Jump to content

'Tis true--I'm no longer a Steadicam operator.


Charles Papert

Recommended Posts

  • Premium Members

I've had a lot of questions thrown my way recently because of all the gear that I'm selling, pretty well divided between "are you getting a new rig?" or "you're not quitting, are you?"

 

I guess it's time to make it official: I have made the leap to DP, a transition that I began in earnest about a year ago, although I have been working in that capacity on and off for twenty years (I got tired of lugging around the multi-hyphens in my title, let alone the rig)! So far so good--the work is coming in and I'm having fun with it.

 

Twenty-seven years ago I visited Ted Churchill on the set of "Ghosbusters" and saw my future strapped to his lanky frame. My youthful excitement (obsession, really) with Steadicam continued long into my career. I've always felt that to get good at this skill, you have to want it so much that you can't imagine NOT doing it. There's nothing quite like that feeling as you glide to the end of a great take, knowing that it all came together--the performances were there, the timing was right, the background didn't spike the lens, the operating was as solid as you could have hoped for; reveling in the endorphins as you wait for the magic words "cut! print! moving on!"

 

So, cheers everybody in the Steadicam community. From the folks who tirelessly evolve and service the gear that makes it possible, to my fellow operators who inspired and aided me along the way, to the newer operators for whom it was my pleasure to pass on the nuggets I've gleaned. And above all: my eternal gratitude to GB, whose wit, wisdom, enthusiasm and genius defined a quarter century of my life.

 

Cut, print...and now, moving on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 39
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Premium Members

Congratulations, my friend. Like you, I'm sure, I have mixed emotions. I am happy for your new challenges, but sad to see your wisdom, wit and enthusiasm not laser focused on our steadi world.

 

The best of all things to you in your new career path. Thanks for so much all along Charles.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Congatulations Charles!

All the Steadicam Operators and Directors that will have the possibility to work with you as DP will be very lucky! I think there are few DP that can really enhance the Art of Steadicam.

All the best for your career as DP and thanks so much for sharing your Steadicam knowledge.

Amedeo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Congrats Charles,

 

You have been a great inspiration to many aspiring operators, myself included.

 

Hopefully you'll still grace us with your wisdom from time to time, it definitely makes you feel pretty good about a shot when CP commented on it!

 

Joe

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...