HETV Steadicam workshop (Scotland)

Commissioned by the ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund, The Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT) have partnered with TIFFEN to bring you this exclusive manufacturer-backed Steadicam workshop, specifically designed for technicians moving towards working in the Steadicam arena.

The course will provide the necessary skills and background for a working camera operator to make use of a Steadicam system to best effect and safely. The course approach is a combination of hands-on and instructor driven.

We will cover: 

• the history of Steadicam
• the current working industry practices working on Steadicam
• the basic technical skills all good Steadicam operators acquire.
• carefully designed practical exercises to maximize time ‘in the harness’ with lectures, demonstratons and practical tuition
• support through the next steps towards your new career as a Steadicam operator. 

This course is supported by the ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions. 

Steadicam equipment & training support provided by TIFFEN 
Camera Equipment and Venue provided by No Drama

Instructors:

• Gareth Hughes (GBCT) 
• Danny Hallett (TIFFEN) 
• Regional Guest Tutor TBC 

Who it's for

This course is for experienced camera operators, focus pullers and loaders who are looking to work as a steadicam operator in high-end TV. Applicants must live and work in Scotland and will ideally have experience working in high-end TV. 

NB: It is essential that applicants are physically fit and comfortable with carrying equipment for long periods of time.

We particluarly welcome applicants from under-represented groups. We support inclusive training and are happy to help with access costs including travel, accommodation and childcare. Please email 
training@gbct.org to discuss individial needs in confidence. 

What it covers

On completion of the training programme the participants will be able to:

• assemble the Steadicam and fit camera and all accessories
• understand the principles of operation of a Steadicam
• balance the system correctly including dynamic balance
• but on and adjust the operators vest for best fit
• adjust the suspension arm for the camera weight
• understand rest positions
• start and stop smoothly
• post pan sled
• body pan sled
• track shooting sideways
• circle the subject
• walk forward shoot back
• switch forward and back
• handle actor sitting and standing from a chair
• tackle steps and stairs
• handle corners and corridors to best advantage
• change to low mode
• understand blocking out a shot
• have knowledge of working in adverse conditions
• communicate with clients and directors

This is by no means an exhaustive list, there may be other skills and techniques passed on during the course of the workshop.

To maximise your time in the rig, there will be a 2h on-line seminar covering the history and theory of steadicam prior to the in-person course. If you are unable to attend, the seminar will be recorded and made available to all candidates. 

Assessment: Participant assessment is via continuous monitoring and appraisal over the workshop followed by a test piece. This is followed by group discussion. There can be no strict pass/fail situation as the ability to use Steadicam can only be acquired with much practice after the workshop however it is expected that all students will attain a reasonable standard for their personal degree of experience during the course.

Ongoing Support: 
Through ongoing communication, partcipants will be supported by the GBCT with the following:

• creation of peer-to-peer network 
• advice on further training courses
•  introductions to industry professionals and companies
•  tracking and support to first job as Steadicam operator

How to apply

Please click “Apply Now” to submit your application. You will need to be logged on to your ScreenSkills account.

Applications will close on 20 December. We aim to inform successful applicants by 30 December.

Contact information

Email: training@gbct.org