Garrett Brown | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1942-04-06)April 6, 1942 (age 83)[1] |
| Occupations | Cinematographer,Inventor |
| Known for | Steadicam |
| Children | Jonathan |
Garrett Brown (born April 6, 1942)[1] is an Americaninventor, best known as the creator of theSteadicam. Brown's invention allows camera operators to film while walking without the normal shaking and jostles of a handheld camera. The Steadicam was first used in theHal Ashby filmBound for Glory (1976), receiving anAcademy Award (Best Cinematography), and has since been used on such films asRocky, filming Rocky's running and training sequences, andReturn of the Jedi, where Brown walked through a redwood forest with the Steadicam shooting film at 1frame per second to achieve the illusion of high speed motion during the speeder-bike chase.
The sequence inRocky that took the audience up what would later be known as theRocky Steps of thePhiladelphia Museum of Art for the triumphant moment at the top was first filmed during tests for the original Steadicam system.The system was used extensively onStanley Kubrick's 1980 classic horror filmThe Shining, starringJack Nicholson. Brown's Steadicam work can be seen in over seventy motion pictures.[2] Additionally, Brown, Joe Dunton, and a London technician developed a UHF transmitter which allowed Kubrick to watch a live video feed of the filming on monitors in different rooms.[3]
Brown has also invented the DiveCam (following Olympic divers), MobyCam (underwater camera following Olympic swimmers) and theSkyCam (for football games) with the latter perfected with help from a team including Anastas Michos,[4] Larry McConkey,[5] John Jurgens and others.
Garrett Brown is the father of TV directorJonathan Brown. Both worked together as Steadicam operators on the filmBulworth, directed by and starringWarren Beatty. A member of theAmerican Society of Cinematographers and theDirectors Guild of America, Garrett Brown was recipient of anOscar for Scientific or Technical Achievement from theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and anEmmy Award from theNational Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his invention of the Steadicam.
After his graduation fromHaverford High School, he matriculated atTufts University, where he met Al Dana. Together, they formed the folk duo Brown & Dana, and recorded the classic "It Was a Very Good Year", among others.[6][7]Brown also attained a cult following for his radio advertisements with Anne Winn, especially forMolson Golden beer.[8] Their witty repartee became a template for others.
Garrett Brown has invented multiple camera supports focusing mostly on camera stabilization.[9]
{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title= (help)