Classic Steadicam article online--great read

[Charles Papert]

I just came across this, and I don't really know if it is reproduced with the proper permission, but since it's there... (I'm not really clear on the moral issues of looking at a non-profit site that has copyrighted material reproduced with proper credits in place?)

ANYWAY, it's an article on "The Shining" that Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown wrote for American Cinematographer back in 1980. "The Shining" is considered to be the true turning point for the Steadicam, when it moved from specialized "stunt" camera status to true production tool, due to Garrett's efforts on that picture. His material is always a phenomenally entertaining read, and there are many interesting insights into the Kubrick's mind and methods also.

As a young lad, I read and reread this and other articles from the period, dreaming of my time to wield the "Noble Instrument" (the original issue is still a treasured part of my collection). Too bad they didn't have the pics with the article here. For some reason the beginning of the article is truncated, it originally started with Kubrick's telegram in response to watching the original Steadicam demo reel in which he referred to the "skilled counter-intelligence studying the shadows on the ground, revealing slowly-moving parts underneath" and ending with "it should revolutionize the way films are shot".

Enjoy!

[Brad Richmond]

Thanks Charles, this is a great article! I'm ready to see "The Shining" again now that I know more of the amazing Steadicam effort that went into the film.

Next time I start to whine about my back hurting after 15 minutes with my Glidecam, I'll think of Garrett Brown working on The Shining...with Kubrick calling for perfection in yet another take! Maybe I'll be a little slower to complain.

It's always enlightening to read about the hurdles people overcome to advance the craft of cinematography, in particular the demands of Steadicam operation. Garrett Brown's great influence on the motion picture industry shall continue to be seen and enjoyed by all of us.

[Rob Lohman]

Thanks Charles! That should be an interesting read this weekend.