body. If someone touches the any part of the Steadicam or operator, it throws the entire operator's balance off and can quickly fatique the operator because they have to use muscles to compensate for the balance shift. Give the operator a chance to rest between takes. Steadicam Oerators are only humans, we are, "Dollies that Bleed" and we get tired... eventually. Remember, the operator is holding a very heavy piece of equipment. If the operator isn't shooting, he shouldn't be standing around for long periods of time with the Steadicam mounted. It just wears the operator out faster and the shots could get sloppy. If you have any questions regarding these safety rules and guidelines please email us and we'll be happy to go into further detail. THANK YOU! for observing these Steadicam safety rules! Health, Safety and Security - Steadicam Universal / USA - BBC Requirements The Steadicam and similar camera mounting systems enable smooth tracking shots to be achieved in circumstances where a track and dolley would be either impossible or impractical e.g. flights of stairs, sports stadia. The system is designed for smooth moving shots not static shots. Fully loaded the Steadicam weighs in excess of 40kg Steadicam operators need to be competent and physically fit. Steadicam operators must be adequately trained in the safe use of the Steadicam and how to inspect the rig. The Steadicam training will include safe use including shooting on stairs, identifying hazards including those that might arise from production changes, how to balance the rig for comfort for each shoot and lessons learned from incidents. Guidance... For each production the person in charge of the steadicam activity to carry out a risk assessment e.g. Resources or Engineering Manager (EM), Camera Supervisor, Producer, or Production Unit Manager. The operator should be consulted to contribute to the assessment to help specify the rig and check the location. The assessment will take account of: ? the coverage needed, ? the fitness, training and experience of the operator for the particular task; ? the rest periods needed and the support the operator will require; ? the length of the working day. Guidance... The assessment will also need to cover; ? the location; ? the type of Steadicam rig/camera ? the ground conditions; ? the weather conditions. Guidance... The assessment will be recorded and shared with the operator as well as contributing to the overall programme risk assessment. The Steadicam system consists of a Stabilizer Support Arm attached to a Camera Operator?s Vest at one end, and at the other end to a "floating" Camera Mounting Assembly (also known as the ?sled?) which accepts a film or video camera. The operator will check that the rig is in good order for the shoot. Guidance... Guidance Competence and Fitness to use Steadicams The Steadicam training will include safe use including how to inspect the rig, shooting on stairs, identifying hazards including those that might arise from production changes, how to balance the rig for comfort for each shoot and lessons learned from incidents. Steadicam operators who are staff are assessed for physical capability prior to training and will be in a health surveillance programme. Staff who have been on sick leave will be referred to the Medical Officer prior to return to steadicam operations. There is an increased risk to health if the operator is pregnant, breastfeeding or has recently given birth. They should be referred to the BBC Medical Officer on the suitability to continue / return to Steadicam operations. Guidance Planning the task The Steadicam rig is extremely heavy (over 40kgs). The length of time it is worn, the distance that the operator is asked to cover and the coverage that is needed will all help to determine the number of operators, assistants and relief operators needed. For sports like football, rugby league, etc. the distance covered by an operator should be limited, e.g. corner flag to half way to centre line. The rig should be rested at such times as the play is at the other end of the field. Steadicams should not be used to cover sportsmen/women running fast , however fit the operator it is impossible to sprint carrying over 40 kg this type of shot should be carried out differently, (e.g. on a mobile mount.). The operator and Resources Manager will determine the rest time needed. Adequate rest periods (for guidance, a rest period of 15 minutes should be taken after every 15 minutes operation) and, wherever possible, the Steadicam should be taken off, or at least the weight supported, when not actually in use. An assistant working with the operator who is aware of the operational needs will help facilitate the rest periods in addition to watching the operator?s back, providing support, and logistics. They are likely to need radio talkback for operator and the assistant. Guidance Assessing the risk During the planning stages the operator should be consulted to agree the Steadicam model suitable for the task, the environment and the coverage needed. The equipment can vary in mass and the type of model specified