In this podcast, Garrett Brown, the inventor of the Steadicam, shares how he revolutionized filmmaking by creating a camera stabilizing tool. He discusses the biomechanics and design of the Steadicam, its impact on iconic films like THE SHINING, and working with directors like Stanley Kubrick. Garrett's journey from invention to implementation showcases his innovative contributions to the film industry.
Garrett Brown's journey from naturalist to filmmaker showcases resilience and passion for storytelling.
The Steadicam's evolution involved overcoming technical hurdles to revolutionize filmmaking with stable, fluid shots.
Using the Steadicam is compared to playing an instrument, emphasizing intentional movements for impactful visuals.
Deep dives
Origins and Varied Interests
Garrett Brown shares his diverse journey from aspiring to be a naturalist in his childhood to venturing into singing and guitar playing, ultimately transitioning into a career in filmmaking. Despite facing setbacks like a denied story by Playboy and a job selling Volkswagens which he detested morally, he gradually gravitated towards writing and pursued filmmaking with a deep passion. Through self-directed learning of filmmaking techniques and experiences in making commercials, Brown embraced the filmmaking world, eventually pioneering groundbreaking camera stabilization devices.
Invention of the Steadicam
The concept of the Steadicam stemmed from Brown's desire for camera freedom while maintaining stability akin to human vision. He experimented with various prototypes, culminating in a monstrous yet functional early Steadicam version that caught industry attention. Overcoming technical challenges like balancing camera weight and visual access, Brown refined the Steadicam, integrating key elements like inertial balance, gimbals, isovolastic suspension, and fiber optic viewfinders to create a revolutionary tool for fluid camera movements in filmmaking.
Impact and Legacy
The introduction of the Steadicam revolutionized filmmaking, allowing for dynamic and stable shots previously unattainable. Brown's persistence and innovation led to its widespread adoption in the industry, transforming how films were shot. Through workshops and mentorship, Brown shared his expertise, enabling many aspiring filmmakers to master the art of operating the Steadicam, continuing its legacy in empowering cinematic storytelling with smooth, immersive visuals.
The Art of Using a Steadicam
Working with a Steadicam is likened to playing an instrument, where a skilled operator brings out its full potential. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intentionality and control while using the Steadicam, highlighting that deliberate movements and distinct starts and stops create impactful and engaging shots. Comparisons to musical concepts like rubato are made, stressing the importance of varying speed and movement to evoke emotion and captivate audiences.
Revolutionizing Aerial Filming with Sky Cam
The speaker recounts the innovation behind the creation of the Sky Cam for aerial filming, inspired by the limitations of traditional methods during football games. Through experimentation and collaboration, the concept of suspending a camera on wires to achieve dynamic aerial shots was developed. Despite initial skepticism, the success of the Sky Cam in providing unique perspectives revolutionized aerial cinematography, leading to its widespread adoption and commercial success in capturing stunning visuals for various events.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 82 - GARRETT BROWN - INVENTOR OF THE STEADICAM
On this special episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with the inventor of the Steadicam: Garrett Brown (YENTL, THE SHINING, BOUND FOR GLORY). He not only invented the tool but also frequently operated it, breaking the new system in on MARATHON MAN, ROCKY, and BOUND FOR GLORY in a single summer in the mid-1970s. With just a high-school level of understanding of physics, Garrett was able (after a long, isolated week in a remote hotel) to think through the fundamental design of the Steadicam which is still used today—50 years after its invention. We learn about the biomechanics of the human body that informed the design of the Steadicam and of the four key aspects of the device that isolate the camera from its operator. Garrett later recounts the day he first used the prototype on BOUND FOR GLORY (its first ever use in a feature film no less!) and how the late cinematographer Haskell Wexler fought for its inclusion. Garrett also shares how Stanley Kubrick utilized the unique properties of the Steadicam while filming THE SHINING to move the camera “like a ghost” through the empty halls of the Overlook Hotel and chase the indefatigable child actor Daniel Lloyd across miles of carpet. Few people can claim to have changed the way we make movies, and Garrett is one of them.
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This episode is sponsored by the Dallas Film Commission
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