Dear Steadicam Operator,
As a Steadicam operator I am sure you recognize the importance of owning reliable equipment. When I was learning to operate there was only one choice in the marketplace – and the system wasn’t always ideal. I experienced the frustration of constant equipment problems myself and hearing the same complaints from other Steadicam operators, I decided to rectify the situation. The PRO was created in 1992.
The express purpose of the new system was to improve the reliability of our equipment. This objective was accomplished by making use of sound engineering principles and state-of-the-art electronic technology. Improvements have included a 5-inch high-intensity monitor, a precision, frictionless gimbal, and a camera mounting platform, called a Donkey Box, that utilizes linear bearings. The overall PRO rig is also lighter than studio equipment offered in the past. The biggest advantage however, is the ruggedness of the PRO, and the fact that it requires little maintenance. The system has proven itself in the most extreme conditions on hundreds of feature films: from the Sonoran desert, to the Pacific ocean, to the sub-zero climate of Alaska.
Our purpose as designers is to continue to improve our equipment. Therefore, we are constantly seeking feedback from operators and doing intense field testing of each design idea. Some fail, and some succeed. The successful ideas have allowed us to simplify the function of the camera stabilizing system – revolutionizing the ease with which it is used. These improvements have enabled operators to spend less time working on their equipment while on set and more time with the Director and Director of Photography.
To date there are PRO’s in operation throughout the world, as operators have recognized the advantages of our system. If you are in the market for a new rig I would recommend that you contact a few PRO operators to get a firsthand, objective opinion about our system. Please call us if you would like a brochure or more information.
Sincerely,
George Paddock