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"This is the first book to demystify the operation of the Steadicam"
-Paul Taylor: Steadicam, owner - operator / fifteen year advanced Steadicam workshop lead instructor and developer of Steadicam instructional techniques --Paul Taylor: Steadicam owner-operator
-Paul Taylor: Steadicam, owner - operator / fifteen year advanced Steadicam workshop lead instructor and developer of Steadicam instructional techniques --Paul Taylor: Steadicam owner-operator
Product Description
Camera operators and video enthusiasts around the world are searching for the training and information they need to successfully use the Steadicam, the most versatile tool for moving a motion picture or video camera. Every year, about 500 people in the world are lucky enough to take an intensive training workshop (the top workshops are taught by the authors of this book), but these workshops are expensive and sell out as a matter of course?the instructors simply can?t keep up with the high demand. As a result, the vast majority of people have no practical way to learn what has become an essential camera operating skill. For the first time, THE STEADICAM OPERATING HANDBOOK illuminates all aspects of Steadicam operating in one comprehensive package. With over 1300 full-color photos, it's the granddaddy ?how-to? and ?why-to? book for the amateur, semi-pro, and professional.
Written by the premier Steadicam instructors in the world, this book covers everything a cameraman needs to get started using a Steadicam rig and to get better. Both informational and inspirational, THE STEADICAM OPERATING HANDBOOK moves from the physics and balancing of a Steadicam, through a series of step-by-step ?line dances? and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking-- how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera setup.
The book discusses the wide array of equipment and accessories currently available, and it also illustrates the latest operating techniques and tricks, a variety of strategies for working with others, and the business side of a Steadicam career. Also included are observations and anecdotes - inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary - written by a number of other experienced Steadicam operators around the world, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. THE STEADICAM OPERATING HANDBOOK is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well.
* Written by the premier Steadicam experts in the world
* Offers the opportunity for novice camera operators to learn the skill sets needed to build and move forward in their careers
* Provides a comprehensive understanding of the skill sets to successfully operate a Steadicam, including techniques not even covered in official workshops
* Companion website offers tutorials, demos, and interviews from the authors, showing real-time footage of how to use a Steadicam
Written by the premier Steadicam instructors in the world, this book covers everything a cameraman needs to get started using a Steadicam rig and to get better. Both informational and inspirational, THE STEADICAM OPERATING HANDBOOK moves from the physics and balancing of a Steadicam, through a series of step-by-step ?line dances? and practice shots, to the most personal aspects of filmmaking-- how individual operators make creative and practical decisions using this unique camera setup.
The book discusses the wide array of equipment and accessories currently available, and it also illustrates the latest operating techniques and tricks, a variety of strategies for working with others, and the business side of a Steadicam career. Also included are observations and anecdotes - inspirational, funny, instructive, and cautionary - written by a number of other experienced Steadicam operators around the world, including the legendary inventor of the Steadicam himself, Garrett Brown. THE STEADICAM OPERATING HANDBOOK is both a master class and a master reference for all camera operators and directors who want to move the camera well.
* Written by the premier Steadicam experts in the world
* Offers the opportunity for novice camera operators to learn the skill sets needed to build and move forward in their careers
* Provides a comprehensive understanding of the skill sets to successfully operate a Steadicam, including techniques not even covered in official workshops
* Companion website offers tutorials, demos, and interviews from the authors, showing real-time footage of how to use a Steadicam
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I must admit that I haven't read the entire book yet. However, thus far it has taught me several useful aspects of SteadiCam and simply put it was worth the purchase. Plenty of imagery and it reads rather tabloid, which makes for easier and faster reading. There are mentions of the SC Pilot which is only a few years old, so its fairly updated. But of course the SC techniques never outdate!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
The definitive work on Steadicam
20 Mar 2009
Format:Paperback
Contrary to popular notion, the Steadicam® camera stabilization system is not a magic device that automatically makes your film or video shots perfectly stable. It is a tool that an accomplished operator can use to achieve perfectly stable shots. And so much more!
Just as a person wishing to play a musical instrument requires instruction to not just play notes but to make music, so too a person wishing to operate a Steadicam® requires at least as much instruction. And short of personal instruction, such as attending a Steadicam® workshop, this book is the next best thing.
For anyone wishing to become a Steadicam® operator, or even for anyone with an avid interest in this remarkable skill, Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball's work will be required reading.
