Publisher Description

Both informational and inspirational, THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK is the number one comprehensive guide to becoming a successful owner and operator of the Steadicam. Packed with interviews and instruction by the world's premier Steadicam professionals, this book will get you up and running with your rig in no time. You will learn a wide range of practices for the Steadicam, including the physics and balancing through a series of step-by-step line dances and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking—how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera support system. You will also learn the business side of a Steadicam career, from buying your best rig to negotiating deals with producers and unit production managers. Also included are observations and anecdotes—inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary—written by a number of other experienced Steadicam operators around the world, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. THE STEADICAM® OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well.

• Updated movie examples and ample coverage of new technologies and accessories, including Garrett Brown's new invention, The Tango® and using a Steadicam for filming 3D
• Offers a complete course in itself: whether you're a novice or experienced Steadicam operator, you can use this book to build your skill set and move forward in your career
• Companion website (available here at provides exclusive video instruction and interviews from Steadicam pros

Notes

2nd edition.

Back Cover

Foreword by Garrett Brown! "The Steadicam Operator's Handbook is the most comprehensive and complete text available on Steadicam equipment and operation. It is essential reading for beginners and experienced operators alike." -Dan Kneece, SOC President "This is the first book to demystify the operation of the Steadicam." -Paul Taylor, Steadicam owner, operator, and instructor Camera operators and video enthusiasts around the globe are seeking the training and information they need to successfully use the Steadicam , the most versatile and exciting tool for moving a motion picture or a video camera. For the first time available outside of workshops, The Steadicam Operator's Handbook illuminates all aspects of Steadicam operating in one comprehensive package. With over 1300 full-color photos, it's the granddaddy how-to and why-to book for the amateur, semi-pro, and professional. Written by the premier Steadicam operators in the world, this book covers everything a camera operator needs to get started using a Steadicam rig and to master this art form. Both informational and inspirational, The Steadicam Operator's Handbook moves from the physics and balancing of a Steadicam, through a series of step-by-step line dances and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking-how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera setup. The book discusses the wide array of equipment and accessories currently available, and it also illustrates the latest operating techniques and tricks, a variety of strategies for working with others, and the business side of a Steadicam career. Also included are observations and anecdotes-inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary-written by a global cast of other experienced Steadicam operators, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. The Steadicam Operator's Handbook is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well. About the Authors Jerry Holway has been a Steadicam operator for 25 years, with many feature film credits including Donnie Brasco, As Good as it Gets, Rounders, The Apostle, All the Pretty Horses, and Reign Over Me. Over the past 18 years, Jerry has been the head instructor at more than 60 week-long Steadicam workshop worldwide. He is generally regarded-along with Garret Brown, inventor of the Steadicam-as one of the premier Steadicam workshop instructor in the world. Laurie Hayball has been a Steadicam operator and workshop instructor for 10 years. She earned a degree in Motion Picture and Television from UCLA's School of Fine Arts. Her training as a cinematographer brings a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of media production, especially as it pertains to visual storytelling. Laurie is the author of The Infrared Photography Handbook, The Advanced Infrared Photography Handbook, and How to Photograph Your Baby's First Year, all published by Amherst Media.

Author Biography

Holway is the co-inventor of the Steadicam(R) and is known as one of the premier Steadicam(R) instructors in the world. His workshops are routinely sold out, leaving a lengthy line of eager participants. He has spent over 25 years as a Steadicam(R) operator and served as the first president of the Steadicam(R) Operator's Association and remains an active member today. Hayball has over 10 years experience as a Steadicam(R) operator and instructor. An experienced cinematographer, she has authored a number of bestselling titles in photography.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION Cut. Print. Great. The history of the Steadicam is pretty well known How to begin SECTION ONE: the Steadicam(R) and its parts Wearing the Steadicam(R) Basic Physics Getting to know the rig: Basic Steadicam terms Build the Steadicam Four balancing acts Static balance Dynamic balance SECTION TWO: getting started Putting on the Steadicam Moving with the rig The right touch Starting and stopping The camera's path Making the switch Variations on the line dance Memorizing the shot SECTION THREE: beyond the basics Low mode Navigation Keeping the camera level Steadicam posture General health and operating Women and Steadicam Are you ready? My big break by Dan Kneece SECTION FOUR: Steadicam(R) and filmmaking Basic shot design Take after take by Janice Arthur your role as storyteller Point of view Moving composition Strong camera moves SECTION FIVE: movement techniques Would you care to dance? Moving through space Floating the camera No second takes by Peter Abraham Putting the rig on the other side Negotiating tight spaces Running with a rig SECTION SIX: framing techniques More on operating Framing corrections Precise framing techniques Lock offs Whip pans Longer lenses Zoom lenses Pass-bys Telling the story SECTION SEVEN: getting to work Accessories Focus pulling Preparing for a shoot Communication Using grips wisely SECTION EIGHT: extending the range of movement Inventing the wheel Configuring the rig Flying with a motorized stage Inertial augmentation and balance Gyros Vertical control Arm posts SECTION NINE: extending the range of options Steadicam(R) and vehicles To ride or not to ride? Hard mount or soft mount Safety, speed, communication Types of vehicles Endurance by Brant Fagan Vehicles to avoid Turkish helicopter by Jacob Bonfils Interesting vehicles we like SECTION TEN: the business side of Steadicam Buying a Steadicam Negotiating your deal Advertising Insurance SECTION ELEVEN: unique environments and requirements Weather alerts Survivor No. 1 by Scott Lakey Documentaries and industrials Capturing reality by Chris Fawcett Video and Steadicam Steadicam and live TV by Lars Riis Heavy cameras Unintended consequences Lightweight rigs Steadicam light by Garrett Brown Lightweight Steadicam Garrett's big night out SECTION TWELVE: the experienced operator The right attitude Additional concerns How do we get this shot? by Charles Papert Breaking the rules The emotional stuff Long shots A great walk and talk The long Steadicam shot by Larry McConkey Camera Darwinism ...and Action! CONCLUSION How was it? Acknowledgments DVD References Websites

Review

"The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook is the most comprehensive and complete text available on Steadicam equipment and operation. It is essential reading for beginners and experienced operators alike."
-Dan Kneece, President of the Society of Steadicam Operators

"This is the first book to demystify the operation of the Steadicam"
-Paul Taylor: Steadicam, owner - operator / fifteen year advanced Steadicam workshop lead instructor and developer of Steadicam instructional techniques
"The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook is the most comprehensive and complete text available on Steadicam equipment and operation. It is essential reading for beginners and experienced operators alike."
-Dan Kneece, President of the Society of Steadicam Operators

"Precision is key when it comes to pulling off a successful Steadicam shot, and it is also the best word to describe what makes The Steadicam Operatorâ?Ts Handbook essential reading. Written by veteran operators Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball, it is a treasure trove of specific, detailed information regarding the theory and practice of Steadicam operation.Intelligent but not dryly academic, and complete but never overwhelming, The Steadicam Operatorâ?Ts Handbook is a must." - Jim Hemphill, American Cinematographer

Review Quote

" The Steadicam Operator's Handbook is the most comprehensive and complete text available on Steadicam equipment and operation. It is essential reading for beginners and experienced operators alike." -Dan Kneece, President of the Society of Steadicam Operators "This is the first book to demystify the operation of the Steadicam" -Paul Taylor: Steadicam, owner - operator / fifteen year advanced Steadicam workshop lead instructor and developer of Steadicam instructional techniques

Promotional "Headline"

Inventors of the Steadicam offer inside knowledge to aspiring camera operators!

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