It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our good friend Gary Jay, SOC.

“A true artist and a gentleman” – Mitch Dubin, SOC

Gary Jay began his career making documentaries throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Upon returning home to Texas in 1976, he joined the camera union and worked as a 1st assistant until 1991 when, after working together on Michael Mann’s Last of the Mohicans, Dante Spinotti invited Gary to move up and operate on his next film, Blink, then on Heat, The Insider, L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys, Bandits, Nell, The Quick & the Dead, Goodbye Lover, and Family Man.
 In between projects with Dante, Jay worked on Traffic, 8 Mile, Ali, Collateral, In Her Shoes, Miami Vice, and Che I & II. In 2012, Gary joined the crew of House of Cards for all six seasons, earning him a Camera Operator of the Year nomination in 2019.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of brilliant work, as well as the memories shared by family, friends, and co-workers who will miss him.

The Society of Camera Operator Announce the Technical Achievement Award

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) announces the recipients of the Technical Achievement Award to SONY’s Venice Extension System, Rialto.

The Society hosted a full day of demonstrations with technologies presented to the blue ribbon panel of judges, award winning Active members of the Society.

“It was an impressive display of technologies demonstrated, and a challenging choice to make. We congratulate SONY for their exceptional contribution to camera operating and production at large.” Eric Fletcher, SOC, Technical Committee Chair and Board of Governors.

SONY will be presented their Technical Achievement Award on Saturday January 18, 2020 at The Loews Hollywood hotel, joining the industry in celebrating the best of the best in production and camera operating.

Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees Announced

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) is proud to announce our Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Camera Operator – Colin Anderson, SOC
Camera Operator Live & Non Scripted – Dave Levisohn
Mobile Camera Platform Operator – J “Moose” Howery
Camera Technician – Heather Norton
Still Photographer – Frank Masi

The awards will be presented during the Lifetime Achievement Awards hosted Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. Purchase your seats and tables.

Congratulations to all of our nominees and honorees for their contributions to the art and craft of camera operating. For futher information about the SOC’s Lifetime Achievement Awards and to purchase your seats for the evening: SOCawards.com

SOC x HydroFlex Underwater Camera Operating & Assistant Camera
Workshop Wrap-Up

The SOC, partnered with HydroFlex, just completed both weekends of their Underwater Camera Operating and AC Workshop at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank. Huge thanks to everyone who participated in the course and to HydroFlex for bringing their top notch gear and expertise to the experience. New England Divers supplied our participants with SCUBA gear and tanks, and Sheroes Entertainment provided us with their lovely mermaids to give our operators an elegant subject.

An extra special thanks to our SOC volunteers who worked tirelessly on making sure everyone had an unforgettable experience! Please browse below some special shots from the event.

We will see you again in 2021!

Photo Credits: Kristin Petrovich, Brandon Kelley, Justin Lutsky, Jan Schaedle Ubeda, Naiia Lajoie

Steven Poster, ASC to Receive
Lifetime Achievement Distinguished Service Award

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) announces that Steven Poster, ASC will receive the SOC 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented during the Lifetime Achievement Awards hosted Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. 

The Distinguished Service Award is given to an Individual who has served the community at large and/or the Society through their outstanding service and generosity.  The Honoree is chosen by the Board of Governors and Awards Committee.

Photo credit, Frank Schaefer

Steven Poster served 13 years as the President of the International Cinematographers Guild, a 9,000-member national trade union representing camera workers and film publicists across the United States. He was formerly a member of the Executive Board of the International Documentary Association, served as president of the American Society of Cinematographers, and is currently on the committee of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 

Steven Poster, “helping my union Sisters and Brothers” has been my biggest reward from union service. “That’s been in my nature most of my life,” he said. “I really have a passion to preserve our art and our craft as we’ve made the transition from film to digital and to make our lives better for as many people as I can. This job has given me the opportunity to achieve both of these goals. It’s amazing how much we love this business. I am deeply honored to be receiving this award from the Society of Camera Operators.”

During his tenure as president of the ASC, Poster was responsible for forming its Technology committee, and continues to act as its co-chair. This committee is at the forefront in standard-setting recommendations for the paradigm-changing use of digital tools for cinematography, and the post-production control of images. 

President of the SOC, George Billinger, “Steven had led the way with his commitment to Local 600 members. He has forever changed our industry, bringing education and advancement to the set.  It is the Society’s honor to present Steven Poster with the Distinguished Service Award.”

For further information about the SOC’s Lifetime Achievement Awards and to purchase your seats for the evening: SOCAwards.com

Camera Operator of the Year – Submissions Open

Lifetime Achievement Awards – Seats & Tables Sales Open

Sales are now open for Seats & Tables for the SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards. You can find the purchase link using the button below.

SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards Timeline

Lifetime Technical Award Timeline

Lifetime Technical Achievement Award submission open – July 23rd

Lifetime Technical Achievement Award information due for Fall Camera Operator Magazine – September 20th

Lifetime Technical Achievement Award Submission close – October 24th

Lifetime Technical Achievement Award – Demo Day – October 26th

Lifetime Technical Achievement Award Recipient announced – November 1st