1(2) Extra-Useful Filmmaking Tips for Ambitious Filmmakers

[Tuomas Viitakoski]

I was googling for recipes and stuff when I bumbed into a website offering 12 Extra-Useful Filmmaking Tips for Ambitious Filmmakers by LAvideoFilmmaker and he has two tips considering usage of "Steadicam®".

I underlined the most interesting parts to save your time:
"The Steadicam® is a very clever camera stabilization device that isolates the camera from the camera operator’s body, allowing very smooth shots that are not constrained by tracks like the dolly. In my view the Steadicam® is a fantastic tool in the filmmaker’s toolbox, but ONLY in cases when it is truly the best way to get the shot and a dolly would NOT do a better job.
If you are following an actor running on rough ground, the Steadicam® is the perfect solution for the shot.
If you are shooting a sideways tracking shot on a smooth floor, nothing beats a dolly and there is absolutely no excuse for using the Steadicam®, unless you are behind schedule and do not have time to lay dolly tracks and set up a proper tracking shot."

And it continues:

"7. The Steadicam® is not a dolly and should ONLY be used when it is truly the best option for the shot ( <- I second that ).
Few things in filmmaking look cheaper than a tracking shot executed with a Steadicam® when a dolly would have produced better results."

I wonder if he has had that bad experience with the steadicam in his productions?
After all - he states that this guide is result of hard-earned, practical filmmaking experience.
Anyhow, my point is that his list of have-to-read books doesn't include a "Steadicam Operator's Handbook" so I wish Jerry could send him a copy.

I guess that was all.
Stay good!

[David M. Aronson]

I might add, "A Steadicam is not a slider and trying to use one to do a minute long slide across 2 feet is not saving you any time or money"