How much would it cost to hire a rig and operator?
These expenses vary with operator experience (generally the largest factor in setting rates), Steadicam rig type, rig accessories, geographical area, and the nature of the Steadicam work for your project. For an idea of the rates in your area, you could contact a local operator or the Steadicam Operators of America (1-800-CALL CAM), who can provide a listing of operators with rates. Rate card rates with rig range from around $600 (Typically, a young operator with an EFP in a small market; some operators with SKs might be even less expensive, but limited almost entirely to video) to $3000 (an operator who has been shooting for over 15 years, with the following equipment: a 3A, Master, or PRO [with 3A arm & vest]; a 35mm camera [such as the Moviecam Compact] with Steadicam Mag, another rig as back-up; wireless focus, iris, zoom, and video transmitter, video taps for several types of camera; buns of steel). The latter group tends to be the operators that can be identified by one name — i
