The Steadicam Story
In 1976, Garrett Brown created the Steadicam: a camera stabilizer that allows filmmakers to create fluid, spellbinding shots without tracks or a crane. “I bought aluminum from those marvelous metal places on Canal Street,” Garrett recalls. “I found a machinist in Philly to bang it together into sort of a T-shaped object with a camera on front, and two weights top and bottom on the back. And that made incredibly smooth shots.” His invention quickly became a staple in film and television production, capturing everything from the tricycle-riding hallway scenes in “The Shining” to the walk-and-talk sequences in “The West Wing.”
(A version of this story first aired on Fishko Files on December 15, 2016)
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!