Steadicam Silver 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 Silver Workshop is a unique opportunity for working camera operators to learn the use and application of Steadicam within the film and television world. The workshop is very much hands-on with plenty of practical time actually wearing and using the system.

Training Approach

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

*In order to maintain the group flow of training and instruction, students and instructors eat lunch together each day. The cost of lunch is included in the cost of the workshop.

Training Objectives

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
• Communicate with clients and directors

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.