has a bearing on the time the rig may be safely worn. The operator should also assess the proposed location at an early stage e.g. at a technical recce. If this is not practical prior to the production date and they must be given sufficient time on the rig day, for such an assessment to be made. This will include a walk-through, without the rig on, to identify any potential hazards and further controls needed. The equipment and the task may cause dehydration so a good supply of rehydration drink will be needed. Therefore water, a folding seat and shade as appropriate must be made available to the operator close to where they are working. Hand gloves, Knee and Elbow pads should be worn at all times. Footwear should be appropriate to the ground conditions. Guidance The Steadicam The Vest The vest should be in good order and correctly adjusted to fit the operator. This is most important as the whole weight of the rig is distributed about the body via the vest. The quick release mechanism should not be obstructed and should be easy to operate with the rig on. The Arm Once the arm is on the vest it should be controlled by the operator holding the sled locating pin at all times - the arm is able to swing very freely. This ensures protection for the operator and the general public. The Sled The camera should be securely mounted to the sled and balanced in all directions. The balancing must be carried out on a stand of the correct size and height for the operator to engage the sled onto the arm easily and without undue bending of the back. The sled should be checked for any signs of damage especially around the monitor and the gimbal. HEALTH AND SAFETY STEADICAM Important notice. These note are purely for Joemacs own use and are suggestions to help our jib work go safely. The notes are not all encompassing. Please refer to HSE website for more comprehensive information. Steadicam Joemac LTD takes as its benchmark the BBC guidelines for safe operating of Steadicam Steadicam Guidelines Risk Assessment Operational Factors The Operator Operator Responsibilities The Steadicam Safety Equipment Training Physical Assessment Routine Health Surveillance Introduction After wide consultation throughout, the BBC has produced the following document as a Guideline for use in Steadicam operations. The Steadicam system consists of a Stabilizer Support Arm attached to a Camera Operator?s Vest at one end, and at the other end to a "floating" Camera Mounting Assembly (also known as the ?sled?) which accepts a film or video camera. The use of Steadicams is a developing field and makes things possible that previously were not. However, as with all new technology, they bring with them certain problems that need addressing, such as the duration and location of operation and the fitness and long term health of the operator. Risk Assessment The activities involved in the use of Steadicams must be subject to a RISK ASSESSMENT before any shoot can occur. This assessment must take account of these Operational Factors:- the location, the organisation and the requirements of the task, the Steadicam camera the ground conditions There should be an initial walk through, without rig on, to assess the feasibility of Steadicam use, and to identify any hazards that may be encountered during the shoot. In particular, the ground conditions should be evaluated. The Risk Assessment Form will be a record identifying the Hazards and Risks and the control measures to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISK ASSESSMENT This is the responsibility of the person in charge (e.g. Engineering Manager (EM), Producer, Production Unit Manger) the operator should be consulted and involved in this assessment, if possible. Operational Factors Where practical the, operator should use an assistant whose responsibilities are to keep the operator safe and act as the gopher, i.e. make sure that the stand is close by and to fetch the batteries. It is important to bear in mind that the operator is carrying 29 kg and should be given adequate rest periods and wherever possible, provision should be made for the Steadicam to be taken off or, if not, the weight supported when not actually in use. The duration of wearing should be as short as practical. When used to cover sporting events ideally there should be 2 operators for sports like football, rugby league, etc. If not then the distance covered should be limited, i.e. corner flag to half way to centre line. It should be possible to rest the rig at such times as the play is at the other end. Steadicams should not be used to cover people running fast because, however fit the operator is, he will still be carrying 29 kg and therefore cannot be as fast as the subject. The shot should be carried out differently, e.g. on a mobile mount. Remember a good Steadicam operator likes to make the kit look light and easy, it isn?t. The Operator All applicants for steadicam operations must be assessed for physical capability & medical factors by Occupational Health. See Appendix A All operators must be adequately trained in the safe use of the Steadicam & how to