2010Steadi-Newbies forum
Rollerblading as a camera stabilization platform for Steadicam operations
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Rollerblading with a Steadicam rig works best with smaller, lighter camera packages like handheld glidecams or DSLRs rather than full-sized rigs due to balance requirements.
- The technique requires exceptional skating ability and divides the operator's attention between camera control and maintaining physical stability.
- Sports productions and commercials occasionally request rollerblade camera work when the shot requires sustained speed without visible exaggerated leg movement from actors.
- Rollerblade camera work sits between conventional running shots and mechanized platforms like Segways, offering different tradeoffs in agility versus stability.
- Small lightweight rigs allow more dynamic movement and speed on skates compared to full professional equipment.
- For operators with high-level skating skills developed over many years, the physical demands of skating with a rig are comparable to walking with one.
Depends on
- This technique is rarely used in professional feature films or television productions according to some participants.
- Operator safety is compromised compared to stationary or pushed-platform setups.
- The skill set requires both exceptional rollerblading proficiency and Steadicam operating experience, a rare combination.
- Risk to other people on set and equipment damage increases with moving skating operations.
- The approach is suitable for only a small percentage of real-world production scenarios.
- Full-sized professional Steadicam rigs are impractical for rollerblade work.