One Hand Steadicam

[Steve Ware]

I am learning a ton from this discussion. In particular the degree of variance in peoples technique. I have noticed that every operator has their own style, but the majority of her/his form appears to be the same. From this discussion it sounds like there is a lot more flexibility then I previously thought. I have always been a dolly/hand held guy, and before my injury I never seriously considered doing Steadicam. There are so many of you that have already mastered it, and the size of the investment is rather daunting.

 

I will be at NAB this year, and I will definitely be spending a lot of time at the Tiffen booth. I have sent messages to the people at Tiffen that have been recommended in this thread.

 

Is there a book anyone could recommend on the evolution of the Steadicam? Certainly Garrett Brown or somebody has written something?

 

Thank you all very much! Please keep this discussion going.

 

Steve

[Mark Schlicher]

The book you want is this: The Steadicam Operator's Handbook Also, consider buying the Steadicam EFP training DVD, which is a good summary of the kinds of topics covered in the Manual and in the Steadicam Workshops. Then, after talking with Peter Abraham, consider a Flyer/Pilot Workshop. Best $500 you will ever invest in figuring out if Steadicam is a good move for you. The principles taught are the same as the big rigs.

 

You didn't mention which market segment you are in or what you aspire to. Although many on this board might consider only the pricey big rigs, with their load capacity, bells n whistles, and operational flexibility to be adequate for them (because they are working in features, high end commercials and live TV, where a no-compromise kit and top skills are expected), there are rigs such as the Flyer that, while it has some significant design compromises, nonetheless gives a true Steadicam ride to cameras up to 19 lbs (quite adequate for a wide range of HD video cameras). If your market is low budget music videos, corporate gigs, events, or commercials, you could get into a used Flyer rig for around $5000...substantially less than a big rig (though again, not without some compromise). With careful choice of equipment and a clear business plan you may be able to do just fine as a Steadicam op in these niches and never need to invest in a big rig.

 

As for technique, there is some variation among operators, but it is generally within a defined set of practices dictated by the physics of the rig. Typically the post hand (usually left hand) is respnsible for panning/tilting (framing and aiming). The right hand is responsible for booming the arm up and down, floating the arm and sled through space, and positioning the arm so that the sled is where you want it in relation to your body. Each hand has a fairly separate, defined role in controlling the camera.

 

In your case you are asking your left hand to do all the work on a machine that is best suited to two-handed operation, and that is where your challenge will lie in achieving good results.

 

The Steadicam Operators Handbook and the Steadicam EFP training DVD will answer many of your questions about operating Steadicam. I strongly recommend them both.

 

I am learning a ton from this discussion. In particular the degree of variance in peoples technique. I have noticed that every operator has their own style, but the majority of her/his form appears to be the same. From this discussion it sounds like there is a lot more flexibility then I previously thought. I have always been a dolly/hand held guy, and before my injury I never seriously considered doing Steadicam. There are so many of you that have already mastered it, and the size of the investment is rather daunting.

 

I will be at NAB this year, and I will definitely be spending a lot of time at the Tiffen booth. I have sent messages to the people at Tiffen that have been recommended in this thread.

 

Is there a book anyone could recommend on the evolution of the Steadicam? Certainly Garrett Brown or somebody has written something?

 

Thank you all very much! Please keep this discussion going.

 

Steve

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

By putting your finger above the gimbal on the pan ring as Alfeo does you add drag and impart influence to gimbal, something that the gimbal is designed to remove...

Actually Eric, no drag on the Ultra Gimbal, I guess its another big advantage of having long fingers. I looked into that as soon as you said that to me... then I went into finding what was most comfortable, even started doing the fisted death grip that I saw in one of Fracol's pics and realized that it allows for a light but snuggly touch. If you think about the most relaxed position of the hand, its the yoga meditation of the touching the tips of the middle finger and thumb.

 

After a physical observation of the thumb to index vs. middle finger, a much flatter circle formed between the thumb and finger when touching to the middle finger.

 

I will be at NAB this year, and I will definitely be spending a lot of time at the Tiffen booth. I have sent messages to the people at Tiffen that have been recommended in this thread.

