The Steadicam Operator's Handbook Book

INTRODUCTION
Cut. Print. Great.
The history of the Steadicam is pretty well known
How to begin

SECTION ONE: the Steadicam® and its parts
Wearing the Steadicam®
Basic Physics
Getting to know the rig: Basic Steadicam terms
Build the Steadicam
Four balancing acts
Static balance
Dynamic balance

SECTION TWO: getting started
Putting on the Steadicam
Moving with the rig
The right touch
Starting and stopping
The camera's path
Making the switch
Variations on the line dance
Memorizing the shot

SECTION THREE: beyond the basics
Low mode
Navigation
Keeping the camera level
Steadicam posture
General health and operating
Women and Steadicam
Are you ready?
My big break by Dan Kneece

SECTION FOUR: Steadicam® and filmmaking
Basic shot design
Take after take by Janice Arthur
your role as storyteller
Point of view
Moving composition
Strong camera moves

SECTION FIVE: movement techniques
Would you care to dance?
Moving through space
Floating the camera
No second takes by Peter Abraham
Putting the rig on the other side
Negotiating tight spaces
Running with a rig

SECTION SIX: framing techniques
More on operating
Framing corrections
Precise framing techniques
Lock offs
Whip pans
Longer lenses
Zoom lenses
Pass-bys
Telling the story

SECTION SEVEN: getting to work
Accessories
Focus pulling
Preparing for a shoot
Communication
Using grips wisely

SECTION EIGHT: extending the range of movement
Inventing the wheel
Configuring the rig
Flying with a motorized stage
Inertial augmentation and balance
Gyros Vertical control
Arm posts

SECTION NINE: extending the range of options Steadicam® and vehicles
To ride or not to ride?
Hard mount or soft mount
Safety, speed, communication
Types of vehicles
Endurance by Brant Fagan
Vehicles to avoid
Turkish helicopter by Jacob Bonfils
Interesting vehicles we like

SECTION TEN: the business side of Steadicam
Buying a Steadicam
Negotiating your deal
Advertising Insurance

SECTION ELEVEN: unique environments and requirements
Weather alerts
Survivor No. 1 by Scott Lakey
Documentaries and industrials
Capturing reality by Chris Fawcett
Video and Steadicam Steadicam and live TV by Lars Riis
Heavy cameras
Unintended consequences
Lightweight rigs
Steadicam light by Garrett Brown
Lightweight Steadicam
Garrett's big night out

SECTION TWELVE: the experienced operator
The right attitude
Additional concerns
How do we get this shot? by Charles Papert
Breaking the rules
The emotional stuff
Long shots
A great walk and talk
The long Steadicam shot by Larry McConkey
Camera Darwinism ...and Action!

CONCLUSION
How was it?
Acknowledgments
DVD References
Websites