Hiring a Steadicam Vs. Glidecam Op to Fly the Scarlet?

[JT Thurlow]

Hi there,

I'm looking to hire either a Steadicam or a Glidecam Op to fly the Scarlet for one shoot on a current production.

The Steadicam Ops I have been in touch with are quoting a great deal more than what the Glidecam Ops are and we are on a very limited budget.

The scene we need it for will last about 30 seconds in the edit, with around 20 seconds of that being Steadicam/Glidecam footage, in around 3-10 second cuts. The Steadicam/Glidecam shots we need will be mostly basic walking straight shots, though perhaps with some panning/tilting at times.

I am wondering if the Scarlet when flown well on a Glidecam (which I presume will be approaching its max weight limit) can produce results that are as good as Steadicam?

Any thoughts are hugely appreciated. Thanks!

 

[fREDeric ChAMbERlAnd]

Hi,

I have seen some pretty impressive shots made with a glidecam and also doubtful ones made with a steadicam....and vice versa. I would talk with the operator, whether they have a glidecam or a steadicam. Yes , the tools will make a difference but if your shot is as straight forward as you say it is, any operator with good skills will pull that kind of shot .
Look at the reels, ask them if your scarlet setup is ok. If they have experience , they will tell you right away if the shot is possible or not. send them the storyboard or talk them thru the shot on the phone (stairs, wind, running....)
Also ask around for references. If you don't have any, ask the op to give you one or two clients number so you can check with them.
Good luck.

 

[Hugh Scully]

It depends on what you're doing but if you're going to pull focus, I'd go with a stedi guy. I shot a short recently with a Scarlet and with a VMount battery, remote FF, etc. it's pretty heavy for longer stabilizer shots. The guys I know are in NY and were fantastic. If you're not pulling focus and can go with redvolts then the stabilizer could do it for you.

 

[Eric M Hurt]

Worry less about the gear and more about the op. Glidecam makes a good product as does steadicam and each have models that can fly heavy camera packages (with FIZ). You need to check out their reel and CALL REFERENCES. When watching their reel look for tracking shots on longer lenses. Wide lenses = easier steadicam shots. There are a lot of people with great gear who can't fly, there are people with older gear that are great ops.