Long takes in films are always impressive because they show a continuous performance of the actors within the scene without any cut. This requires very focused work both from the actors and the people behind the camera. I say "people" because it's not only the camera operator, as you can see in this behind the scenes from the movie "Atonement." It shows how they achieved a spectacular five minute long take that involved hundreds of people, horses (even dead ones), and an abundance of historical props. I thought it was all shot by a steadicam operator walking with the actors but I was surprised that it wasn't that easy.
The shot has been rehearsed for two days before shooting the actual long take. After you watch the sequence, you will find the immense complexity of the orchestration, or in cinema language, blocking, of the main and supporting actors. With such a fantastic organization that costs a fortune, nobody on set is allowed to make any mistakes. If you have shot with a Steadicam or any kind of camera stabilization, you know the challenges. Using a classic Steadicam is physically exhausting because it weights a lot.
See how the focus puller manages to focus by eye by judging the distance from the camera to the subject. Impressive skills!
For this shot the camera had to do a trip of about a quarter of a mile. The operator was not walking all the time because, especially on this uneven terrain, walking backwards would be very hazardous even with a spotter (someone who keeps a hand on your back to save you from falling if you stumble onto something). Not only that, but the distance is quite long having more than 30 pounds of gear mounted your body. For those "walking backwards" shots they used an electric car and a rickshaw to carry the operator.
Operator on an electric cart for the beginning of the sequence.
It is impressive how smoothly the transitions between walking and being on a vehicle were made. Imagine the complex logistics of how to hide the electric car and the rickshaw from the camera when they were not in use.
Steadicam operator on a rickshaw.
This shot is quite an effort from the whole team and it's not just the operator who has to take credit for the result. It's a team of hundreds of people who joined together to pull a long take sequence that for me is the best one yet.
