Steadicam Operator

Background & Training

My first introduction to Steadicam was at a Steadicam Operator's Association workshop in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The lead instuctor at the time was Steadicam Operator/Invetnor Garrett Brown. This fantastic experience inspired me to become the best Steadicam Operator possible.

I began utlizing my training on corporate videos, low budget music videos, spec commercials... and just about anything else I could find. I also discovered that teaching new Steadicam Operators was a great tool to solidifying knowledge and better understanding my craft. I worked with my alma matter, Temple University, to develop a Steadicam training program and ran workshops once a semester.

Over the years I've been inspired and mentored by some of the best Steadicam Operators in the industry including Garrett Brown, Larry McConkey, Mike O'Shea & Jerry Holway. These operators have taught me to push the limits of the technology... and see past the tools and conventions we are accustomed to using.

How being a Steadicam Operator today has changed...

Initially, my goal was to excel as a Steadicam Operator only! Like my mentors, Garrett Brown & Larry McConkey, I thought my role was to funtion as a day-player... coming onto a production when a Steadicam Operator was needed for a specific shot or shots. Over time this changed for several reasons. The first reason was that I didn't find this to be entirely fulfilling. It didn't offer me an opportunity to develop a bond with my co-workers... it felt disjointed. I also didn't feel a real connection with the content I was helping to create. The second reason was that I realized my love was for the composition and movement of a frame... and not just Steadicam Operating. So over the years I began to expand my skillset... first came my involvement with SuperFlyCam, a lightweight 35mm cable cam system. In 2005, I took this one step further. I began offering my services as a camera operator on features, commercials & music videos. I offered Steadicam and SuperFlyCam as anncilary skills that could be utilized by productions. I now work as an A-Camera or B-Camera/Steadicam Operator on feature films, television shows, commercials & music videos... and I love every minute of it! Of course I still welcome projects that only require my services for specific shots or scenes.

Bookings & More Information

Please Email steadicam@bensemanoff.com or Call Toll-Free 1.800.6STEADI (1-800-678-3234)