We absolutely love the steadicam while filming because it adds production value that you cannot obtain from just any old shoulder mounted camera or a tripod on wheels. The steadicam is basically a device that allows the cameraman to have freedom of movement from a track or tripod. It gives the cameraman the ability to do practically anything with a camera and the camera movements remain smooth and steady. This device is used in most, if not all, TV shows, movies, sitcoms, etc.. It has become the standard fluid camera movement in popular shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars too.
One of the most amazing shots that can be obtained from a steadicam device is the ONE take filming of a scene. For example, the TV show ER (now off the air) used to have up to 10-12 minute SINGLE SHOTS (meaning ONE SCENE up to 12 minutes long shot with a steadicam). These single shot scenes would have to be choreographed and practiced because if someone flubbed a line or missed a cue, the entire shot would have to be re-done from the beginning, even if it was the very last line in a 12 minute shot!
Well this week, the Today Show on NBC in NYC had some fun with a steadicam and choreographed a fun SINGLE SHOT scene with many Today Show employees to the Black Eyed Peas Song "I Got a Feeling". A classic example of what can be done with a steadicam!
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