How to become a Steadicam operator in Hollywood

Are you passionate about capturing smooth, cinematic shots in the heart of the entertainment industry? Join Taylor & Keitu on this journey as we explore how to become a Steadicam operator in Hollywood, California. 🎥
Guest: Taylor Johnson IG: / tay2steadi
Support Taylor: tr.ee/OEKlA95uV7
Guest: Keitu Mokhonwana IG: / badbitchsteadi
Support Keitu
Video Produced by Samshotit Rentals
Samshotit.com
In this video, we'll cover the essential steps and tips to help you kickstart your career as a Steadicam operator in the epicenter of the film and television world.
Timestamps
0:00 Intro to getting into the film industry as a stadium operator
5:30 Typical day onset as a Steadicam operator
6:15 Hi Mode vs Low Mode
8:30 Setting up a Steadicam rig
9:40 What does the volt stabilization help with
10:30 Three second drop time
11:20 Installing a Arriflex 35 film camera on the Steadicam rig
13:00 Working with your 1st AC
13:30 The importance of a Steadicam mag
14:20 Installing a Arri Mini camera on the Steadicam rig
15:50 Challenges on the first day onset as a Steadicam operator
20:30 Tips to help with stamina as a Steadicam operator
21:20 How to Balance a film camera on a Steadicam
26:40 How do you negotiate your day rate?
29:45 How much money does Steadicam operators make?
32:10 Tips on recovery on your body after Steadicam operating
32:52 How do you get jobs as a Steadicam operator?
35:17 Black female as Steadicam operators
37:25 Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
🔥 Topics Covered:
Education and Training: Discover the educational path and training you'll need to become proficient with the Steadicam system.
Equipment and Gear: Learn about the essential gear, including Steadicam rigs and accessories, that you'll need to master the art of stabilizing shots.
Networking: Find out how networking in the industry can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Building Your Portfolio: Understand the importance of creating a strong portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Gaining Experience: Explore strategies for gaining practical experience as a Steadicam operator, including working as a camera assistant or intern.
Mentorship: Consider seeking mentorship from experienced Steadicam operators to accelerate your learning curve.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content on filmmaking careers in Hollywood. 🎬🌴 #SteadicamOperator #Hollywood #FilmmakingCareer #FilmIndustry #CameraStabilization

[@MrTubeMeToo]

Excellent. Your presentation really helped me better understand and appreciate what it takes to produce a steadicam sequence. You have my admiration for the work you do!

[@samshotit]

Glad it was helpful! Keep in touch with their journey Guest: Taylor Johnson IG: / tay2steadi Keitu Mokhonwana IG: / badbitchsteadi

[@travisminneapolis]

You are so right, its like a sport. The weight The tightness The sweat

[@hunterhawkins8754]

it so special to see two black women in the industry for real ❤️

[@samshotit]

Yes it is!! Thank you for watching the video. To follow their journey Guest: Taylor Johnson IG: / tay2steadi Guest: Keitu Mokhonwana IG: / badbitchsteadi

[@theroyaltmedia]

❤

[@travisminneapolis]

I've used my Steadicam on and off for a decade, but recently started really diving in and thinking I want to really dive in and specialize in it.

[@A.M_Amanda]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 This was a fun watch as a female Steadicam operator myself ❤

[@mcmfilmsproductioncompany5713]

Refreshing to see both of you doing it BIG… Cheers ❤

[@samshotit]

Yes it is!! Thank you for watching the video. To follow their journey Guest: Taylor Johnson IG: / tay2steadi Guest: Keitu Mokhonwana IG: / badbitchsteadi

[@theroyaltmedia]

Thank you❤

[@buh-ruk5441]

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Keitu on set, super knowledgeable and dope 1st AC!

[@samshotit]

Keitu is a life saver onset!!!

[@eleventhvision]

Ladies, you are legit. I would hire you straight away if I lived in Hollywood. Love the video, can't wait to watch your work one day :)

[@samshotit]

Thanks for your comment. You have a cool channel, we host big camera events in LA hopefully you can attend in the future.

