OPERATE OUTSIDE THE LINES WITH OUR NEW TRX OFF ROAD TRUCK
Mark Goellnicht, SOC, films a scene with Bryan Cranston & Seth Rogan for
Another Eye in the Room
A Conversation with Xavier Thompson, Brigman Foster Owens & Amber Bournett-McLain By David Daut
Making the Camera Honest
A Conversation with Mark Goellnicht, SOC
The Dolly Grip’s Perspecive Q&A with Chris Thrasher By David Daut
SOC Lifetime Achievement
A Conversation with Gene Huelsman, David Levisohn & Chris Metcalf By David Daut
John Vincent Vogt
Letter from the President
Dear Members:
Normally, I use my message to address the SOC Education Committee’s latest achievement or to apprise the membership of an upcoming event. This month is different. In this message, I hope only to honor the memory of our recently-departed friend, Walter Klassen.
Walter was born in a small Mennonite community in Brazil. By age seven he’d moved with his parents to Canada. He met his future wife, Lorna, while studying mechanical engineering at Toronto’s Ryerson University. Upon graduation, they spent the next five years living the life of artisan hippies in Europe. Walter honed his skills as a leather craftsman, returning to Toronto upon the birth of their daughter, Jennifer.
In 1988, Walter joined the entertainment industry with the formation of Walter Klassen FX. In addition to his ingenious contributions to animatronics and propmaking, Walter revolutionized the work of camera operators with his many inventions, beginning of course with the back-mounted Klassen Harness. He worked closely with some of the SOC’s finest operators to tailor his follow-on products to the demands of our job. We considered him and his entire team at “the studio” to be our partners, our benefactors, our friends.
Walter’s colleagues at Klassen ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Indigenous Arts Collective or an Indigenous-run charity of your choice.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the SOC, I bid farewell to our dear friend, our Colourblind Hippie, the great Walter Klassen. Our thoughts are with his family.
Respectfully,
Matthew Moriarty
Matthew Moriarty SOC President
WALTER KLASSEN
"Twenty-five years ago I was ready to retire from the work that I loved. My back was giving out. Then Walter Klassen entered my life.
He brought me a beautifully crafted back-mount harness to test. He happily listened to both my excitement about it and the many modifications I suggested. I didn’t expect to hear from him again.
A month later he called to ask where to send a whole new version! He has been a joyful part of my life ever since. His curiosity, ingenuity and enthusiasm for art, design and the people around him has been a light that will be missed by the many others he has inspired.
I want Jennifer and the rest of the Klassen FX family to know how important he was to me and that I loved him.”
—Larry McConkey, SOC
In Memoriam
Larry McConkey, SOC, with Walter Klassen & his daughter, Jennifer Platz Rieger
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
Christian Adkins II, SOC
Amber Bournett-McLain
David Daut
Mark Goellnicht, SOC
Gene Huelsman
David Levisohn
Chris Metcalf
Brigman Foster Owens
Angelica Perez-Castro, SOC
Xavier Thompson
Chris Thrasher
Ashlie Sotelo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Eli Joshua Adé / PEACOCK
Curtis Baker
Courtesy of Apple
Fernando Decillis / PEACOCK
Kristin Petrovich
Parrish Lewis / PEACOCK
John Vincent Vogt
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
Shanele Alvarez, SOC & Dawn Fleischman, SOC, with "Handheld Camera Operating" participants
Multi-camera practice during "Action Shots" workshop
"Script-to-Screen"workshop in action
Learning about dollies during "Women Camera Operating"
CineCentral AC & PA crew
SOC at NAB CineCentral
Seven Workshops over Four Days
More than 20 Instructors & Crew
Over 110 Participants
Again this year, the SOC was an integral part of the NAB Show’s CineCentral, the ultimate hands-on hub for cinematic storytelling, production techniques and cutting-edge tools shaping the industry.
CineCentral’s interactive space offered live demonstrations, expert-led training and immersive learning experiences designed for cinematographers, directors, camera operators and content creators.
Led by the Education Committee, the SOC’s workshops offered an excellent opportunity to showcase our community through the engagement of our talented and respected member instructors, and also by highlighting our corporate partners that provided critical gear and instructors.
Attendees from diverse companies and organizations were able to gain awareness of the SOC while developing skills in the art and craft of camera operating.
"Working with Dollies" workshop
David Frederick, SOC, with workshop participants
"Action Shots" workshop participants
Fight Night
THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST
Another Eye in the Room
A Conversation with Xavier Thompson, Brigman Foster Owens & Amber Bournett-McLain
By David Daut
WATCH THE TRAILER
Xavier Thompson shooting FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST
Fernando Decillis / PEACOCK
TECH ON SET • Steadicam • ARRI TRINITY • DJI Ronin 2 • Technocrane with LIBRA, MATRIX & Scorpio Remote Heads • Letus MCS Shoulder Pad • Sneaker Dolly
Based on Jeff Keating’s 2020 true crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist recounts the story of the infamous house party robbery that eclipsed Muhammad Ali’s grand return to boxing on the next morning’s front page. Camera Operator had the opportunity to speak with A camera and Steadicam operator Xavier Thompson and B camera operators Brigman Foster Owens and Amber Bournett-McLain about working on this series, from adapting to its 1970s “Blaxploitation” aesthetic and sharing intimate moments with the show’s star-studded cast to being given the creative liberty to find the right shot in the moment.