inspect the rig. There is an increased risk to new Steadicam operators due to the lack of operational experience. There is an increased risk to health if the operator is pregnant, breastfeeding or has recently given birth. They should be referred to the BBC Medical Officer on the suitability to continue / return to steadicam operations. Staff who have been off on long term sick will be referred to the Medical Officer prior to return to steadicam operations. Operator Responsibilities The ultimate decision on the safety of the shoot rests with the operator. The operator must: make sure that the rig is in good order and that (s)he is happy with what they are being asked to do. if s(he) is unhappy with the conditions or the shoot inform the Producer, Unit Manager, EM of his / her concerns and talk them through. have care for other workers involved in the shoot. report any faults with the equipment to the relevant department for rectification as soon as practically possible. Client responsibility We will insist an oral announcement is made at appropriate time to the whole crew, talent and public as to possible dangers of the Steadicam. This responsibility we may insist to be taken on by the Producer/ 1st AD/ Floor Manager. Announcement to include references to d. Crew and public to be hyper aware of the Steadicam ability to be anywhere, often unexpected, in space. e. Only the Steadicam crew members to put on or take off anything from the Steadicam. Including batteries, microphones, lights, tape cassettes, film mags f. Crew and talent ( not public ) must take steps to ensure their own Health and safety when working with the Steadicam. Client must not encourage our operators to perform anything dangerous. Client must not assume Joemac will take care of Clients Health and safety and must assume some responsibility for their own workforce. Where needed Client should provide adequate security to ensure Public and other dangers cannot access the Steadicam and operator. Client may need to supply fencing or structure to enable the above. Client to agree that the on site Steadicam operators decision is final as regards Health and Safety matters concerning the Steadicam. Client to allow adequate time for rigging and de rigging and not to put pressure on our Steadicam operators to work quicker than is deemed safe by our operators Client should try to ensure a reconnaissance of the site is made with the Steadicam operator or representative prior to work day to pre empt any Health and Safety problems. Client will not ask our operators to work in environments that may have adverse effects on their Health and Safety. Examples of this may by excessive noise, polluted air, If this cannot be avoided Client must ensure adequate steps are taken to lessen the risks. Ear defenders. Clothing. Masks Client to ensure adequate lighting for rigging and de rigging of the Steadicam. Where the Steadicam operator feels it is necessary client should provide one or more competent spotters or cable bashers or others to ensure safe operation of Steadicam and operator The Steadicam The Vest The vest should be in good order and correctly adjusted to fit the operator. This is most important as the whole weight of the rig is distributed about the body via the vest. The quick release mechanism should not be obstructed and should be easy to operate with the rig on. The Arm Once the arm is on the vest it should be controlled by the operator holding the sled locating pin at all times - the arm is able to swing very freely. This ensures protection for the operator and the general public. The Sled The camera should be securely mounted to the sled and balanced in all directions. The balancing must be carried out on a stand of the correct size and height for the operator to engage the sled onto the arm easily and without undue bending of the back. The sled should be checked for any signs of damage especially around the monitor and the gimbal. The Shoot Reference should be made to the Risk Assessment before proceeding. Safety Equipment Knee and Elbow pads should be worn at all times. Footwear - should be appropriate to the ground conditions. These will be provided by the operator?s management, under the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation. Training Operators will be given appropriate training in the use and operation of Steadicam including shooting on stairs. It is particularly important that they learn to balance the rig properly so as to give maximum possible comfort during operation of the equipment. Operators will be shown the Risk Assessment Form and will be informed of the significant findings and controls which are to be implemented. They will be instructed in the identification of any potential hazards and particularly those that might arise from production changes. The training will be reviewed to take into account any previously recorded incidents. Physical Assessment New operators should perform a 50 metre brisk walk while wearing the rig and general capability will be assessed by the trainer ? who is an experienced Steadicam operator. Routine Health Surveillance