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

Cine Gear Expo 2019

Another Cine Gear Expo for the books! Thank you to all who stopped by the booth and filled the room for our Society of Camera Operators Panel with Mitch Dubin, SOC, Colin Anderson, SOC and moderator Stosh Durbacz. We had a great selection of Active Members at our booth throughout the weekend talking to attendees and answering questions about their careers, techniques and the Society.

We hope you were able to snag some stickers and pens and say hello! Another huge thank you to all of our fantastic volunteers who helped support the booth and talk to attendees about the great work the SOC is doing. See you all next year at Paramount!

Photos by Bill McClelland, SOC and Ashlie Sotelo