When is the appropriate time to enroll in a workshop?

[Sanjay Sami]

I did a workshop after many years of operating. I wish I had done it when I started.

 

Its a good investment no matter when you do it.

[Victor Lazaro]

Here are the steps I would take to become an operator.

 

1. Don't buy a rig just yet!

2. Buy and read the The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook (on Amazon or Tiffen)

3. Buy and watch the The Steadicam EFP Training Video DVD (on eBay or Tiffen)

4. Read the Steadicam Forum archives. A lot of questions have already answered many times.

5. Go to a work shop. There are many available. The Tiffen Workshops, and The Steadicam Operator's Association's Workshops are great but there are many other around the world (and on the right column of this forum) You will meet great ops and friends there.

6. Meet more operators in your area, reach out to your community.

7. When it's time to finally buy a rig, buy it once, and buy it right! Cutting corners will only bring problems. Yes, a good Steadicam rig is expensive, but it will last you for years (some operators are still using 30+ years old rigs on big features). (there is a whole chapter about buying your rig in the Handbook)

8. Practice

9. Practice

10. Practice more

11. Fly safe!

[Jonathan Tinsley]

Thanks for the input Victor.

[Jonathan Pfundstein]

Does any one have any advice on which workshops see to be the best mix of knowledge gained, hands on instruction, price, overall learning experience? I'm completely open to come into the workshop with an open mind as operator but would ranther not have a course that focused as strongly on someone with no experience.

SOA vs Tiffen, and any other notable ones. East Coast preffered.

[Victor Lazaro]

I loved the SOA workshop. Being in a historic place, surrounded by the best operators in the world along with Garrett Brown is priceless. You will also get to train on a wide panel of situations, from Don juan to Segway and cranes! You will also make a lot of new friends there with the same passion than you. Worth every penny!

I heard the Gold Tiffen workshop is good too, but I have not taken it so I can't speak for myself.

[Islam Abdelsamie]

The Gold workshops are a five day event , you can get all about Steadicam in those days but you will get the experience later for sure , I joined the lake arrowhead in 2011 , the students were camera assistants , camera operators , experienced Steadicam operators attendees as well . I remember there was one with no film background at all and he joined cause he was just interested , may be you need to check the book by Jerry holloway and to have a hand on to the gear to get you ready to the workshop , and Good Luck :)