Stuff You Should Know SYSK’s Summer Movie Playlist: How Steadicams Work
Jun 27, 2025
Discover the game-changing Steadicam and its profound influence on filmmaking since the 1970s. Delve into its innovative design and the challenges camera operators faced before its invention. Enjoy entertaining anecdotes about iconic scenes, like those in 'Rocky' and 'The Shining,' showcasing the blend of artistry and technique. Learn about the cultural significance of this technology and how it shaped cinematic storytelling, while also teasing future films and the evolving landscape of film techniques.
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Garrett Brown's Steadicam Invention
- Garrett Brown, an outsider working on Sesame Street commercials, invented the Steadicam in the 1970s.
- His invention made 30 previously impossible shots achievable, revolutionizing filmmaking.
Steadicam Mimics Human Vision
- The Steadicam mimics the brain's complex system that stabilizes vision during movement.
- This enables capturing smooth footage by offsetting jarring motions the human brain naturally compensates for.
Kubrick's Protective Advice
- Garrett Brown created a sizzle reel demonstrating Steadicam's 30 impossible shots without revealing its mechanism.
- Stanley Kubrick advised removing shadows revealing the device to protect the design before its patent was finalized.