Here are some direct & personal responses to such questions that are usually posed:
1. No!!!
2. If you need it for an up-coming production then rent one.
3. If you need to build one to practice with, then take a introductory steadicam class. There are cheap ones for students and the likes. Or see if there is an operator in your area that has a rig and maybe you can get him or her to show you the works.
4. Don't start building because everyone is doing it.
5. What does it take to build one?
A/ Time
B/ Money
C/ Patience
6/ Is it worth it? It all depends on what you're after. Simple or Complicated Construction.
7/ If you really want to build one, regardless of the cons, then make sure you are prepared for what it takes.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2007, 08:24:14 PM by Charles King »
And 8. Ability to handle frustration. 9. Able to say "That's close, but I can do better." 10. Learn from mistakes. 11. Storage space for lots of parts you probably won't use, but can't bring yourself to throw away. 12. A sense of design and wonder. 13. LOTS OF COFFEE!!!!! 14. A love for the creation of your own steadicam. Most important.
Aaaand you also need... 15. A true desire to understand "why" 16. Wanting to build something, not wanting to have something. 17. VERY understanding spouse/roommate/parents/etc...
18. If you have to ask if you should build a rig, then the answer is almost most definatly "no".
For all those newbies reading this please do not be put off by our responses. Its better to be as honest then try to lure you into something you will regret in the end. Like I said in my first post, if you're up to it then by all means but just be prepared for what comes afterwards.
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