This month, we're looking at the range of screen activity and ScreenSkills support across Scotland. As part of Scotland in Focus, we spoke to Camera Operator Chris Maxwell about a new Steadicam training initiative supported by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund, that saw him advise and mentor programme participants from across the Nation.
The training gave participants the essential skills and foundations to begin developing as Steadicam operators, while bursaries of up to £3,000 provided further opportunities to support their progression through additional training or the purchase of kit.
Could you tell us a bit about the Steadicam training and bursary programme and what it was designed to achieve?
The Guild of British Camera Technicians teamed up with Tiffen Steadicam to provide a 'Silver' workshop for camera operators and Camera Assistants in Scotland. This was funded by ScreenSkills and the HETV Skills Fund. This is an industry recognised workshop that gives the participants the skills to begin training and practicing safely and accurately in order to develop their skills as a Steadicam operator.
Steadicam is an extremely expensive business to get into. Buying the rig is out with most peoples price range. The 'Tiffen Silver' workshop allows the participants the opportunity to spend three days in the rig learning the basic skills. This is the beginning of their Steadicam journey and can help them decide if they would like to continue with Steadicam as a career without the initial outlay of purchasing a rig.
Why was it important to support the development of Steadicam operators in Scotland specifically?
There are a lot of TV drama and film productions coming to Scotland. These productions have to bring operators up a lot of the time. We have a great skillset in Scotland and fantastic operators. A camera operator on a large production needs many skills including Steadicam.
There is also a lot of sport happening in Scotland. Football matches need Steadicam operators and we are currently hosting the Commonwealth games. It would be fantastic if we can crew locally and utilise what Scotland has to offer. It is my belief that If Scotland has more skilled Steadicam operators, then this will create a greater attraction to shoot here, therefor more work for all. I would like productions to use the huge skillset that is already on our doorstep.
What impact have you seen the training and bursaries have on participants so far?
I have seen an impact with some of the participants. One camera assistant has bought a second-hand rig, vest and arm. This allows her to continue practicing while working as a camera assistant. She can earn money a camera assistant while learning from professional operators on a daily basis. One camera operator has bought a professional second-hand sled, with continued practice and the opportunity, he will be a Steadicam operator. One focus puller has invested in a pre-owned sled. The same applies. He needs practice and the opportunity. One other operator has invested in a vest. This allows him to practice with another operators sled if the opportunity presents itself. The move up to Steadicam operator is extremely hard. One has to learn the skills, purchase a rig and establish themselves as a Steadicam operator within the industry. It takes a long time. None of this would have been possible without the funding that the participants have been granted.
As someone who has been involved in advising, mentoring and supporting participants, what has been particularly encouraging to see?
It has been very encouraging when they are able to go out on their first job. This is probably a short film or a music video for a friend. It is all part of the learning and building self-confidence. It will be extremely rewarding for me when they get their first job on a TV show or film.
Are there any standout moments, highlights or achievements from the cohort or the initiative itself?
A standout moment for me was on the morning of day three on the workshop. They had spent two days in the rig learning various skills. When I entered, they had already started balancing and practicing correctly the skills that have been taught to them on day one and two.
Another standout moment for me is to see the inspiration that they have. This is the same inspiration that I had during my time learning Steadicam both on set under other operators and as part of a workshop.