Behind the HUGO Steadicam Shots

During Martin Scorsese's HUGO 3D stereoscopic shooting, the Steadicam operator Larry McConkey mounted a wide-angle camera to his mighty 3D rig fitted with a pair of Arri Alexa, and captured a long single-take scene. This 2 minutes shot is a true masterclass in deceptively-simple, thoughtful Steadicam operating, and you can see the intricate level of blocking and careful planning that went into this 360-degree scene.

Taken from a GoPro camera atop the actual stereoscopic 3D rig during the shot, the clip winds its way through the celebration for George Melies’ (played by Ben Kingsley) career.

At one moment, you will see an entire wall moving so the heavy Steadicam 3D stereoscopic rig can slide smoothly around a character sitting in a chair. This sort of stuff is just inspiring filmmaking. Note the numerous green panels that were later replaced in post with external background.

The GoPro captured Shooting

The Final Single-take Shot

Watch it on YouTube.

Larry McConkey

As said by Dave Frederick from the SOC: "To say that Larry McConkey is a 'Master' Steadicam Operator does not do him justice. He is a Master's Master and then some". Larry has 30 years of experience (he worked on the first 'Ghostbusters') and  had the privilege to shot Sharon Stone in 'Basic Instinct'... He got a lifetime achievement award from SOC as mobile camera platform operator.

He lives in Stockton, NJ, USA (details) and is on IMDB. Watch his interview on Vimeo.

Source: FreshDV.