Petr Hlinomaz, SOC Manchester By the Sea

Jacques Jouffret, SOC Deep Water Horizon

Ari Robbins, SOC La La Land

Petr Hlinomaz was born in Prague, Czech Republic, and trained at Barrandov Studios. His latest film, Manchester by the Sea—directed by Kenneth Lonergan and shot by Jody Lee Lipes, has been receiving numerous awards and nominations for its excellence. Hlinomaz has been a camera operator in diverse venues from Hollywood and independent films, to television, commercials and documentaries. Hlinomaz’ films have premiered at Sundance Film Festival, The Toronto International Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival and exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has been mentored by Miroslav Ondricek (Amadeus), Vilmos Zsigmond (The Deerhunter), Adam Holender (Midnight Cowboy), and Dariusz Wolski (The Martian). Some of Hlinomaz’ credits for camera operating include, Spider-Man 2, How to Make it in America, Bored to Death, 22 Jump Street, Man on a Ledge, City Island, Fighting, Braindead, Daredevil 2, Person of Interest, and Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies. 

Jacques Jouffret grew up in Paris and became interested in movies at an early age.  “I can easily say that I spent the better part of my childhood and teenage years in all the movie theaters of Paris. That’s pretty much all I did.” He moved to the United States and attended New York University Film School with an eye on directing. During that time, he read an article in American Cinematographer written by Ted Churchill about his first few years as a Steadicam operator, and knew somehow that this device was made for him. “That same year I was working as a PA on a commercial and met Ted. He gave me his card and told me to drive to Maine the next day and take the workshop. I did and never looked back”.

Ari Robbins was first introduced to Steadicam at the age of 18 after returning home from high school.  Knowing his future lay within the cinematic industry, he was immediately entranced by the notion of operator and equipment working together so intimately. It was a culmination of all things he was looking for -- a career, a hobby, a profession, but most importantly -- a passion.   Ari moved to Los Angeles and immediately began working in the lighting departments. In the fall of 2004 he signed up for a Steadicam Operators Association workshop. He searched and found his ideal rig, and on his 21st birthday, purchased his Steadicam. That same day, he rolled his first shot on set as a Steadicam operator and owner.   Ari operates with the same enthusiasm he had the first moment he strapped on his vest, with passion first and the camera second.

Photo by Ed Nessen

Photo by Robert Zukerman

Lifetime Achievement Awards 2017

Jacques Jouffret’s recent work as a camera operator includes Transformers: The Last Knight, Patriots Day, The Last Face, and The Purge: Election Year.  

Courtesy of Ari Robbins

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