OPERATE OUTSIDE THE LINES WITH OUR NEW TRX OFF ROAD TRUCK
A Conversation with Pete Cavaciuti ACO, GBCT, Assoc BSC By David Daut
SOC Creative Spotlight
A Conversation with Sam Ellison, SOC, Jomo Fray & Nora Mendis By David Daut
A Tale of Two Steadicams
A Conversation with Matthew A. Petrosky, SOC & Anthony Oliver By David Daut
ON THE COVER: Matthew A. Petrosky, SOC, operating Steadicam at the King's School location in the U.K. for THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT. Photo by Laura Radford / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Letter from the President
Dear Member:
On behalf of the Governors of the SOC, I’m hoping you had a warm, restful holiday and are greeting 2025 with open arms and a renewed love of our craft. We’ll be busy all year long celebrating (and teaching) the work of the camera operator all across the county, so keep an eye on your email to stay abreast of everything we’re doing.
If you haven’t already, please mark February 14th and 15th on your calendars with the words “2025 SOC Awards Weekend.” The Saturday Awards event will return to the black-tie format in the ballroom at Loews Hollywood Hotel, with a twist: What used to be the Friday night VIP Party will now be a kickoff party allowing us to combine the breadth of last year’s event with the SOC’s black-tie tradition.
As a reminder, we will be polling the membership on who the nominees should be, meaning you will see two separate ballots. A link to the first ballot should arrive in your email any day now, which will allow you to vote for nominees in each category (Film/TV). Then, in early February, you will receive the final ballot, where you’ll vote for one entry in each category to determine the lucky 2025 recipients.
We’re excited to kick off 2025 with this jam-packed winter issue of Camera Operator magazine and look forward to another year of celebrating and teaching the craft of the camera operator!
Fraternally,
Matthew Moriarty
Matthew Moriarty SOC President
Society of Camera Operators
Board of Governors
OFFICERS
President Matt Moriarty
1st Vice President Mitch Dubin
2nd Vice President David Emmerichs
Secretary Dan Gold
Treasurer John “Buzz” Moyer
Sergeant-at-Arms Gretchen Warthen
BOARD MEMBERS
George Billinger
Don Devine
Mitch Dubin
David Emmerichs
Michael Frediani
Dan Gold
Geoffrey Haley
Nikk Hearn-Sutton
Rachael Levine
Sarah Levy
Jim McConkey
Matt Moriarty
John “Buzz” Moyer
Sharra Romany
Gretchen Warthen
COMMITTEES
Awards
Matthew Moriarty (Chair), Phil Anderson, Craig Cockerill, Pauline Edwards, Mick Froelich, Dan Gold, Rachael Levine, Janice Min, Jan Ruona, Ben Speck, Mande Whitaker, Rob Vuona
Historical
Mike Frediani
Membership
Dan Gold, Dan Turrett, Gretchen Warthen
Education
Mitch Dubin (Co-chair), Geoff Haley (Co-chair), Jan Ruona (Co-chair), Colin Anderson, Francois Archambault, Craig Bauer, Lukasz Bielan, Deborah Brozina, Dave Chameides, Gilles Corbeil, Don
Devine, Sam Ellison, Dave Emmerichs, Ian Fox, Mick Froelich, Chris Haarhoff, Daryl Hartwell, Simon Jayes, Sarah Levy, Megan Masur, Jim McConkey, Larry McConkey, Andrew Mitchell, Matt Moriarty, John "Buzz" Moyer, Jeff Muhlstock, Brian Osmond, Ari Robbins, Peter Rosenfeld, Scott Sakamoto, Paul Sanchez, Dave Thompson, Chris Wittenborn
Technical
Simon Jayes (Chair), Colin Anderson, Andrew Ansnick, Will Arnot, Christopher Flurry, Steve Fracol, David Frederick, Daniel Gold, Chris Herr, Jamie Hitchcock, Lawrence Karman, Rocker Meadows, Matthew Moriarty, Manolo Rojas, Lisa Stacilauskas, Gretchen Warthen
Edwards, Alexandra Menapace, Jeremiah Smith, Lisa Stacilauskas, Gretchen Warthen, Mande Whitaker
CAMERA OPERATOR MAGAZINE
Publishing & Executive Editor
Kristin Petrovich
Art Director & Copy Editor
Cyndi Wood
Studio Liaison & Clearances
Kim Fischer
Features Writer & Producer
David Daut
Social Media Producer
Ashlie Sotelo, Your Voice Social
Advertising
Kristin Petrovich & Jeff Victor
Video Editor
Alex Hemingway
Finances
