In terms of the difference between Steadicam and AR operating, the AR is a system that requires the operator’s full attention and awareness to their surroundings and more importantly how the rig needs to be handled while transitions are applied. You find yourself dancing with the rig to get ahead of the forthcoming shot. The best way to operate the system is to think of it as a floating head on the end of a pole, the Arm and vest of the ‘Steadicam’ side of the system needs to be set to the operator’s requirements and used as second nature.

Now you can start with the camera inside a car and track laterally across the interior and continue the shot to the exterior. Open a shot on a pair of feet walking and track 360 degrees around, to then boom up the body to the head and then look down at the person, all the time tracking 360.

If you’ve seen the Demo films Howard and I produced on the internet or on DVD you’ll understand the practicalities of getting shots that could only be achieved handheld or being edited between different grips equipment of a Crane, Track and Dolly and Steadicam.

Even fundamental Steadicam shots are incredibly rigid as the AR self levels itself, so a quick move off is now completely stable. Whip pans end with a perfect horizontal frame, this also means the rig can be used in windy environments without the use of gyros.

The AR can be used with a variety of cameras, from a Sony Z1E through to a 35mm Panavision Millennium XL (including Arricam LT, Moviecam SL, Arricam 235).
To use Sony Digi-beta and High Definition Video cameras you need to remove the viewfinder and handle. The AR is also usable with the High Def. Viper camera, with fibre optic cable. Very soon Outside Broadcast cameras will be used with Digital links enabling live AR shots. Although the AR works with most cameras the lighter the camera, the more reach you can achieve with the post extended.

The correct setup and balancing of the AR head and Sled system, is paramount as the systems function depends on both the nodal mass inside the head and the Centre of Gravity around the gimbal on the sled. Once the camera is neutrally balanced within the head, the sled must be neutrally balanced in the horizontal position. This allows the operator to have full control as the system passes through the mid mode.

Although the Sled is neutral in mid mode, there is still a drop time of 5 –6 seconds in High and Low modes. Therefore operation in High and Low mode is not dissimilar to Steadicam operation. But, while passing through mid mode the rig’s handling is completely different and this is what requires the greatest skill.

From high to low, the operator must grip the Gimbal tight to maintain Head and looking room, while tilting. Then as the sled is moved through mid mode the grip on the gimbal must become fingertip light as you have passed into neutral, Head room must be acquired by twisting the gimbal and panning for looking room. Then as you move into low mode a stronger grip must be acquired and tilting and panning the post for head and looking room. If the Camera must pass through a straight line the operator must step out and in to cancel out the natural arc of the sled around the Gimbal..

All this can be done quite easily while not tracking, but when tracking; the direction of travel, Arm positioning, AR head positioning, Subject position, footwork, acceleration, deceleration all become important factors in getting that amazing shot.

Choreography of the shot is very important as timings and positions are not just for the actors, but for the AR operator to plan and maintain camera and their own body positions.

With all these factors in mind the physical exertion is a lot more for AR operation than of Steadicam operating. Depending on what format of camera you are using the AR will add around 20 pounds to a conventional Steadicam package. Also, in the transition stage of high to low mode, you must push the sled away from you, which puts a lot more stress on your back. But, because of the systems technology using the AR in normal modes is a lot easier as you can operate in more comfortable positions as the post does not have to be straight for level shots.

The AR is an amazing piece of equipment, it should be thought of as a NEW tool to create seamless shots. With time it will be a must throughout the industry.