Direction for Steadicam

[RonBaldwin]

It doesn't happen very often, but when a director grabs my rig I just let both hands go and let it fly right at him/her. They'll usually run away screaming.

 

What I hate is when they point and touch my monitor screen. What I like is drunken cheerleaders!

 

ditto on all the above comments

 

rb

[Charles Papert]

Good one Baldwin. That makes me think of another one I want to try: if they grab on to the post, I could say "hold on to this for a second, OK?" and slip out from under, giving them the full weight of the sled for a moment. Could kill two birds with one stone.

[Amando Crespo]

<working at Tv. with 10-14 cameras.... the director said:" ....steady.... Be quiet and hold the shot (not only a second... or a shot. All the song, or all the time)...Steadicam isn´t a tripod, and it operator is not stupid.!!! ....GRRRR.....

Best regards.

<_< :angry: :P

[Nicholas Davidoff]

I had a funny incident on set the other day and remembered this thread, so I had to toss this in. I was doing a job with a young director who had trouble expressing the composition he wanted. As he instinctively grabbed my post to show me his frame, he asked, "Is it cool if I do this?" I had no problem with it and I politely responded, "Be my guest... I actually like it when you hold the rig. It brings us closer together"....... He never touched the rig again.

[Ari Robbins]

I think one of the most important thing that comes into play as far as direction, is guidance. I find that good direction comes from explaining the desires wanted however leaving the possibility of comfort up to the operator as far as getting from point "A" to "B". Its the collaboration.

Plus direction takes explanation, why should it be different with a living breathing tool.

Also, think of the edit. PLZ. PLZ. PLZ think of the edit. I love shooting the shit out of something or popping through a giant shot to find out, thats its just a master. If you don't need, trust us we don't want to do the extra bit of unnecessary.

I recently just did what I like to call steadi-held. Its where you basically shoot the first take of a scene not fully blocked, just to establish on film where the actors will be. Problem is, once we found some cool shots, then take two became a one shot. By take 4, we were already into shooting tight lenses of singles, again with no full direction, multiple actors, intense action, and what became a must from video village to make every second beautiful, usable, and count. Clock is ticking.

Most importantly, just make them wear the rig... but don't let them take it off till you see the sweat start. :)

 

Ari Robbins

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

Here's one I was thinking of making into a t-shirt

[RonBaldwin]

Here's one I was thinking of making into a t-shirt

 

Nice, but I'd lose kneel...I want to be vertical when I'm 60! Maybe I just need more lisagav injections?

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

Ron, Ron...Always thinking of yourself first! How about offering some to the director when they ask about "touching" the post?

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

A really simple and effective way is that again, when they grab the post and line up what is again always a slightly off frame, you put your hand over theirs and guide them into a better framing, "like this?" 99% of them will be so spooked by the physical contact that they will immediately let go and realize they were invading your domain. Be forewarned: the other 1% might try to follow you home after wrap...!

 

I'm still laughing about this :lol:

[TJ Williams]

Its strange that the director will hold up his hands in the classic makeaframe way and show the framing for a dolly or hand held shot then walk the path for a Steadi shot while mimicing the posture of the operator with one hand held out gripping something vertical.... of course no idea what this means in terms of the frame???? I guess assume that the camera is straight forward or back or the direction of his eyes or.......

I have been tempted to get a little hand held steadi and a dv minicam for them to use....

[Peter Abraham]

Be forewarned: the other 1% might try to follow you home after wrap...!

 

I'd no idea your girlfriend was a Director !

 

Three year old thread, good thing to revive from Zombie Status. Rob's comments on live tv being a different animal are so very true. In that world, you have a voice ( voices.... ) in your head telling you where to go and what to shoot and WHEN to move and stop. We simply learn to move with those voices. Having the rig physically touched? Do what Charles does.

 

The biggest thing to tell a new director or young director is that they must find a way to be brutally honest with their Steadicam Operator. Did they hire someone well suited? They likely did NOT hire you, a Producer did. ( Or coordinator or PA or or or.... ). Can you execute the shot, through 11 takes, bringing good stuff to every take, + the coverage? They need to know you can do that at the very least.

 

Pleasing a Director is sometimes quite tough, but if they truly feel you're on their side and want the story to be told their way, and you will guide the frame as they envision it ( and hopefully can communicate it ), all will be well.

 

Mostly. :)

 

Peter Abraham