I haven’t encountered any steadicam operators in person, but I’ve heard many stories from people who have, both over the internet and in real life.
Every single one story suggests that steadicam operators think they are part of some elite technically challenging specialist job that few people will ever understand, with skills and subtle nuances involved that the ordinary mind can’t begin to comprehend, let alone utilise in that special way only true genius operators can.
But as far as I can see (from my limited perspective) you just strap the thing on, learn how to move in it, and that’s all there is to it. There’s no more skill or talent required than any other technical job, in fact there’s probably less.
So why are they so up-themselves about it?
cuz they are paid well…
that, and the fact that some of them actually are really good.
From what I understand (I’ve never used one, but I’ve used regular cameras and have a friend who has used Stedicam), it’s an elietism because 1) they have a bigger toy (y’know, like people who own expensive cars looking down at someone who doesn’t have one) and 2) There’s a certain athleticism that goes with the stedicam- those suckers are apparently -exceedingly- heavy, and it’s quite a work-out to use one for extended periods, so there may even be something of a ‘jock’ mentality to it, if that makes any sense.
[quote]
But as far as I can see (from my limited perspective) you just strap the thing on, learn how to move in it, and that’s all there is to it. [/qoute]
Sort of like flying a helicopter. I had a boss who thought that until a pilot learned to fly helicopters, the pilot should only be entitled to wear half a pair of wings.
In addition to what ArrrMatey said, there is some training involved. Not everyone can do it.
Hmm. Doesn’t seem to warrant their behaviour, though. Not enough for me, anyway.