In its more than 400 pages The Steadicam® operator's Handbook covers nearly every topic imaginable regarding the theory, art, and skill of Steadicam operating. The various components of "the noble device" are described in rich detail, from the vest to the arm to the sled to the gimbal and beyond.
There are many, many exercises described which not only provide skill-building, but really show that there is no end to the refinement of skills to be learned in order to become a Steadicam® master.
Beyond mere mechanics, the book covers theory, aesthetics, safety, business and much, much more. There are numerous anecdotes to illustrate the many facets of Steadicam® operating, including several stories from guest contributors who make their living as Steadicam® operators. These stories are not only informative but entertaining, and give one a sense of the scope of possibilities within this craft.
The book is printed on a very nice gloss paper, and the photos and other illustrations are plentiful. The color-coded sections make navigating to a desired portion fast and easy. I personally read the book front-to-back, and now when using it as a reference manual, these color-coded sections are much appreciated.
I am of the opinion that whether you fly a Merlin or an Ultra2, or any rig in between, this book will be an invaluable resource.
Just as a person wishing to play a musical instrument requires instruction to not just play notes but to make music, so too a person wishing to operate a Steadicam® requires at least as much instruction. And short of personal instruction, such as attending a Steadicam® workshop, this book is the next best thing.
For anyone wishing to become a Steadicam® operator, or even for anyone with an avid interest in this remarkable skill, Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball's work will be required reading.
In its more than 400 pages The Steadicam® operator's Handbook covers nearly every topic imaginable regarding the theory, art, and skill of Steadicam operating. The various components of "the noble device" are described in rich detail, from the vest to the arm to the sled to the gimbal and beyond.
There are many, many exercises described which not only provide skill-building, but really show that there is no end to the refinement of skills to be learned in order to become a Steadicam® master.
Beyond mere mechanics, the book covers theory, aesthetics, safety, business and much, much more. There are numerous anecdotes to illustrate the many facets of Steadicam® operating, including several stories from guest contributors who make their living as Steadicam® operators. These stories are not only informative but entertaining, and give one a sense of the scope of possibilities within this craft.
The book is printed on a very nice gloss paper, and the photos and other illustrations are plentiful. The color-coded sections make navigating to a desired portion fast and easy. I personally read the book front-to-back, and now when using it as a reference manual, these color-coded sections are much appreciated.
I am of the opinion that whether you fly a Merlin or an Ultra2, or any rig in between, this book will be an invaluable resource.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
At long last, the definitive Steadicam book is here.
27 Feb 2009
Format:Paperback
As a veteran Steadicam operator of many years, it is simply stunning to see this book. Where was this amazing collection of all things Steadicam when I was starting out? Jerry & Laurie have raised the teaching bar with this 400+ page book full of pictures, diagrams, and stories that will benefit everyone from the mere enthusiast to the most seasoned pro. Each section is well thought out and color coded so finding your way around is quick and easy.
Perhaps the best part of this book is that it is able to appeal to the human side too - it is not just endless and dry technical talk. The personal stories of "on-set" adventures are fabulous and the book includes many "guest" articles by some of the greatest Steadicam operators to ever work in this business.
Bravo!
Alec Jarnagin, SOC
Perhaps the best part of this book is that it is able to appeal to the human side too - it is not just endless and dry technical talk. The personal stories of "on-set" adventures are fabulous and the book includes many "guest" articles by some of the greatest Steadicam operators to ever work in this business.
Bravo!
Alec Jarnagin, SOC
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
All Inclusive, profusely illustrated Steadicam Rosetta Tome
17 May 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an amazingly comprehensive book that I never thought could be so complete with instruction bolstered by historical anecdotes, indispensable tips, humor and the hard facts. It is the most worthwhile book I've ever seen from Focal Press.
At first I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more production stills from movies (I guess copyright issues would be insurmountable) but Holway and Hayball cleverly worked around that problem with elegant artist renderings. My only disappointment was my name being misspelled in reference to the rickshaw and tilt head.
Even as a long-time steadicam operator I learned numerous tricks and discovered previously unknown history of our craft. Excellent Handbook.
At first I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more production stills from movies (I guess copyright issues would be insurmountable) but Holway and Hayball cleverly worked around that problem with elegant artist renderings. My only disappointment was my name being misspelled in reference to the rickshaw and tilt head.
Even as a long-time steadicam operator I learned numerous tricks and discovered previously unknown history of our craft. Excellent Handbook.
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