SOA Steadicam workshop opinions? Please!

LuisReggiardo

LuisReggiardo

Member
Hello,
There's going to be a 6-day International Steadicam Workshop from SOA with Don Garret and local operators in Santiago, Chile next september.

Since it is near me (I'm in Buenos Aires, Argentina), I'm thinking about taking it, but since its USD 1500, and me being a student in a 3rd world country...

I would like to know if any have taken this workshop or have any news from somebody...

I have extensive background on camera op. but not on steadicam, so this would be my first time and I'm wondering how many skilled will I came out after the 6 (intensive?) days.

Thx!
L
 
Take the workshop if you intend to shoot Steadicam.

Best money you'll ever spend to learn Steadicam techniques.
 
pookie said:
Take the workshop if you intend to shoot Steadicam.

Best money you'll ever spend to learn Steadicam techniques.
Click to expand...

Does this workshop qualifies me as a Steadicam operator? can I be part of the SOA list?

Thx

L
 
Qualified as a Steadicam operator is a rather vague term, as there is no "qualification" process for Steadicam.

Having attended a SOA workshop is a good addition to your resume, but it's all about the quality of your work and your reel.

afa being on the SOA list, yes you can add your info, but your experience will be slight.
 
Speaking of which... someone suggested to me that being a (good) steadicam op can mean a little easier road into the industry, compared to 'just' a camera operator. I have also seen a few ops on the set, so I know that it's a lot of hard, physical exercise.

Pookie, in your opinion, is there an age limit after which people would have hard time to keep up? That was my initial reaction - after 40, with all that necessary time to build a reel and a network, I didn't think it was for me to get into it, only to find out my physique is not up to it a couple of years later... so I keep rotting in front of the computer screen :angry:

On the other hand, I saw (and tried) the Steadicam Flyer which is appropriate for prosumer cameras like DVX, and felt I could comfortably work with that...
 
Well there was a "limit" some years ago when you were using an Ultra with an Arri or Panavision stuck on top of it, your back would really suffer regardless of your age.

But now with the Flyer and the small light DV cameras, there isn't as much of a limit. Basically if you can play tennis, jog or something like that, theres not a problem these days.

And yes, "being a (good) steadicam op can mean a little easier road into the industry, compared to 'just' a camera operator".
 
I'm 55 and have used my stabilizer (Indicam) for about 3 years (not straight of course ha ha). Since we now have very good cameras that don't weigh a ton, our stabilizers don't have to weigh a ton either. It's a good thing.

I was just at an Indie shoot where the DP and crew were very interested in a stabilizer that could fly a 100a for extended times. Their cameraman was doing hand holds and tripod only.

Tery
 
XCheck said:
Speaking of which... someone suggested to me that being a (good) steadicam op can mean a little easier road into the industry, compared to 'just' a camera operator. I have also seen a few ops on the set, so I know that it's a lot of hard, physical exercise.

I didn't think it was for me to get into it, only to find out my physique is not up to it a couple of years later... so I keep rotting in front of the computer screen :angry:
Click to expand...

There has also been alot of development in aftermarket and DIY mods for backmounts....this helps us old fat asses out...

is it Garret Brown that is giving the course? I meet him this year at NAB, it was so amazing to meet the MAN...he was like a movie star to me ;)
 
Hi!
I've found a smaller course in my city which costs way less than the SOA one:

Does anybody could compare the SOA workshops with any other course you may have heard of? I mean, besides being instructed by Garret and some special movements (Flying cam eg.) would be there any other advantage to pay 4 times more?

This one is given by a respectable rigs rental/producer local company and even its not the same hours-long you can take extra ones and still pay less than SOA.

Thx!
L
 
It's up to you.

You asked about the SOA workshops, and you got responses about them.

You get what you pay for.
 
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