Training dvd for pilot?
 

Are there any training dvds for the setup/flying of the steadicam pilot?

In particular the pilot, but I guess the principles would be similar for other products.... like the glidecam smoothshooter?

Happy to order from overseas if necessary

Cheers

Here's a video, though I've never watched it:
indicam.com - Training Video-"Stabilizer Basics"
This features the Indicam Pilot, which is not the Tiffen Steadicam Pilot, but the basics are the same.

Then there is the excellent book by Jerry Holway, master steadicam operator:
Amazon.com: The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook (9780240811659): Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball: Books
The Steadicam Operator's Handbook (Jerry Holway) also available at Amazon.co.uk:
The Steadicam Operating Handbook: Amazon.co.uk: Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball: Books

You can also search youtube for miscellaneous videos. The Tiffen Steadicam Pilot official setup and instruction video is on youtube somewhere, I think. It isn't very long, and it's the one that comes on the DVD with the Pilot.

Hi Tim,

Here's the basic how-to video that is specific to the Steadicam Pilot:
YouTube - Steadicam Pilot - How to demonstration
You'll get a DVD version of that when you buy the Pilot.

In addition to that, the 2nd half of the EFP Training DVD is very helpful for any steadicam rig that has a vest, arm, and sled with batteries and monitor.

But as always, there is nothing that compares to a 2-day workshop. Well worth the $500. Gets you on your way much faster.

Also, here's Garrett's sales pitch for the Steadicam Pilot:
YouTube - Steadicam Pilot with Garrett Brown

Deffo on the EFP disk. Make sure you get it from Tiffen. Its £15 from them in the UK or you can buy a copy from ebay for £50.

Also, a must buy is the Steadicam Operators Handbook. So much useful info in there to get you started.

Here is the EFP Training Video online in sections:
Steadcam EFP Video Training Manual 0 | Steadi Cam | Veoh

Here is the DVD remastered version at Tiffen:
Steadicam EFP DVD - Tiffen

This is the U.S. site, but as Danny says, the DVD should be available from Tiffen UK. I don't know if there are separate NTSC and PAL versions.

Tim, didnt realise you were in the UK too.

Heres the direct link
Steadicam Store

You can get the DVD and the book from that link. Both well worth every penny.

Calumet Photo are also doing a Pilot workshop at various places in the UK. Keep an eye on their website as James from Tiffen announced it on the Steadicam forums a few days ago.

Thanks.... i should of said Im particularly interested in the FLYER not pilot. But by the looks of things, the DVD and book cover the basics of stabilisation so Id be ok?!

Yes, I have the book and the EFP dvd and there is a wealth of great information that will apply to the Flyer.

Hi Tim,

There are at least 2 basic things you have to learn to use a Steadicam:
1) Set-up the rig (weight distribution, static balance, dynamic balance, etc).
2) Flying the rig (correct technique, various positions, tips, etc).

Setting up the rig is somewhat specific to the model you are using. For example, the Pilot has weights you can add to the top or bottom, the Flyer does not. The whole lower crossbar of the Pilot moves forward or aft, which makes dynamic balance much easier. The Flyer only has a hinged battery, making dynamic balance more difficult. So setting up the Flyer and Pilot is very different. What's more, the EFP DVD and Steadicam book mostly talk about the larger rigs, which are somewhat different than both the Flyer and Pilot, so they may only help with the basic concepts of setup.

Once you have the rig setup, then flying it is very similar, as long as it has the basics (vest, arm, and sled with monitor and batteries). So the DVD and book will help a lot with this.

Tim,

Our "Stabilizer Basics" training DVD covers a great deal of topics that make setting up and using a stabilizer much easier. Brett Allen S.O.C. uses his Steadicam some of the time and there are even shots of Cody Deegan with his rig on our DVD.

Since our system is much like the Steadicam Pilot and Flyer in basic configuration the information will be very useful and relevant.

It has been well received and it's worth your consideration.

Tery
Indicam