Steadicam Bronze Workshop

Steadicam® is now a commonly used tool within the film and television industry, however it requires training and practice in order to produce good results. More than just a stabilizer, as a shooting system it is able to provide an individual style to the production often greatly desired by producers and directors. Additionally, complex moving scenes can not only be quicker to shoot, but also more dramatic by adding pace and dimension to the shot.

The Tiffen Steadicam Bronze Workshop is a unique opportunity for prospective operators to learn the use and application of Steadicam, concentrating on the lighter systems within the Steadicam product line. The workshop is very much hands-on with plenty of practical time actually wearing and using the system.

Workshop Aims:
The aim of this training program is to provide the necessary skills and background for a working camera operator to make use of a lightweight Steadicam system to best effect and safely.

Who Should Attend: Participants may be anyone interested in developing the skills to use light and medium weight Steadicam systems.

Training Approach and Topics:

The course approach is a combination of hands-on and instructor driven however always kept very practical and relevant.

On completion of the training program the participants will be able to:

• Assemble the Steadicam and fit camera and all accessories
• Understand the principles of operation of a Steadicam
• Balance the system correctly including dynamic balance
• Put on and adjust the operators vest for best fit
• Adjust the suspension arm for the camera weight
• Understand rest positions
• Start and stop smoothly
• Post pan sled
• Body pan sled
• Track shooting sideways
• Circle the subject
• Walk forward shoot back
• Switch forward and back
• Handle actor sitting and standing from a chair
• Tackle steps and stairs
• Handle corners and corridors to best advantage
• Change to low mode
• Understand blocking out a shot
• Have knowledge of working in adverse conditions

This is by no means an exhaustive list and there will be many other skills and techniques passed on during the course of the workshop.