Look forward to meeting you then... I will be there demoing for Tiffen.

 

-Alfeo

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Guys... PLEASE..... Forget about the damn gimbal hand conversation as it relates to anything other than Steve's one-handed question. As to this, Steve, where there is a will, there is a way. Leap and the net will appear. It won't be easy as you'll have to overcome funny looks, predispositions, stereotypes and idiots of all kinds.... Then again, we all face that too.

 

There have been tiny operators who weigh little more than the rig, one-eyed operators, and idiot savants of all colors, genders, etc. If you really want it, you will find a way. Good luck.

[brooksrobinson]

Steve,

 

I’m terribly sorry to hear about your accident. We are all at risk of injury in this business, and it is an unfortunate reality that this sort of thing can, and does happen to good people.

 

There are a couple of things I saw in your post that I’d like to comment on:

 

The first is the question of whether steadicam is a good alternative to hand-held. I suppose this all depends on your market and what is expected of you in your various roles as operator and DP. Most of the directors and DP’s I work with call for either hand-held or steadicam because a certain look is desired. They want what they want, and it is for a specific reason. Steadicam usually doesn’t substitute for hand-held and vice-versa. They are each used because that is what the shot calls for aesthetically. Maybe if you are in an authoritative position with your DP (when you operate) or your director (when you are shooting), you can insist on one over the other…but I would hate to have to look at any of the DP’s I work with and tell them I couldn’t do the shot as they envisioned. I would try and figure out how to accomplish both techniques (if you choose to pursue steadicam).

 

Your second question is about operating a steadicam with one arm. I think Alec summed it up best – where there’s a will, there’s a way. I believe it was your right arm that suffered the injury, so that would leave your left arm to do the job of both panning and tilting the rig, and booming the steadicam arm up and down (your non-operating hand would usually do this task). Learning to use a steadicam is very much like learning to play an instrument. It is easy to put one on and run around, but it takes time and patience to learn the subtleties and nuances. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t figure out how to do this as part of your learning process.

 

In a later post, you asked about shots that might be affected by only using one arm. I’ll try and address each of these concerns. As others have pointed out, a lot of us use only one hand when running full out. The off arm is put out to the side to help stabilize the body at high speed. You will learn how to best do this and the other situations you mention in your post when you strap on a rig. Adding roll to a shot doesn’t require any more effort than panning or tilting.. I would think extreme low-mode where you need to physically push the steadicam arm down while tilting up the camera might be tough (as would the inverse with a high angle shot), but all of these things can be overcome in various manners.

 

Always feel free to solicit advice on this forum and with its members. It is a good community with quality people. Sometimes, discussions can become heated, but that is because while we all do the same thing, we have different ways of doing it and can be quite passionate about it. Filter out the noise - there is good advice to be had here.

 

Good luck to you in all of your endeavors and let us know how it is going.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brooks Robinson

[Mike McGowan SOC]

I have a different spin on the topic. It seems there is a greater and greater demand to work with super small cameras like the Cannon D5 or D7 or other mini dv cameras. Why not get one of the smaller rigs like a Jr or some other smaller rig and get the newest most kick ass DSLR or Mini dv camera? I am 100% sure you could do great operating with one of those with a little practice.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

I have a different spin on the topic. It seems there is a greater and greater demand to work with super small cameras like the Cannon D5 or D7 or other mini dv cameras. Why not get one of the smaller rigs like a Jr or some other smaller rig and get the newest most kick ass DSLR or Mini dv camera? I am 100% sure you could do great operating with one of those with a little practice.

 

 

GREAT IDEA! That is a perfect solution.

[Charles Papert]

The DSLR's seem well-suited for a handheld stabilizer like a Merlin, until you consider that adding lens control will push the system into an unwieldy weight range to comfortably operate with one hand, and still maintain subtle fingertip control with that same hand. So if you forego the focus controls--well, who could imagine flying an XL or a Genesis without remote focus? Same depth of field on the 7D. How about anamorphic, an even more ludicrous proposition? That would be the 5D.

 

Then there's the Pilot or Flyer--they can handle the weight better but operating is MORE subtle if anything, so whatever concerns one has about booming and positioning infecting one's operating hand, it will likely be more pronounced with these lighter rigs.

