Steadicam operators are the people behind the breath taking shots. They move with the individuals and immerse the audience into the action. Studio Insider chats with a Steadicam operator, working on massive projects like Eurovision, to uncover what their job involves and share valuable advice.
In essence, the Steadicam is an attachment used to stabilise shots by isolating the camera operator’s movement. This is done in order to track the motion of angles both smoothly and in a controlled manner. Involved on a range of projects from cinematic productions, sports broadcasts and music events, Steadicams are a staple of any high quality production.
“It’s all about adding something to the performance. A movement, a feel or a mood. It can even just be adding transportation if you want to bring a person from one place to another. It offers something that fixed cameras don’t”
Tomas’ first experience with this equipment took place 30 years ago, progressing from handheld cameras to Steadicams. Since then, he has worked on projects such as the Swedish Version of Strictly Come Dancing and Eurovision.
“It’s super fun, almost as if you are part of the choreography. Working around the people on stage makes you feel so involved and immersed in the performance.
“If I could describe Eurovision in a word it would be sweaty. But it’s more about teamwork than just camera aesthetics. As cameramen we were rehearsing 25 days before the live finals, with two days off in between.
“The process actually starts with us getting videos from each country’s delegation, who record a carbon copy of their performance, in a studio, with the precise dimension of the stage taped out and the exact choreography. From which the director views and creates a plan for each camera shot.”
But as you can imagine, lugging around a camera rig that can weigh over 20 kilograms comes with its fair share of challenges. It takes serious strength, endurance and focus.
“Yeah it’s pretty physically demanding. It’s carrying it up the stairs that kills you the most, I could hardly even move them on the plane home from Basel. But it has its benefits, you should see the size of my legs now!”
And it’s not just Tomas’ calves that are impressive, so is the advice he shares for anyone looking to break into the world of steadicam operating.
“I suppose a good place to start is finding a good school or course that offers camera operating advice, that was my in. If not I’d get to grips with hand held cameras first, learn how to frame a good shot and get creative with what angles you like the most.
“Once you’ve mastered that then you can add those other special cameras, like steadicams and cranes instead of still cameras or dollies.”
For more content like this, click HERE
