The Society of Camera Operators Board of Governors stands in solidarity with all members of IATSE in their efforts for a fair contract and safe working conditions. We urge our members to vote for a strike authorization.
Together we can create positive change for all members across the Film and Television industry.
Board of Governors
Society of Camera Operators
George Billinger, SOC, President
Mitch Dubin, SOC, First Vice President
Matthew Moriarty, SOC, Second Vice President
Daniel Turrett, SOC, Secretary
Bill McClelland, SOC, Treasurer
Dan Gold, SOC, Sergeant-at-Arms
David Emmerichs, SOC
Michael Frediani, SOC
Geoff Haley, SOC
Sharra Romany, SOC
David Sammons, SOC
Nikk Hearn-Sutton, SOC
John “Buzz” Moyer, SOC
Dave Thompson, SOC
Gretchen Warthen, SOC
In Memoriam:
Ronald I. McManus
Ronald Irving McManus was born on April 15, 1934, in Utica, New York, to Irving and Mable McManus, and passed away on September 30, 2021, in Hemet, California. But it is the dash in-between those two dates where the story lies. Ron lived a full life of love for our Lord Jesus, and love for his family. He grew up on a farm in upstate New York until his parents moved out West to San Diego in the 1940s. He served our nation proudly in the US Army during the 1950s, which was where he began his lifelong career in cinematography. Ron followed his dreams of filmmaking by graduating from the USC department of film in Los Angeles. Over the next several decades Ron worked on countless films and television shows in Hollywood and around the world, which was the source of the numerous stories he loved to tell, such as working with Lucille Ball and Lindsay Wagner, or meeting Eddy VanHalen and Evel Knievel. After his retirement from the film industry, he began his life in church ministry as a videographer. Ron is loved dearly by his family and friends and will be very missed in this life, but we know we who are in Christ will be reunited with him in eternity.
In Memoriam:
Dan Kneece
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I regretfully inform you that Dan Kneece, SOC, has passed away. His death occurred this past weekend.
Dan was truly an original and unforgettable presence. I first met Dan in the early 90’s. I was “self taught” at Steadicam at the time. I had the good luck of meeting him and he became my first real legitimate instructor. Politely encouraging me, correcting my terrible bad habits. He was genuinely gracious with his time. I still remember running through the halls of Cinema Products with Dan following over my shoulder pushing me to do it right.
Dan was truly accomplished and esteemed in his career. He was one of the “originals” in the Steadicam community. He amassed a legacy body of work. And I admired it greatly. He was also past President of the SOC during a very transformative period for the organization. As well as a long-standing member of the NEB Board at Local 600. He gave his time and commitment with passion.
With his trademark head of hair and smooth southern drawl. He was always Dan. And the one and only. He was truly special.
We will all miss him dearly.
My condolences and deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends. And the entire SOC community.
May the blessings of the universe find him and keep him always.
Regards,
George Billinger
President SOC
Learn about SOC Membership
If you’re not yet a member, you can get info on membership types, prerequisites, and benefits here.
Camera Operator Summer 2021
Camera operator Bob Gorelick, SOC, shares what it was like to shoot Lovecraft Country, an American horror drama television series.
Starring Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors, the series is about Atticus Black, who travels across the segregated 1950s United States in search of his missing father, learning of dark secrets plaguing a town on which famous horror writer H. P. Lovecraft supposedly based the location of many of his fictional tales.