Angela Delgado
CONTRIBUTORS
Pete Cavaciuti ACO, GBCT, Assoc BSC
William Christensen, SOC
David Daut
Doriane Ede, SOC
Sam Ellison, SOC
Jomo Fray
Mick Froehlich, SOC
Sarah Levy, SOC
Nora Mendis
Anthony Oliver
Matthew A. Petrosky, SOC
Ashlie Sotelo
Lisa Stacilauskas, SOC
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Duke
Jomo Fray
Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Orion Pictures / Amazon
MGM Studios
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
L. Kasimu Harris
Bob Mahoney / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix
Laura Radford / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix
Ben Rothstein
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Advertising Membership@SOC.org
Digital subscriptions: SOC.org/co
Newsletters SOC.org
Camera Operator is a quarterly publication of the Society of Camera Operators Registered trademark / All rights reserved
We are grateful to the Television Academy and the Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy® Awards for recognizing the contribution of the Steadicam® Volt™ to the industry.
This award is made possible by our entire team at Tiffen and the thousands of operators worldwide who choose to tell stories with the Steadicam Volt.
Gladiator II
Egoless Operating
A Conversation with Pete Cavaciuti ACO, GBCT, Assoc BSC
By David Daut
After taking home five Oscars and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2000, development quickly began on a sequel to Gladiator, but after years of false starts the project appeared to be dead. Director Ridley Scott, however, refused to let the idea die, and now, 24 years after the original film’s release, Gladiator II has arrived in theaters.
Paul Mescal as Lucius and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius in GLADIATOR II
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
WATCH THE TRAILER
We had a chance to interview A camera operator Pete Cavaciuti ACO, GBCT, Assoc BSC about what it was like to come onto this project given both the weight of Gladiator’s legacy as well as the way filmmaking has evolved over the past two decades.
TECH ON SET
• Two Steadicam Systems • Ten Camera Bodies • Two Z-Cameras
• 60 Lenses • 75’ Technocrane on a Motorized Base • 45’ Scorpio Crane on a Panaviper Base • GFM GF8 Crane • Libra Heads • Scorpio EZ Head •
See the Story for More Tech
After Maxiumus dies in the arena during his duel with Commodus, his son, Lucius, is sent away from Rome to keep him safe. Years later, the province where Lucius lives is invaded by Roman soldiers who kill Lucius’ wife and sell him into slavery. Forced to fight in gladiatorial combat, Lucius catches the eye of Macrinus, who sees in Lucius a tool to overthrow Rome’s twin emperors, while Lucius sees in Macrinus a path to his revenge against the Roman general who led the attack on Numidia.
Gladiator II is directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by David Scarpa. It stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
Read the story here on SOC.org
Tom Duke
CAVACIUTI ACO, GBCT, ASSOC BSC
Pedro Pascal as General Acacius and Paul Mescal as Lucius
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Paul Mescal as Lucius in GLADIATOR II
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott, and Paul Mescal on the set of GLADIATOR II
Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in GLADIATOR II
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Nickel Boys
SOC Creative Spotlight
A Conversation with Sam Ellison, SOC, Jomo Fray & Nora Mendis
Hosted by David Daut
What does it mean to see and be seen? That is the question at the heart of Nickel Boys. Not just in the nature of the film’s central creative choice to be presented entirely from a first-person perspective, but also in the story of two young Black men navigating life in the Jim Crow–era South, where everything they choose to—or not to—look at carries with it an enormous weight.
