About the SOC

The Society of Camera Operators began in 1979 as the Society of Operating Cameramen (SOC)—an organization dedicated to the advancement of the art and creative contributions of the camera operator in the motion picture and television industries.

Thirteen camera operators banded together with the goal of advancing the position of the working camera operator in the motion picture and television industries. They drew up a constitution and by-laws and the Society of Operating Cameramen was born.

Having since changed its name to The Society of Camera Operators, the SOC continues to bring industry leaders and cinematic artists into close confederation. Society members are kept at the forefront of the industry’s ever-advancing technology through continuing workshops and corporate sponsored equipment showcases.

Our Camera Operator quarterly magazine is noted for its significant contribution to the industry. Informative articles and interviews range from historical pieces to in-depth coverage of the most current technology.

Vision is the most important sense that camera operators use in our daily work. As such, it bonds SOC members to children with vision problems.

Incorporated as a nonprofit charitable organization in 1981, the SOC dedicates its full support to The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Annually, the SOC meets this challenge with proceeds from the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

To further honor the talented men and women behind the camera, the first SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards took place in 1981.

Our Mission

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) advances the art, craft, and creative contributions of the camera operator.

The SOC is an internationally recognized professional honorary Society. The core activities of the Society are the annual SOC Awards, publishing the Society’s magazine Camera Operator, and our charitable commitment to The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

We serve the SOC membership through our commitment to advancing the role of the camera operator by providing education, supporting the development of technology and production methods, and honoring the members who have served before us.

Officers

President

George Billinger

1st Vice President Mitch Dubin

2nd Vice President Matthew Moriarty Treasurer Bill McClelland Secretary Daniel Turrett

Sergeant-at-Arms Dan Gold

Board Members

David Emmerichs

Eric Fletcher

Michael Frediani

Geoffrey Haley

Nikk Hearn-Sutton

John ‘Buzz’ Moyer

Sharra Romany

David Sammons

David Thompson

Gretchen Warthen