2009Steadi-Newbies forum
Executing an extremely slow Steadicam move for a music video oner
17 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
- A single continuous shot lasting approximately two minutes and forty seconds over forty to fifty feet distance requires practicing slow walking movements to avoid visible footsteps in the frame.
- Shooting at a higher frame rate such as forty-eight frames per second can theoretically smooth out imperfections when executing very slow camera moves.
- Practicing line exercises with a long lens helps train the operator to execute painfully slow movements smoothly while maintaining steady footwork and precise control.
- Very slow Steadicam work is more challenging than normal-paced operating and represents a distinct skill requiring dedicated practice.
- Using a rickshaw or similar motorized support for portions of an extended slow move can be preferable to relying entirely on walking, especially when terrain includes obstacles like stairs.
- Framing decisions involving horizon line placement and headroom can conflict with requirements to keep specific background elements like sunlight or lens flare in the shot.
Depends on
- The critique of lip-sync to audio is subjective and may reflect online video compression rather than the original recording.
- Color correction appearance depends on whether the online version differs from broadcast distribution.
- One participant disagreed with recommendations, suggesting the issue was operator technique rather than equipment choice.
- Specific solutions like building platforms over stairs or using rickshaws depend on crew capability and production resources.