2004Steadi-Newbies forum
Understanding industry-standard work day structure and pay rates for steadicam operators
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A 10-hour work day in the steadicam industry runs from call time and is measured from when you arrive on set, excluding meal breaks, not from when you actually wear the rig.
- The 10-hour guarantee means you receive full payment even if wrapped early, provided you were called to set at the scheduled time.
- Industry standard compensation breaks down as 8 hours of straight time plus 2 hours at 1.5x rate within a typical 10-hour day.
- Actual time wearing the rig is typically much less than the full work day, as operators set down the equipment between takes and during scene changes.
- U.S. labor law requires a minimum 30-minute unpaid meal break after 6 hours of work and technically mandates a 15-minute break after 4 hours.
- Setup and preparation time before call time is unpaid work done at the operator's discretion.
- Work day length varies by production budget, ranging from 10 to 14 hours on different jobs.
Depends on
- Discussion reflects U.S. labor practices and rates as of 2004.
- The specific meal break rules mentioned are general labor law but enforcement for film crew is noted as rare.
- No information provided on international or non-union steadicam work standards.