Cast and crew on the set of NICKEL BOYS. Photo by Jomo Fray
WATCH THE TRAILER
Multimedia Feature
For this SOC Creative Spotlight, we are joined by A camera operator Sam Ellison, SOC; Jomo Fray, director of photography; and Nora Mendis, production designer. They discuss this striking, unique film and the ways in which the choice to shoot entirely from a firstperson perspective fundamentally changed every aspect of the film’s design and presented a challenge to the camera operator to not just capture a moment, but replicate the very feeling of sight.
Across three different periods of time, we see through the eyes of Elwood Curtis: the life he had with his grandmother, Hattie; the life that he is forced to rebuild for himself as an adult; and the aftermath of an ill-fated car ride that irrevocably alters the course of his life.
Nickel Boys is directed by RaMell Ross from a screenplay by Ross and Joslyn Barnes and stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Tayor, Hamish Linklater, and Daveed Diggs.
Camera operator Sam Ellison, SOC, actor Ethan Herisse, and crew members on the set of NICKEL BOYS
Brandon Wilson as Turner in NICKEL BOYS
Courtesy of Orion Pictures
L. Kasimu Harris
On the set of NICKEL BOYS
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Hattie in NICKEL BOYS
Courtesy of Orion Pictures / Amazon MGM Studios
L. Kasimu Harris
The Six Triple Eight
A Tale of Two Steadicams
A Conversation with Matthew A. Petrosky, SOC & Anthony Oliver Hosted by David Daut
Tyler Perry—who is something of an industry unto himself—has written, directed, and produced dozens of films over the past two decades. But even given his prolific output, Perry’s latest film—The Six Triple Eight—represents new territory for the filmmaker: a large-scale war picture telling the story of the only all-Black, allwomen American battalion to serve overseas in World War II.
Anthony Oliver shooting on location in Bradford, U.K., for THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
Laura Radford / Perry Well Films
WATCH THE TRAILER
In this interview, A camera and Steadicam operator Matthew A. Petrosky, SOC, and B camera and Steadicam operator Anthony Oliver talk about what it was like working on a film of this scale, with elaborate sets and hundreds of extras, as well as the unique dynamic of shooting a project with two Steadicam operators.
During the final years of World War II, military resources are stretched thin and supply chains are straining under the war effort. As a result, personal correspondence to and from soldiers fighting overseas has ceased being delivered. Morale among the troops is low and loved ones back home wait in agony for letters that never arrive. Enter the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, who are sent to Europe and tasked with clearing the backlog of some 17 million letters and packages.
The Six Triple Eight is written and directed by Tyler Perry and stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and Oprah Winfrey. Read the story here on SOC.org
Ben Rothstein
MATTHEW A. PETROSKY, SOC
Major Adams (Kerry Washington) and other members of the Six Triple Eight make repairs on a dilapidated school house.
Laura Radford / Perry Well Films
/ Courtesy of Netflix
Anthony Oliver on the set of THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
Laura Radford
Perry Well Films
Courtesy of Netflix
On the set of THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
Bob Mahoney
/ Perry Well Films
/ Courtesy of Netflix
A mother receives correspondence from her son overseas in THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
Bob Mahoney
/ Perry Well Films
Courtesy of Netflix
WILLIAM CHRISTENSEN, SOC
I have been a camera / Steadicam operator for five years now; before that I was DPing mostly smaller non-union jobs and was a recent grad from the AFI cinematography program.
What is your most memorable day on set?
I did this Steadicam oner on a feature up in Syracuse—it wasn’t the hardest shot per se—a four-minute slow push in moving from a wide into a close-up exchange between two characters. It was an incredibly intimate scene that then turned into violent conflict. Our #1 approached me before the first take, applauded our effort and vision to get it in one, and then confided that we were only going to get two takes due to the nature of the scene. Let alone the stakes of having to nail it in two, it was a moment that has stood out to me as a reminder of how much trust and faith we are capable of fostering between performance and camera.
Who has helped you most in your career?
I owe so much to Ari Robbins, SOC. He has been so generous to me and others; he’s lent me gear at times, offered encouragement and advice, and his “war stories” are the makings of legends. He’s been an inspiration as an exemplary camera operator, not only in technical ability, but also in being a collaborative, passionate, and intelligent filmmaker who loves the community just as much as the process.