[steve wagner]

Here's a thought I had. You could build an elastic cuff attached to the lift arm right near the gimbal handle, or attached to the handle. You place your forearm/wrist through the cuff and now you can boom and move the lift arm fore-aft, left-right with only your forearm. Your gimbal hand is now more or less free to apply a light touch to the gimbal for pointing. Don't know how practical it is but might be worth a try.

Steve Wagner

[Mike McGowan SOC]

I did a music video yesterday and just since we were talking about it I did a few takes one handed. I'm the only one that noticed but then again it was a music video.

[Thomas Crescenzo]

Most of the directors and DP’s I work with call for either hand-held or steadicam because a certain look is desired. They want what they want, and it is for a specific reason. Steadicam usually doesn’t substitute for hand-held and vice-versa. They are each used because that is what the shot calls for aesthetically. Maybe if you are in an authoritative position with your DP (when you operate) or your director (when you are shooting), you can insist on one over the other…but I would hate to have to look at any of the DP’s I work with and tell them I couldn’t do the shot as they envisioned. I would try and figure out how to accomplish both techniques (if you choose to pursue steadicam).

 

This is a good point, so just to offer another hand held solution, the EasyRig looks like it could be effective for you. I haven't used it personally, but I've seen it used with large broadcast cameras and it looks like it could work out well for providing a little extra support and maintaining a handheld look.

[Kareem La Vaullee]

Famous veteran Steadicam Operator and now famous DOP Nicola Pecorini from Italy (who created the SOA with Garrett), was known for operating with one hand only most of the time, here is a picture of him on the shooting of Cliffhanger :

 

 

I remember at that time (17 years ago !) I saw behind the scene footage where he was operating with only one hand, even when he was not running backwards in low-mode preceding Sylvester Stallone on a rope bridge like in this picture !

 

FYI Nicola Pecorini is also known for being one-eyed, quiet a challenge when you choose to be that guy who makes the camera smoothly navigate in an (mostly) adverse 3D space all by himself.

 

Nicola Pecorini's website.

 

Just go ahead and buy a small rig and have fun !

 

K.

[Thomas English]

I operate one handed all the time: Running, on stairs holding the bannisters, on some hard mount setups and whilst on the phone. I am sure you will have fun. Stop thinking about it, buy a flyer and let us know!

 

On hardmounts I often take a bit of sash and tie the end of the second bone to the start of the first bone. This stops the rig from getting away from me and stretching right out in emergencies. I don't know if that would help with one handed operation? Since you don't have the other hand to catch the rig.

 

Good luck mate. Where one door shuts another opens. Try it out. You've got nothing to loose. Buying a secondhand flyer will hold its value for as long as you've decided if it works for you.

[Sanjay Sami]

Famous veteran Steadicam Operator and now famous DOP Nicola Pecorini from Italy (who created the SOA with Garrett), was known for operating with one hand only most of the time, here is a picture of him on the shooting of Cliffhanger :

 

 

 

Hi Kareem,

I am filming with Nicola Pecorini right now. He is the DoP of the movie I am on right now. Amazing talent and modest as well :)

 

Sanjay Sami

[Steve Ware]

Famous veteran Steadicam Operator and now famous DOP Nicola Pecorini from Italy (who created the SOA with Garrett), was known for operating with one hand only most of the time, here is a picture of him on the shooting of Cliffhanger :

 

 

 

Hi Kareem,

I am filming with Nicola Pecorini right now. He is the DoP of the movie I am on right now. Amazing talent and modest as well :)

 

Sanjay Sami

 

 

Hey Sanjay, Since you are working with Nicola Pecorini, the one-handed Steadicam master, will you ask him if he wants to mentor me? Ha! Ok, I am mostly kidding about that.

 

In all seriousness though, Thank You So Much everyone for all of the encouragement! I have learned a lot. I do need to get myself into a rig. I am going to NAB where I hope to run into some of you folks. There I will be looking at Steadicam and some other rigging options for hand held like the Easy Rig. Then I return to New York and look into a Flyer. Then Steadicam school.