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Direction for Steadicam


Jeffery Cools

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Hi Jeff.

 

One thing I think directors need to know is that the Steadicam Operator is the Steadicam specialist on set, not the DP.

 

All Steadicam shots, especially elaborate shots, need to be discussed with the Steadicam Op in advance. I can't count the number of times I have been asked for details on some fancy Steadicam shot, that has been planned for weeks, by a daily grip or electric and having no idea what they are talking about. Directors, in my experience, tend to think that DPs know all the jobs their crew does and what goes into them. Grips and electrics get prep days and meetings. Camera Ops rairly do. PMs always question me when I tell them I need prep days. It's always a big surprise when I tell a director or AD, on the day, that I can't do the shot the way they want it. That if I had had any warning of what they wanted that I could have been able to make things work the way they wanted.

 

The more directors communicate with the person who is actually responsible for executing the shot, the better the shot will turn out and less likely they will be disappointed.

 

Cheers!

 

Sean

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Regarging the "director-touching-the-rig" issue...

 

Well...I guess sometimes it depends on WHO is the director...

 

post-134-1174157208_thumb.jpg

Sure. It´s importan WHO´s the director. Next time, you live him the vest, the arm... ;)

 

Regarging the "director-touching-the-rig" issue...

 

Well...I guess sometimes it depends on WHO is the director...

 

post-134-1174157208_thumb.jpg

Sure. It´s important WHO´s the director. Next time, you live him the vest, the arm...And said "Action" ;)

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I recently worked for a director that was a former steadicam op. He grabbed the rig over and over again, driving me nuts. He also refused to watch from the monitor (even during a very fast move) and kept getting in the way of me and the focus puller during the shot while trying to look over my shoulder. And at one point he asked me if I would prefer, "To do the shot doggiestyle". I assume he meant Don Juan, but that was a new one to me.

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I think Directors ect. Need to be reminded that the steadicam does not replace the dolly and it is not a jib arm. I'm a newbie only done a hand full of jobs but 3 times I've been told to think like I'm a jib arm starting really low and then going really high.

 

Also reminded them that lighting for a steadicam shot more involved then a non-steadicam shot.

 

I think steadicam shots are best when the person and camera are moving.

 

 

Just my thoughts

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Charles, David, Brad - Thank you!

 

I was having a rather frustrating day sorting out equipment issues, and this topic has definitely lightened my mood.

 

My recurring nightmare is the...in a pinch "It'll take how long to put that thing on there? They said we don't need a wireless focus setup - my USUAL steady camera guy was fine without it..."

 

good times

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