THIS SITE ALSO INCLUDES REGISTRATION FOR VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS / UTILITIES / ACTORS.

Please visit www.steadicam-ops.com for additional Steadicam resources and information.

The Steadicam Operators Association conducts the world’s best Steadicam workshops. Originating in a small village about an hour west of Philadelphia, the SOA now proudly expands their workshops to additional locations throughout the US and internationally. The workshop gives each participant ample practical and theoretical experience to begin working professionally, plus the mental tools needed to meet future challenges, as well as exercises and shots to practice after completing the course. There is at least one Steadicam and one experienced instructor/operator for each group of four participants. The minimum number of participants is eight, the maximum is Twenty for this workshop. All levels of Steadicam operating are accommodated.

Cost for the workshop is $4000.00 (US), which includes instruction, equipment, lodging, and meals. There is an application processing fee if paying by credit card.

Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel and any EXTENDED lodging arrangements. Extended lodging arrangements should be made directly with Historic Banning Mills at (770) 834-9149. Ask for Christy or Beth or speak with any of the super friendly staff and mention that you are a student at the Steadicam workshop.

Shuttle service and/or Lyft/Uber is available from the Atlanta airport. You will receive an email prior to the workshop to arrange carpool travel with fellow students, if you choose.

Just some of the Topics covered:

• Physical principles - vest, arm and sled
• Balancing the Steadicam - both static and dynamic
• Inertial control and augmentation
• High Mode
• Low Mode
• Long Mode (ultra high and ultra low modes)
• Shooting from vehicles - hard and soft mounts
• Crane (depending on weather)
• Safety
• Right and Left side operating
• Aids to navigation
• Stairs
• Low Mode
• Focus Control
• Video Transmission and Reception
• Video Assist
• Video Recording
• New equipment and prototypes

At the end of the course, a very difficult shot is designed as a final test. Each operator is filmed as they do the shot. Both the shot and the video of the operator are reviewed.

Workshop participants should be in good health and free of back or other physical problems.

Using a Steadicam properly does not hurt your back - it gently makes it stronger and it also improves posture.

There are several successful female operators who weigh less than 130 lbs, and operators who weight more than double that.

Good shoes, such as minimalist/flat-soled shoes, should be worn every day. You may be working in multiple terrain/weather environments, so plan accordingly.

Clothing should be layered, as we work both outside and inside and the weather can be quite warm or cold.

Workshop participants with special dietary needs or other special requests should notify us in advance.

Participants who wish to bring their own Steadicam equipment should also notify us in advance. Participants are encouraged to bring both still and video cameras.