Assistant

[adam sasso]

Hello all,

I am an aspiring operator looking for knowledge. I have some steadicam experience but I would like to do some real work learning from accomplished operators. I am looking for assistant work around the New England and New York area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[Dave Gish]

Count me in for this as well. I live 30 minutes from Manhattan.

 

In class, we learned how to hold the back of the vest loosely but securely on stairs, lightly tap shoulders through tight doorways, and hold 4x4s to block wind.

 

Is there any sort of process for getting into this, or is it all just who you know?

[Charles Papert]

Dave:

 

The duties you mentioned would all fall into the grip department (the first two generally undertaken by the spotter, usually the dolly grip, and the last by any of the company grips). I would generally classify the role of an apprentice or assistant to a Steadicam operator as one who would help shlep the cases, help build and/or pack away the rig and perhaps organize the gear. There isn't usually a specific job category because it all depends on the operator and how much responsibility they want to give to such a person.

 

Most operators would be unlikely to bring someone they don't know on a set with them and give them actual responsibilities--probably best to start by asking if you can come by and say hello, watch for a bit etc. Once you get to know each other, the "assisting" may just naturally develop, or not. A number of operators (including myself) got their first experiences around a Steadicam doing just this.

[adam sasso]

Thanks for the response Charles, and I didnt mean to get ahead of myself I am just very passionate about learning the trait. That being said...if there are any operators out there that would be willing to meet and perhaps let a newbie observe your work I would greatly appreciate the opportunity.

 

Thanks.