Existing staff who operate Steadicams can be referred to the Occupational Health Department for the treatment of work related problems, or for general advice Health surveillance will be carried out in the first two years of an individual?s operation of steadicam equipment. Any operator who believes they are suffering ill effects from operating the equipment will be referred to Occupational Health Department. Appendix A Pre Placement Health Assessment For Steadicam Operators The Steadicam harness and associated equipment weighs in total some 29 kg. The equipment is strapped to the body for support and, by nature, the operator will be walking or running in the harness whilst filming. There are therefore greater physical demands on the operator for Steadicam work than for most other camera work. The following health check is designed to check that operators are in good health before undertaking this work. The nurse will ask questions about your past and current health and perform a simple examination. If the results are outside those in the guidance then you will be referred to the BBC doctor for an assessment and decision on your fitness to undertake the work. Name: M/F Date of Birth: BBC No: Department: Job Title: MEDICAL HISTORY - Is there a history of the following? 1. Back or spine surgery e.g. laminectomy Yes q No q 2. Significant sickness absence related to spine problems Yes q No q 3. Significant hip problems e.g. arthritis congenital deformity Yes q No q 4. Knee surgery or ligament/cartilage problems Yes q No q 5. Upper limb problems e.g. tenosynovitis, ULD, Tennis elbow Yes q No q 6. Hypertension Yes q No q 7. Myocardial infarction Yes q No q 8. Diabetes Yes q No q 9. Epilepsy/fits or unexplained loss of consciousness Yes q No q Notes: EXAMINATION Height Weight (Height in metres)1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BMI Refer if BMI >31 (Weight in Kg) Pulse Refer if irregular or >95bpm after resting Blood Pressure Refer if diastolic > 95 after resting Urine Glucose Protein Blood Refer if abnormal Lumbar spine movements: Refer if abnormal Cervical spine movements Refer if abnormal Notes: OUTCOME Health Assessment Passed q Refer to M.O. q Signed (nurse) Print Name Date: 1 To be assessed by 2 current operators and Dr. Colin Thomas One copy of sheet to medical notes, one to originator Reply slip Name: Date: The above has been seen today for a steadicam health check with the following result: Health Assessment Passed q Refer to M.O. q Signed Appendix B Pre Placement Physical Assessment For Steadicam Operators Introduction: This assessment is applied to new entrants for Steadicam, in order to comply with the Health and Safety Policy of the BBC. This is compulsory. Medical Test:- This test is a requirement prior to the physical test. The Nursing Officer has the responsibility in the Occupational Health Department for blood, urine and checking the appropriate medical questionnaire. Physical Test:- This is a simple test taking no more than 5 minutes with minimal requirements to establish the endurance of the musculo-skeletal system. Standing The participant will be asked to stand for 3 minutes with the full Steadicam rig on. No appreciable distress/discomfort should be experienced during this time. Walking The participant will be asked to walk 50 metres briskly. During the walk the participant will be requested to look into monitor on the rig. The participant should be able to communicate immediately after the walk without being breathless. Responsibilities:- The test will be the responsibility of management and two people must accompany the participant during the walk one of whom must be a fully competent Steadicam operator. The responsibility for further Steadicam training will be at the discretion of the assessors. Risk Assessment Form Name:- Date of Assessment:- Job Designation:- Programme:- Location:- 2 Public Liablitiy insurance 3 Employee liablity insurance BACK

Hi Guys! This item is very important for the development of our work, please to pay attention Urgent! I need all information that you can send me about proportional rest time of operators (operation time -Vs- rest time operator). Rules about safety and health too. Thanks, Buster Arrieta (from Colombia) Sateadicam Operator http://www.geocities.com/bustercam/page.html

... and football soccer shoes too

Hi Guys! Urgent! I need all information that you can send me about proportional rest time of operators (operation time -Vs- rest time operator). Rules about safety and health too. Thanks, Buster Arrieta (from Colombia) Sateadicam Operator http://www.geocities.com/bustercam/page.html

A minor correction too. The name of the DoP who did Road to Perdition is Conrad L. Hall. And the Steadicam Operator was Scott Sakamoto

Thanks... I will apreciate if you send to me too a copy ;) Buster Arrieta bustercam@yahoo.com

Take it easy, that boy when know what thing is a steadicam, he could end up being one like us, we don't discourage him, be solidary with the beginners in this business... please! "Remember when you were a beginner" excuse my english. Are you understanding me?

