2010General Discussion forum
Wind management techniques for steadicam operation
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A double net or diffusion material is preferred over solid barriers because it reduces wind while allowing the grip to see the operator, whereas solid screens create turbulence and obstruct visibility
- Temporary wind barriers can be constructed from hardware store materials such as tennis court windbreak fabric attached to broomsticks with a tacker
- A 4x4 frame with see-through shade material from camping suppliers can effectively filter wind and has been used reliably for extended periods
- Commercial wind killer kits are available in small and large sizes with collapsible frames that require some assembly time
- Asking a grip to position a 4x4 double net flag is often more practical than specialized equipment since standard grip materials are usually available on set
Depends on
- The commercial Windkiller kits require tent-like assembly which takes practice
- One person reported difficulty obtaining support from commercial vendors
- The filtering effectiveness and specific wind reduction percentages depend on the material used and setup
- These solutions are primarily for handheld or operator-held positioning, not necessarily for mounted steadicam systems