WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

The Steadicam Operators Association started conducting the world’s best Steadicam workshops in 1988 in a small village about an hour west of Philadelphia. Since then, The SOA has expanded to multiple cities globally.

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The workshop gives each participant ample practical and theoretical experience to begin working professionally.  With the added mental tools needed to meet future challenges, as well as exercises and shots to practice after completing the course, many SOA alumni go on to impressive careers in the film and television industry. 

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There is at least one Steadicam and one experienced instructor/operator for each group of two to four participants.

The minimum number of participants is eight, the maximum is sixteen for the weeklong workshop.

All levels of Steadicam operating are accommodated.

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ALL INCLUSIVE option for the workshop is $6250.00 (US),

which includes instruction, equipment, 3x meals, snacks, lodging, and after hours networking.

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NO HOTEL option for the workshop is $5500.00 (US),

which includes instruction, equipment, 3x meals, and snacks.

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**PLEASE NOTE: PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.

*There is a 20% fee for any cancelations.*

Payment installment options are available on the checkout page through Affirm.

Pay in 4 payments interest free, or setup recurring payment lengths of your choosing!

​IF YOUR SCHEDULE CHANGES, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY NO LESS THAN 1 MONTH FROM THE START OF YOUR WORKSHOP TO WORK OUT A SOLUTION.  IN MOST CASES WE ARE ABLE TO MOVE YOUR WORKSHOP SEAT TO A FUTURE DATE AS LONG AS WE ARE MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION WELL IN ADVANCE.

IF YOU DO POSTPONE YOUR WORKSHOP, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY ORIGINAL PRICING (PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE) FROM THE TIME OF YOUR FIRST DEPOSIT!

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**ANY CANCELLATIONS INSIDE OF ONE MONTH PRIOR TO A WORKSHOP START CANNOT BE REFUNDED NOR CREDITED (CASE BY CASE BASIS IF YOU CONTACT US DIRECTLY).**

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Hotel lodging is INCLUDED in the total price IF YOU SELECTED ALL INCLUSIVE; there is nothing you need to do to book your stay. If you have opted for the NO HOTEL OPTION, you will be sent a link to a group discount rate for the preferred hotel that we suggest you book. We have amazing corporate contracts for group rates at all our partner hotels for the duration of our workshops. 

For the all inclusive option: Approximately one month before your workshop start you will be emailed a unique confirmation number for your room which is already paid and booked. For the no hotel option: Upon completion of your workshop registration you will be emailed a link to our group rate to book with our preferred hotel partner.

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It is strongly suggested that you arrive the day before your workshop starts; most week-long workshops start on Sunday, so Saturday arrival is best. It is also strongly suggested that you check out the following Saturday after the week of instruction. If you leave Friday, you will miss the secret to Steadicam. Just saying. Friday night is the most important part of the week.​

Students are responsible for their own transportation to / from the workshop and any subsequent lodging.

If you need help with transportation, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help. Additionally, when all attendees for the workshop have finalized all booking requirements, we will communicate as a group to coordinate ride shares and other info. This information is disseminated through a group email as well as a scheduled live Zoom meeting before the workshop start.

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If you need help with travel arrangements, including flights, rental cars, excursions, or extended stays, please utilize our Travel Agent services at Terra Mar Travel by contacting Mary Ann Mari at mam.mari@verizon.net. These services are made available through your workshop registration. Some additional fees may apply. 

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You are not required to own any equipment. We will supply all the equipment for training at the workshop. 

If you own your own vest, we encourage you to bring and use it. This will aid in getting you acclimated and properly fitted to your personal vest, which is the most important connection of the system to your body. Some vests may require us to swap out the socket block in order to work, which we can provide. If you decide to bring your own vest, please let us know and tell us which brand it is so we can allocate inventory in case we need to swap out your socket block.

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If you own your own complete system it is best to leave it at home (besides the vest).  With that being said, if you would like to bring your system in for an evaluation, we are happy to do so and give you a consult on the gear, but will discourage you or anyone else from using it while at the workshop. You MUST have your own personal insurance for the rig.We will not put your rig in practice rotation due to liability. We will not be held responsible or liable for your personal system or anything that happens to it while at the workshop. If you bring your complete system, you do so at your own risk. If you are looking for an evaluation on your kit, your best bet would be to bring photos and a schedule (inventory list) of your equipment.

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Just some of the Topics covered during the Steadicam workshop:

• The physical science of Steadicam - physiology, kinesiology, mind and body care, and maintenance

• Physical principles - vest, arm and sled

• Balancing the Steadicam - the Physics of both static and dynamic balance

• Inertial control and augmentation

• High Mode

• Low Mode

• Long Mode (ultra high and ultra low modes)

• Shooting from vehicles - hard and soft mounts

• Crane step on / step off (depending on weather)

• Safety

• Right and left side operating

• Aids to navigation

• Stairs

• The secret to Steadicam

• Zoom and focus control

• Video transmission and reception

• Video assist

• Video recording

• New equipment and prototypes

• Best business practices

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At the end of the course, a very complex shot is designed as a final test. Each operator is filmed as they do the shot. Both the recorded shot and the video of the operator are reviewed.

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Workshop participants should be in good health and free of any physical problems. Participants should be able to lift 50lbs. or more without any physical limitations or issues. As always, if you are unsure of your participation, please consult your doctor.

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Using a Steadicam properly does not hurt your back - it gently makes it stronger and it also improves posture.

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There are several successful operators who weigh less than 110 lbs, and operators who weigh nearly three times that.

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Good shoes should be worn every day that allow for athletic movement and tactile feedback of the ground and terrain.

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Clothing should be layered, as we work both outside and inside and the weather can be quite warm or cold.

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Workshop participants with special dietary needs or other special requests should notify us in advance.

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Participants who wish to bring their own Steadicam equipment should also notify us in advance.