The Steadicam® Workshop A comprehensive workshop in Steadicam techniques, operation and creative possibilities for camera professionals.
- Faculty: Kate Robinson, Robin Thwaites
- Length: 5 full days
- Dates: TBA
- Location:
- Enrollment: 12
- Levels: Two, Three & Four. A portfolio is required for admission.
- Tuition: €1,495, plus €55 non-refundable application fee. Accommodations and meals additional.
This intensive, hands-on training course began in the summer of 1980 in Rockport, Maine and it has been one of the most influential Steadicam® workshops in the world. This workshop is more than a technical course, as it embraces the creative and artistic possibilities of this unique camera handling invention as well. We cover all aspects of the Steadicam system, its operation, set-up, tuning, balancing and operating procedures. You will learn operating skills, as you go through increasingly difficult exercises each day. During lectures and demonstrations, we cover set procedures, shot design and choreography, safety procedures, electronics and field repair. While the course offers complete technical training in the Steadicam, the real purpose of this programme is to give you practical experience using the equipment in a real world environment. Afternoons are spent mastering the manual skills necessary to operate the Steadicam® professionally. You will practice high and low-mode configurations, using doorway dollies, cars and trucks, running, negotiating small spaces, negotiating stairs, hallways and a host of other sophisticated techniques. This is an all-inclusive course, covering both film and video applications. The course is also a good refresher for Steadicam® operators who wish to catch up on the latest technology and techniques. Participants work in teams of 3 or 4, each team with its own Steadicam®, camera and playback system, with many hours of practical experience each day. On the final day there is a challenging test, as well as the opportunity to work with actors to design and shoot a 2-minute, one-shot, scene where the camera becomes a participant.
Course Structure
During the morning over the first few days we deal with the paper-work, theory, procedures, and technical concerns, with practical "in the rig" exercises in the afternoon. As the week progresses, we spend less time in class and more time on set practicing scene coverage and difficult choreography. There is a final test the last day, and the opportunity to work with actors to tape a short, one-take, scene.
Who Should Attend
This course is for working film and video camera professionals with at least a year of camera operating experience. A resume needs to accompany your application.
Technology
We will be using film & video cameras on professional Steadicam® rigs to provide real, hands-on training. The rigs are as follows:Merlin, Flyer, Archer, Clipper3 and Ultra2. We do not shoot film, but we do record on tape for P2 cards for review and critique. We do cover the technical aspects of shooting with 16 and 35 mm cameras included.
What to Bring
Bring a small tool kit, flashlight, gloves, your own SLR digital camera and, if you own one, a DV and or HDV video camera and your lap top. Bring an audio recorder to tape the lectures and technical clinics, as there will be more information than you can absorb or write down.
To Register for this workshop
Click on the above link to go to the Registration page, where you'll find an application link and additional information on payment. You can pay by check, company PO, or credit card. If by credit card, we use PayPal to process payments. Indicate your method of preferred payment, and we will send you a PayPal invoice, and you can pay the deposit, application fee and any balance on line.
This course may be paid in GB Pound Sterling or Euros.