Female videographer-need stabilizer advice

[Meryem Ersoz]

i don't know what editing system you are using, but this new smoothcam filter in FCP 6 rocks! i applied it to some stuff i shot walking with a monopod adding weight to the bottom of my camera, and it looks fantastic. i've not had good luck learning stabilizing systems for the reasons you mentioned--they are designed primarily with the strength and levering of men in mind, even though they're always pictured with women demo'ing them....

[Charles Papert]

Originally Posted by Meryem Ersoz

i've not had good luck learning stabilizing systems for the reasons you mentioned--they are designed primarily with the strength and levering of men in mind, even though they're always pictured with women demo'ing them....

I've heard some good arguments over the years that the load-bearing (read: child-carrying) pelvic and hip structure of the female gender is actually well-suited for the demands of stabilizers. I know a number of women operators who work with the heaviest cameras out there (rigs up to 80 lbs). Wouldn't want to suggest that the rigs are "designed" for men--that's a delicate statement! One good argument however is that the front-mounted vests can be a bit constricting in the, uh, "chestal" region, but fortunately there are a number of rigs with back-mounted vests out there now.

[Meryem Ersoz]

not trying to open a can of worms here...i'm sure it's just a combination of my impatience, lack of persistence, or lack of ability in this particular area. i'm actually quite glad to hear there are competent female stabilizer ops out there--i've sure never seen any of them in the "making of" featurettes, however. not a one.

[Timothy Harry]

I use a glidecam 4000 for my HVX200 as well as a pag orbiter for those long handheld moments. A stabilizer like the glidecam is great, but they a booger to hold for any extended length of time. It gets really heavy

[Frank Simpson]

Originally Posted by Meryem Ersoz

--i've sure never seen any of them in the "making of" featurettes, however. not a one.

Meryem, I'm not entirely certain, but I think I remember seeing a female Steadicam operator in one of the Titanic behind the scenes featurettes. If I can find it I'll give more specifics later.

[Charles Papert]

Steadicam op on "Titanic" was Jimmy Muro.

Might try "Eyes Wide Shut" or "One Hour Photo" as Liz Zeigler operated those--or try an IMDB search under her name to see what else she did and might have appeared in featurettes.

[Meryem Ersoz]

cool, thanks for the lead. i'll check it out.

[KathyRitondo]

Hi Bobbie,
Barber Technologies has a product that we bought at WEVA Expo several years ago to use with my PD150. It is called the Steddiepod. It has three "feet" that are flat so you can rest the camera when not using it. You can lift it easily to get beautiful overhead shots. I often balance the camera with the feet on my waist for amazing shots. It is very adjustable and easy to use. Unfortunately, when my husband Al started using the PD170, he borrowed it and never gave it back! He loves it too! I checked on line and they will be back at WEVA Expo next week so I plan to get revenge and get the latest one for myself! Unfortunately the price has gone up $150 since we first bought it. Hope this helps. Here is the link http://www.barbertvp.com/products/index.html
Regards,
Kathy Ritondo