It is the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight and Atlanta is abuzz with excitement. Excitement, some might say, that could be capitalized on. That’s the instinct of local hustler Gordon Williams, better known around town as “Chicken Man.” Chicken Man organizes a party to feature dancing, drinking and gambling, but when some uninvited guests show up and rob the other party goers at gunpoint, Chicken Man finds himself wanted by the police and on the run from the Black Mafia. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is created by Shaye Ogbonna and stars Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrance Howard, Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson.
Samuel L. Jackson as Frank Moten in FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST
Fernando Decillis / PEACOCK
Xavier Thompson shooting Samuel L. Jackson as Frank Moten
Fernando Decillis / PEACOCK
Xavier Thompson on set with Don Cheadle as JD Hudson
Xavier Thompson films Kevin Hart as Gordon "Chicken Man" Williams
WATCH THE
The Studio Making the Camera Honest
A Conversation with Mark Goellnicht, SOC Hosted by David Daut
With "The Dolly Grip’s Perspective" by Chris Thrasher
At once a biting satire of the movie business and a love letter to the movies themselves, The Studio juggles both the Herculean effort that goes into trying to get anything made in Hollywood with the absurdity of the egos of people calling the shots.
Chris Thrasher & Mark Goellnicht, SOC, shoot a scene for THE STUDIO
TRAILER
Multimedia Feature
To discuss the series, Camera Operator had the opportunity to talk with both A camera/Steadicam operator Mark Goellnicht, SOC, as well as A camera dolly grip Chris Thrasher about their work. From the series’ frequent use of long takes—including an entire episode presented as a single oner—to adapting the various visual styles of the fictional films being made within the show, The Studio demanded a lot of its camera team. In this feature we get to dig into what was involved in bringing all of that to the screen.
Matt Remick loves cinema. As the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, he aspires to be champion of auteurs, an advocate for shooting on film, and someone who will help bring real artistry back to Hollywood. And what is Remick’s first project as the new head of production? A big budget movie based on Kool-Aid. The Studio is created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez and stars Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders and Kathryn Hahn.
Mark Goellnicht, SOC, shoots a scene with Zoë Kravitz for THE STUDIO
Courtesy of Apple
Mark Goellnicht, SOC, films a scene with Sarah Polley & Seth Rogan for THE STUDIO
Courtesy of Apple
Mark Goellnicht, SOC, films Zoë Kravitz for THE STUDIO
Seth Rogan & Ike Barinholtz in THE STUDIO
Courtesy of Apple
Courtesy of Apple
Operating for Operators
Society of Camera Operators Lifetime Achievement Awards
A Conversation with Gene Huelsman, David Levisohn & Chris Metcalf
By David Daut
Gene Huelsman operating for the 2025 SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards
John Vincent Vogt
Each year, the Society of Camera Operators hosts its annual Lifetime Achievement Awards to honor not only some of the finest examples of camera operating in the past year, but also to shine a spotlight on individuals who have given us a career’s worth of exceptional work behind the camera. It’s a space where people in the industry can come together to celebrate one another’s work and enjoy all the merriment of a Hollywood awards show.
But the thing about having an awards show celebrating the work of camera operators is that you still need people to operate the cameras! That’s where people like Gene Huelsman, David Levisohn and Chris Metcalf come in—just three out of the dozens of people who worked behind the scenes on this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Camera Operator reached out to Huelsman, Levisohn and Metcalf to learn a little bit more about their work as operators and what it’s like working an event surrounded by their peers.
Chris Metcalf on camera for the 2025 SOC Awards
John Vincent Vogt
Zak Holley in the control room directing the 2025 SOC Awards
John Vincent Vogt
Gene Huelsman on camera for the 2025 SOC Awards
David Levisohn, Lifetime Award Recipient & Amanda Rumack, Mr. Levisohn’s granddaughter, side-by-side on the camera platform
Kristin Petrovich
John Vincent Vogt
ANGELICA PEREZ-CASTRO, SOC
What was one of your most challenging days in the industry?
I was doing Steadicam shots with an ARRI SR3 for the documentary Trap Jazz when the video tap suddenly went out. It could have been a stressful moment, but I stayed calm and trusted my instincts. That kind of intuition comes with experience and confidence in your craft.
What is the job you have yet to do but most want to do?
I got open-water certified during the 2023 strikes and have loved diving since. I ’ d love to shoot creative underwater scenes for film or TV.
What would be the most important improvement you would like to see in our industry?
I’d love to see more women given opportunities on larger-budget productions—there’s so much talent that deserves to be represented at that level.
Credits: Greek Mothers Never Die; Trap Jazz; Sufjan Stevens, “ Video Game” (music video); Monarch
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.
Adapting to Director–DP Dynamics
Camera operator Neal Bryant, SOC, breaks down director–DP dynamics and how he adapts to bridge their creative visions on set.
From Production Assistant to Camera Operator
Camera operator Mitch Dubin, SOC, revisits his journey through the ranks to become a camera operator.
Mental Clarity on Set
Camera operator John Densmore, SOC, emphasizes the importance of entering the story’s headspace to stay fully present on set.
Handheld Operating 101
Camera operator Gretchen Warthen, SOC, offers her go-to tips and tools for successful handheld operating.
The Society offers different levels of membership for individuals and manufacturers in the production community – Active, Associate, Educator, Student and Corporate.
