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The most ridiculously cool Steadicam shot you’ll see this week

Segway Steadicam transition to stage during a live concert

By Matthew Jeppsen | May 16, 2009

Saw this link being tweeted amongst those who use that newfangled Twitter thingy. It was a behind-the-scenes video clip of a Eurovision performance rehearsal in which a Steadicam operator rode a Segway at top speed towards the stage, leapt off the Segway onto the stage and proceeded to carry the move into a few circles around the talent, before exiting stage right. It's the sort of video you have to watch again immediately. After seeing this clip, I hit The Google for a bit and dug up some other BTS clips, as well as the final Steadicam shot from the live performance. You can watch 'em all below.

Behind the Scenes - Steadicam Op and camera assistant running laps during rehearsal (angle 1)


Behind the Scenes - Steadicam Op and camera assistant running laps during rehearsal (angle 2)


Live performance footage, includes the crazy Segway+Steadicam shot at around 2:40


I can't get over how interesting and dynamic this shot is. The transition to stage is surprisingly seamless, even with them tweaking the zoom to punch in tight as he hits the stage. Also love how the op ends up on the opposite side of talent, and then carries it across to the guitarist as they cross in front of talent. It's a seamless exit. Very cool sequence overall. Over at the Steadicam forums, it's been suggested that the operator is Karsten Jacobsen.

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Comments

Nino: | May, 17, 2009

I wonder if he just did it during the rehearsals, or if he tried it again during the live show yesterday ...

Matt Jeppsen: | May, 17, 2009

At 2:40 in the last video clip you can see him pull off the shot during a live performance.

-MJ

Dylan Pank: | May, 17, 2009

Those e crazy f%&$ing Russians! I’m kinda glad we never did get into a shooting war with them when you consider they’ll put their lives on the line like this for a blinking steadicam shot!

Health and safety OBVIOUSLY not a big issue in Moscow.

Manu: | May, 18, 2009

Amazing sequence !!!
what is exactly the role of the cameraman assistant in this case ?
TY

Matt Jeppsen: | May, 18, 2009

The camera assistant appears to be running focus and zoom with a wireless remote. Not sure why it’s necessary for him to be so close…remotes like the Bartech can operate several hundred feet away from the comfort of a monitor. But that’s what he appears to be doing.

-MJ

Karsten Jacobsen: | May, 22, 2009

I am pretty cool, Ja?

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