[@theroyaltmedia]

Thank you so much

[@MariaTheBlackRussian]

thank you for representing!

[@samshotit]

Represent, Represent!!!

[@kevynspeed]

This is very inspiring! Hope we get to follow up after a year on the career journey!

[@CristianOriakGaming]

Absolutely fantastic watch! Thank you for taking the time to make this

[@samshotit]

Appreciate the love, it inspires us to keep going.

[@CristianOriakGaming]

@@samshotit please do, your content is great!

[@andyvan5692]

at 19:37 the solution is easy, plug in the 1st A\C to charge the volts battery!!! ( if it runs on 240 V A\C {Alternating Current} that is)

[@TALKDUMMY]

I love it!

[@therickalmeida]

Great talk about work and experiences, thanks for the excellent video!

[@samshotit]

Glad you enjoyed it! We're planning more interviews. Soon to come

[@CalvinFalk]

Heck yeah!

[@JoeTexxFilms]

LOVE IT!

[@jas791230]

nice sharing!!!thanks for this video. Just followed two steadicam operator!

[@samshotit]

I really appreciate your support and kind words. It means a lot to me that you found the video helpful and followed the steadicam operators. Thank you!

[@Garytyronejohnson]

Awesome!

[@samshotit]

Thanks!

[@CineRants]

A great chat, and really interesting video. Thanks 🤘

[@samshotit]

Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate you!!!

[@goddyab]

Nice! I like this, as a self thought steadicam Operator and still learning, you just got a new Subscriber.

[@samshotit]

We love a new subscriber Woot woot!! Thanks for watching and wishing you much success on your journey in the film industry.

[@felixsimardt]

great stuff right here

[@samshotit]

Much appreciated

[@UrbanAnimeLounge]

love to see it. I couldn't operate one of these to save my life but that changed a lil now

[@samshotit]

It's all in the technique. Happy the video brought some inspiration to you!!!

[@EricMartin.]

Dopeeee

[@filmyardart]

U re the coolest thx 🙏

[@samshotit]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate your support.

[@user-tp9uv4fx9j]

Dope!!

[@samshotit]

Hey, thanks for the love! I'm hyped that you think it's dope!

[@rpeters330]

This is great ::)

[@samshotit]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@allseeingirisvisuals9718]

yo this is pretty dope

[@elliotalderson2479]

I’ve only worked on projects shot on digital cinema cameras. Shooting on film can you feel the weight distribution shift as the film goes from one side to the other? How does that affect the balance?

[@buh-ruk5441]

Video has some extra clips at the end. Source in/out issue on export?

[@YoungDecent1]

👏 Great job! Where did you ladies get the training for the steady cam?

[@JamesDavis-qi8eb]

Just ran across you guys and really enjoyed what I saw I'm here to ask for help I'm in Riverside CA in film school right now and just want to learn ..I'm am a guy but still I will love to have a sit down or something

[@andyvan5692]

at 13:00 why do you connect a monitor to a film camera, and how?, as you have a viewfinder, and the film space, thats it, its not like a digital sensor, which you can route the signal from.

[@alexmertin6097]

Hi thx you for this video

[@samshotit]

You're welcome 😊

[@husseinosman8976]

❤❤❤❤

[@Hibee_MotionFilms]

I really want to learn how to operate steadycam and am ready to learn. I'm from Nigeria

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

😍

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

Dope insite ladies

[@noorshehzad1996]

i am from india and i want to learn it. How ?

[@samshotit]

Hi, I would suggest, Go to your local camera rental house and get familiar with the equipment. Ask the prep techs can they recommend you steadicam operators. Build relationships and get onset as much as possible.

[@WesleyClouden]

yep not many

[@gokayk4885]

these are heavy and expensive cameras , this job not suitable for woman

[@KarlFlacko]

This comment is literally insane, delusional to say the least

[@theroyaltmedia]

Idk I’m making a living I’m from it. Seems suitable to me 😂