At over 400 pages, this newly released book by veteran Steadicam instructor/operators Jerry Holway and Laurie Hayball has instantly become the last printed word on all things Steadicam. While it is oriented towards the "big rig" operator (and slanted towards the Steadicam brand products), it contains many useful nuggets for operators of all brands and sizes of stabilizer. I highly recommend it.

Amazon.com: The Steadicam® Operator's Handbook: Jerry Holway, Laurie Hayball: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam®-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/0240811658)

For we non U.S. based Jerry recommended we get it from here - Elsevier-Science and Technology Publishers, Books, Major Reference Works, Online Education, Textbooks (http://www.elsevierdirect.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780240811659)

I ordered mine two weeks ago, I may have missed the first batch I think :(

Here's how I found out about this book:

I was reading a thread elsewhere on the web, and a person seeking advice was advised by Mr. Holway himself to have a look at this book. I didn't even finish reading the thread, I immediately clicked over to Amazon and ordered it, not even bothering to look at the price. I just knew that if it had Jerry Holway's name on it, it would definitely be worth it!

So I received it a few days ago now, and I am about halfway through my (first) reading. This is material that will bear repeated study.

For those of us who live far, far away from where Steadicam workshops occur, this is an excellent resource until such time as we can get to one.

As one might hear on a late-night commercial of yesteryear, "Rush out now in a buying frenzy! Be the first kid on your block to own this amazing book!"

It is profusely illustrated with many, many, many photos and diagrams. They are not "filler material", they are all related to the subjects being discussed.

If you take the lessons presented in this book to heart, it will keep you busy for years. Literally. Worth every penny!

I just canceled my Elsevier order. I've been waiting 2 weeks, and they just informed me it will be another 3 weeks away. I found a shop on Ebay that has it in stock for 30% less delivered.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-Steadicam-Operating-Handbook-Book-Jerry-Holway-La_W0QQitemZ250376653546QQihZ015QQcategoryZ378QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

I had it on order from Amazon in the UK but its not released here until March 13th. However Elsevier claim to have it in stock for dispatch so just orerered. Lets hope its not a bogus stock status.

Found a few ebay sellers although their feedback was less than favourable.

From what ive read on the steadicam forums it seems to be an amazing book, filling in the gaps from the EFP DVD.

Charles:

I just watched your vids and you are off the charts!!! (that is good in the younger generation crowd) I loved your work on the "die mommie die" clip - glad to see you are here to guide the rest of us!!

haha, thanks Brian, I think "off the charts" has been around since, well, I was one of the "younger generation"...! But I will admit that I could not bring myself to say that a music video I shot a while back was "dropping" last week, that one won't come out of my mouth.

I worked with Anthony Edwards a few months ago on his return to "ER" and we reminisced about "Die Mommy Die", which he produced. It was a little and obscure film but I still really like that clip.

And regarding Jerry's book, I was honored to be one of the guest writers whose stories are sprinkled throughout, plus there are quite a few pictures of me from over the years in there too.

Actually I'm probably as young as you are :)
Question from curiosity: Did you get to choose the flight path for that clip or was it directed by the director?

I can't quite remember but I'm pretty sure that the director and/or DP designed that shot, however I would imagine that I refined the timing on it. The one thing that didn't time out on that take was the last person sitting down into the shot at the end--she was a tad late (I frame up for her and she should have been entering the shot at the same time).

Got mine today from Elsevier, ordered it at the weekend so pretty good time.

This things not a handbook, its a bible! Loads of pictures, great content, even how to look after your muscles.

Loving it so far.

This book is fantastic and well worth the £25.

Its like a workshop in a book. Its not really a handbook as its A4 size.

I would love to take a workshop, I really would but the cost makes it just outside of my price point (I am only shooting weddings afterall, not feature length movies).

It has a section talking about the lightweight rigs like Flyer, Pilot and Merlin. How to handle them differently to big rigs (basically, lighter touch). Lots on framing and shots which is great as Steadicam is a whole new ballgame.

If you own a rig, any rig by any maker then this book is a tiny investment.

Infact, it costs about as much as a Merlin middle weight (now there £20 each!)

Infact, it costs about as much as a Merlin middle weight (now there £20 each!)
Right, Steadicam raised the price of extra weights from $6 to $25 each! What's up with that? I believe most people who buy a Pilot will want 8 extra weigts, so this essentially raises the price of the Pilot by $200. Ouch! Does anyone know what's going on here?

I would love to take a workshop, I really would but the cost makes it just outside of my price point (I am only shooting weddings afterall, not feature length movies).
The 2-day workshop costs $500 in the U.S.. Worth every penny.

Calumet do a 1 day Pilot workshop in the UK for £100 although it looks like ive probably gone beyond what I can pickup since using my Glidecam for a year now.

The weights are rather expensive. $25 for a set, I can see that being ok but $25 for each bit. Wayyyy over the top. As you say, for the price of a few weights you could buy an entire Steadistand, or a monitor.

For all of you in the USA, you can order the book from borders.com using this coupon code :

IPL1255

And get 25% off with FREE shipping :). Have to be a borders reward member but its free to join. If your borders has it in stock at the store, there's a 30% off discount but it's for only in store use. Just google for it as they expire and new ones come about.

Can't wait to get my book!

Enjoy the discount!

I have the book on order as well and cued up for the week long SOA Steadicam course in May. I feel really fortunate being able to pour over the book before the course starts.

Got the book _ Man just golden if you know absolutely nothing and I bet valuable even if you do!

BUY IT.

Great, great, great book. Widely varied material - from great for beginner to great for intermediate. I'm not advanced, so I can't well speak to the high end. But, wow.

I'm not advanced, so I can't well speak to the high end. But, wow.

Speaking on behalf of the high end (!), it's a great book no matter where you are coming from. Lots of tasty tidbits for all (not counting the many pix of yours truly, some downright historic/prehistoric)!

Oh, come on Charles! I thought the pictures of you were great! I especially liked the beard...

I was going to say about the beard.

I can probably play matchup with various rigs I've owned over the years and the accompanying facial hair--Model 1=beard, Model 3=goatee, PRO=clean shaven, current hybrid=jazz patch...! Now that I'm contemplating a change in rigs, might be time for a new look, any suggestions? Joaquim Phoenix/mountain man? Shaved head? 70's moustache?

Hollywood or Mohawk, preferably a Hollywood.

has to be the 70's moustache, can you imagine that in the Steadicam Operators Handbook edition 2.

Charles with a look straight out of the village people but holding a modern stabilizer.

Perhaps a Fu-Manchu?

Hollywood... in blond. Now that's two votes for a Hollywood.