2010General Discussion forum
Managing Steadicam gear and transportation for freelance work in New York City
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Steadicam operators working in New York City can transport a full rig using taxis and car services by breaking it down into manageable cases including a pelican case, sled case, vest bag, and stand.
- Production companies should cover parking costs rather than operators bearing that expense themselves.
- Parking signs in New York are confusing and unreliable, so relying on apparent safe spots is risky.
- On full-time productions, gear typically stays on the truck and operators use public transit to get to set.
- Day-playing operators often need their own transportation, though some handle this through production coordination or borrowed vehicles.
- The New York market is tightly knit and can be protective of local work opportunities, so newcomers benefit from networking and introducing themselves to local operators.
- Zipcar offers a flexible rental option for operators who need vehicles occasionally without committing to ownership or long-term rental.
Depends on
- This discussion is from 2010 and may not reflect current transportation options or market conditions.
- Advice about parking and production practices is specific to day-play and smaller productions rather than major film productions.
- The feasibility of car-free operation depends heavily on living location within Manhattan or Brooklyn and proximity to gig locations.
- One operator's experience of 18 years without a car in Manhattan may not be typical or achievable for everyone.