Credits: Manodrome; The Crusades; Birthright Outlaw
DORIANE EDE, SOC
I have been a camera operator for 18 years on national TV exclusively—TV shows, news, sports, events—almost all live.
What was one of your most challenging days in the industry?
Presidential elections in France at the LePen headquarters. I had to send my Algerian assitant home for his safety and worked alone as a lesbian. Terrifying.
What is your most memorable day in the industry?
First Grand Prix. Most presigious camera. Slow-motion, ultra-close-up on the winner. You are so focused, the time elapses. You feel alive and complete.
Credits: TF1: TV shows, live news broadcast camera operator; French Television: Broadcast news camera operator; Canal+: Camera operator for news and live shows; M6: News, live broadcast camera operator; GTHP: Horse races, slow-motion specialist, live broadcast camera operator
SOCIETY OF CAMERA OPERATORS
2025 STILL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION & AUCTION
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | Loews Hollywood Hotel Honoree & Nominee Reception | Friday, February 14, 2025
Don’t Miss SOC’s 2025 Still Photography Exhibition & Silent Auction
Benefiting the Society’s support of The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Capturing the Spirit: Evocative Moments on Screen
Featuring iconic images by Lifetime Achievement Award Past Recipients
Phillip V. Caruso, Murray Close, François Duhamel, and Ralph Nelson
Ralph Nelson Untitled, 1991
On the set of Basic Instinct – Sharon Stone
Camera Operator/Steadicam–Larry McConkey, SOC Camera Operator–Michael Scott, SOC Director of Photography – Jan de Bont, Director – Paul Verhoeven
Exhibition made possible in part through the generous support of FUJIFILM North America Corporation
ITS: Insights,Tips & Stories
Video excerpts from SOC Active members sharing personal insights into camera operating, tips learned during their careers, and stories from the set.
Networking for Operators
Camera operator Lisa Stacilauskas, SOC, shares her #1 tip for networking.
Shooting a Mix
Fitness for Operators
Camera operator Mick Froehlich, SOC, recommends lots of movement, staying fit, and self care.
Technology's Impact on Operating
Camera operator Lisa Stacilauskas, SOC, discusses how technological advances have changed camera operating over the span of her career.
Camera operator Sarah Levy, SOC, talks about shooting a mix of A camera and B camera.
SOPHIE MONKS KAUFMAN /
SOCIETY OF CAMERA OPERATORS EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
The SOC offers online and in person workshops and learning for members in all categories.
LOG ON TO SOC.ORG FOR EDUCATION OFFERINGS.
SOCIETY OF CAMERA OPERATORS AWARDS WEEKEND
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | Loews Hollywood Hotel Honoree & Nominee Reception | Friday, February 14, 2025
Join the SOC for the FRIDAY Honoree & Nominees Reception
Friday, February 14, 2025 - 5pm
Hosted at Preston’s, Loews Hollywood Hotel
The evening reception is a casual gathering for SOC members and community to celebrate the honorees and nominees. Continuing the spirit from the 2024 awards, this informal evening will host hearty appetizers and open bar.
Tickets are $75.00. Join your fellow members and bring a colleague.
Purchase tickets today!
PURCHASE TICKETS
SOC Awards Banquet
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Doors open at 5pm for the
Dust off your formal wear and join the SOC for the traditional banquet style awards evening. The Society is bringing back the black tie awards with the hosted pre reception, three course sit down dinner, awards ceremony, and the after party. Arrive at 5pm to enjoy the photo exhibit and silent auction, red carpet and pre reception. As part of your awards seat/ table package you receive a ticket to join the Friday reception.
Seats – $360 | Table of 10 – $3,600
PURCHASE SEATS/TABLES
The Society offers different levels of membership for individuals and manufacturers in the production community – Active, Associate, Educator, Student and Corporate.
METICULOUS COMPOSITIONS AND GORGEOUS LIGHTING
HEMPHILL, INDIEWIRE
CAMERA OPERATOR OF THE YEAR – FEATURE FILM COLIN ANDERSON, soc FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN ALL CATEGORIES INCLUDING
