Steadicam + BlackBird + Electric SkateBoard
The idea is to cover a lot of ground, move fast, and use a Steadicam setup. Chasing a moving subject with a Steadicam can wear a person out pretty quick. We needed something that could cover different terrains from gravel, dirt, grass, and uneven ground. A Segway would be perfect, but outside of normal budgets. The Segway is also very large, heavy, and would need a way to transport it to a location. This custom electric skateboard seemed like the perfect idea to try out for a hands free way of moving quickly. We’re using a Steadicam Merlin vest to carry the weight of the BlackBird Video Camera stabilizer (fits perfectly with no modifications). This makes it easy to carry the stabilizer and control the board with the handheld remote.
This board from E-Glide are hand made custom built machines with the best all terrain wheels and trucks you can find. We requested to have the cable lengthened specifically for use with Steadicam setup. It’s a fast machine, so it’s unlike riding a regular skateboard, but lots of fun. Without much practice, here’s the results from the first practice run on a very windy day. The board performed perfectly across a variety of hard terrain, but with a bit more practice using a Steadicam + Skateboard together, i’m sure we’ll get even better results. We opted for the more expensive board, but there’s a variety of inexpensive and different ones below.
Electric Motorized Off Road Skateboards
There’s also many Electric SkateBoards via Amazon
Powerboards All Terrain Skateboards on Amazon
The area in the video looks real familiar.. Redwood Shores/Belmont by Oracle perhaps?
Hi Jay, yes that was by Oracle in Redwood Shores.
haha.. nice switch steeze!! looks like a good setup for following stuff.
Nice Olivia! This is such a cool idea to me as a free runner and a cinematographer. Oh, and I give you some props for knowing how to skate! Once business slows down a bit and I have some free time I’m gonna pull out the gopro and make a wild video.
How did you mount the camera to the skateboard for those close-up shots that traveled with the board? (for the shot where we see the Rode sticker in close up, or on the electric skateboard when we’re close to your feet?) Did that require special mounting equipment?
Thanks, Olivia!
Hi Varner! We mounted a GoPro on both boards for the close-ups. GoPro is quite the incredible little action camera! Here’s a link to some: GoPro HD Hero Cameras
Thanks, Olivia.
p.s. your site has quickly become the one of the best and most frequently updated tech sites out there. Keep up the great work!
Hey Olivia. Nice video!
Now you guys made me curious… Where’s the freerunner’s video?
This is one of the sexiest videos I’ve ever seen! Something about a beautiful woman on a skateboard with photography gear… amazing!
Fearless!!
Are there any wirelessly controlled skateboards that you could mount the steadicam and recording device to, so you don’t need the human factor? Remote controlled car perhaps?
Neat!!
Awesome! Looks dangerous but really explains how photographers get those long steady shots! I think a segway would feel much safer..Nice job Oriv
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