Steadicam

siniarch

siniarch

Veteran
Hey guys,
I just got my new steadyarm FSpro SM1. I'm in LA (Los Angeles).
I was wondering if anyone in LA is a veteran at Flying Stabilizer Rigs that might be willing to take the time to teach me how to use this puppy. I've spend all my money and cannot afford going to a seminar, but I'll be glad to buy lunch if someone would be willing to help me learn the craft. I know its not something you pick up in a day, but I'm sure some helpful hints will go a long way.
Also, I'd like to review the unit, but don't have a reference point.
I'd Ask Mikko, but he doesn't seem to be near LA.
Thank you,
Luis
 
Heh, thanks for the comment. :)

Fly me down to LA and pay my hotel and I'll teach you for free. :) ... Then again, it would probabaly be cheaper to attend a workshop.

Really though, if you can afford it, I'd seriously recomend the following: http://www.thesteadicamworkshops.com/
Most seasoned operators charge anywhere up to $2k/day for operating. The workshops are really the cheapest way to learn Steadicam.


- Mikko
 
Ive never worn one, but aside from the intangables, how hard can it be to put it on and learn it with practice?
 
Obviously, one on one with a pro would be ideal, but isn't there anywhere online to find out pointers/exercises to help you train? Most of it is the smooth walk, I think, which you can practice on your own.

I've heard there are specific tests they make you pass at the workshops, but I haven't seen those diagrammed out. I imagine they must be out there on the net, perhaps someone here has a link?
 
You should really do a workshop. You will develop really bad habits that will be very hard to break if you don't learn proper technique from the start. I took a seminar and was blown away with how much tech there is to operating it correctly.
 
Cynic821 said:
Ive never worn one, but aside from the intangables, how hard can it be to put it on and learn it with practice?
Click to expand...
Extremely hard. Depending on the size of the rig, if you don't have someone to show you proper technique, it can also be dangerous. Small rigs are ok, but I wouldn't recommend anyone try on a large rig without some hands on guidance.


jmc said:
Obviously, one on one with a pro would be ideal, but isn't there anywhere online to find out pointers/exercises to help you train? Most of it is the smooth walk, I think, which you can practice on your own.

I've heard there are specific tests they make you pass at the workshops, but I haven't seen those diagrammed out. I imagine they must be out there on the net, perhaps someone here has a link?
Click to expand...
The smooth walk is far from being "most" of it. Many people see a shaky image (yes, even on a Steadicam) and think they need to walk more smoothly. The truth is, you need to train your entire body. Literally from your toes on up to your head.

There are no tests at the workshops. It's not a pass/fail course. Because of that, there are no "Certified Steadicam Operators". If anyone ever tells you they are one, call their bluff. There are drills - techniques that are common in many shots are taught and practiced. If you cannot get the hang of it at the workshop, they'll give you some pointers and move on.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no diagrams or anything like that out there. You may be able to find discussions of these drills I spoke about. They should at least send you in a good direction. Ultimately, though, 5 days at a workshop is better than 5 days one-on-one. Also, considering the price of the equipment, the $2000 investment in the workshop is relatively tiny.

Feel free to contact me if you've got more specific questions. Best of luck!

Afton
 
Cynic821 said:
Ive never worn one, but aside from the intangables, how hard can it be to put it on and learn it with practice?
Click to expand...

It's not so much that it's hard. Given that someone has had the minimum exposure of a workshop it just takes "a lot" of practice. The words "a lot" and "practice" should be capitalized, underlined, and in bold.

Some pick it up relatively easily but there is no substitute for experience (in the training and the number of hours/days/weeks/months/years one must work at it).

I wish you well in your endeaver and, if you are able to become an operator without something of a more serious approach I will congratulate you, and, lunch is on me.

Best.

BTW: Mikko's referral to Peter Abraham is an exellent one . . . he generally has Flyer workshops in your area a couple times each year.
 
I'll add to Afton's post by saying that from head to toes, it's mostly all in your head!


And "walking smoothly" is not part of Steadicam operating! When I was learning, the hardest part for me personally was leanring not to walk "smoothly/funny/incorrectly", but to actaully walk almost normally.

There are many tiny little nuances of Steadicam operating, that really can only be taught in person. That's where there are very few operating guides online. In fact, most of the "how to operate" materials I've found online are incorrect and can form those bad habits mentioned above.

Hands on guideance, either by way of a workshop or one-on-one training, is essential to get you started with operating a Steadicam.


Note that these comments don't really apply to Handheld units, though their operating is still also 90% in the head!

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Fly me down to LA and pay my hotel and I'll teach you for free. :) ... Then again, it would probabaly be cheaper to attend a workshop.

- Mikko
Click to expand...

I'd say that's probably about the best deal you could ask for. That's of course unless he expects to fly first class and stay at a five star hotel for a week.
Seriously though I think it's a bit much to ask of a veteran to train you to fly a rig for the cost of a lunch. I mean with the investment they have already put into their gear and training do you really expect them to give that away for free?
 
Hey everybody,
Thanks for all the post. I'll look at that 2 day training that mikko refered to. (thanks Mikko.)
I wasn't asking to really have someone give me a full one on one tutorial on how to become an professional steady arm operator (I know this would take many days), but just for someone that could check out the rig I bought, help me review it (in case there are others interested in it) and while at it, just show me a few basic things.
Thanks for all your suport though.
 
Don't the steadicam guys recommend you take the workshop, and THEN buy the system? I think you get to try a few different models in the workshops. So once you are done you know how to use them all and which one you like the most. I'd rather gamble the $250 up front rather than $3-10k
 
I think I'm going to join that one (july) to.

Mikko. What do you charge for you and the whole steadiset a day. What are the average prizes?
 
Those workshops are really really worth it. I'm dooing another one when I can afford it too.


My rates vary depending on a lot of factors; the length of the job, the location, the client, additional expenses, etc, etc...
For a general idea of Steadicam operator rates, check out the listings at www.steadicam-ops.com

For detailed rates, etc. You always need to contact the operator (or their agent). My contact info is, as always, in my signature.

- Mikko
 
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