2008Operating forum
Transitioning from a steadicam shot above ground to underwater camera work in a single continuous take
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A standard steadicam rig cannot safely transition into water while maintaining smooth movement, as removing the camera mid-shot creates dangerous rigging dynamics and the operator risks drowning while wearing heavy gear.
- Using a cut or transition effect between above-water and underwater portions is a practical solution employed on major productions, with techniques like screen wipes or dissolves effectively hiding the transition point.
- Alternative approaches include mounting a waterproof camera head on a crane system like a hydrascope, using a polecam with waterproof capabilities, or employing a dolly with an amphibious remote head.
- A handheld underwater camera operator can begin their shot during a splash moment or visual disturbance to hide the handoff from steadicam to handheld work.
- Combining steadicam work for above-water hallway shots with a separate underwater system and a visual transition between them provides creative and technical flexibility impossible with a true single continuous take.
Depends on
- This discussion focuses on 35mm film cameras, which create buoyancy and waterproofing challenges that differ from smaller video cameras.
- Location geography and available equipment like cranes significantly affect which solutions are feasible.
- Operator safety concerns regarding drowning risk while wearing heavy gear limit options for operators entering water with rigged equipment.
- Exact angle and visual requirements set by the director constrain certain technical solutions.
- The specific confined hallway geometry limited the use of larger equipment like the Chapman Leonard Hydrascope.