Take it easy, that boy when he knows the steadicam, it could end up being one of ours, we don't discourage it and let us be but solidary with the beginners in this means... please!

Go to: http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...ghlite=rickshaw From David Grove´s post Well, I'll try to give a little history behind it as well as what it's good for and what it's NOT good for. This Rickshaw/Vehicle mount was made back in 1997 by a bicycle shop owner by the name of Jack Davis, he's a super nice guy. He is the owner of Irwin's bike shop in Des Moines Iowa. To make a very long story as short as I possibly can, I asked (I think her name was Kathy) at the SOA to take some snap shots of their rickshaw because I wanted to have my own. I lived in Iowa and well, how many rickshaws are in Iowa not to mention steadicams right? I took these pictures to Irwin's bike shop in hopes of finding the same style tires that the SOA Rickshaw had. I showed them to Jack, he looked at the pictures and said, "You know, I could probably make this for you." Three weeks later he wheels out my new Rickshaw! A ray of light shined on it when he brought it out! Aaaaahhh. (ok, not really, but it was the same feeling) This wasn't bad considering he did this in his spare time and he was extremely busy time for the bike shop. Then a steadicam operator overseas asked about having one built but having the ability to pull it behind a vehicle.. (in rickshaw mode) I asked Garrett via email about this and he said it wasn't a good idea.. which I agreed. Then I took it back to Jack and he suggested making an attachment that fits into the back of a 2 inch square hitch and well, the rest is history. I told him a looong time ago that there might be great interest in this and he said he might be interested in producing them but he would have to have a lot of orders in order for him to do it. (He has to buy material in bulk.) I don't know if he would be interested in making any more or if he even remebers me but I'd be willing to get a hold of him and ask him if he would like to make more. Just let me know. Right now Tom Gleason and his machinist friend are building a dual caster wheel which will go towards the front of the rickshaw for more stability. I'll keep everyone posted on the mod. Should be pretty awesome when it's finished. NOW What the rickshaw is Good for and what it isn't good for. (hmm, sounds familiar doesn't it?) The Rickshaw in, well... Rickshaw mode, is great for really slow moving precise shots. It's great for low mode, child or animal POV. It's great for really fast moving chase scenes. It's also very nice at the end of an 18 hour day when you are just plain exhausted but they still want you to operate steadicam. Like Garrett always says, why wear it if you can mount it? In Vehicle Mount mode, I've used it for several marathons. It's good to use in a tracking shot, for example somone running down a side walk at a fast rate of speed. It's awesome for low mode. You can kiss the lens on the street if you want and you are doing it COMFORTABLY. I did this tracking shot, Low mode within an inch off the street. Bicycle pedals come into frame, houses in the background are going by, boom/Tilt up to the handle bars... we pull away as I reveal the woman on the bike... ahhhh. what a thing of beauty! Not the woman, the shot. The woman was cute too but.. the shot was just awesome. Still waiting to get that footage. (finger tap tap tap) The Vehicle mount is good for FLAT surface shooting and at LOW SPEEDs. I've NEVER gone over 30MPH in it. If you are going faster than that YOU SHOULD USE A CAMERA BIKE with a driver that knows what he or she is doing. It's NOT good for off road, uneven terrain.. this is also true for the rickshaw mode. It should be on a FLAT SMOOTH SURFACE. The vechile mount sits somewhat lose in the hitch. It does move around somewhat when it's NOT under load. However, once a person is in it and the steadicam is attached, it sits solid. I feel very safe in it. Having said that my Rickshaw/Vehicle Mount is for rent in the LA area for $150/day. Here are some photos of the rickshaw vehicle mount if you guys just want to make your own... http://www.geocities.com/steadidave/rickshawpics.html Some photos of the Rickshaw in action.. http://www.geocities.com/steadidave/truecolorphoto.html If either link says it's unavailable that means too many people are accessing the site at the same time. Give it an hour or so and then try to access it again. If you have any more questions, or would like to take a test drive (bring your own gear and I'll drive) Let me know... I'd be more than happy to show it to you. Just call or email. davidgrove@steadicamoperator.com cell 323-385-3456