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Soft Skills Seminar – Los Angeles

December 20 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm PST

Soft Skills Seminar

In this increasingly competitive environment of declining US production, developing strong Soft Skills has become more critical than ever. While a keen eye for composition, the knack for visual story-telling and polished technical execution are fundamental to the craft of camera operating, it is often a separate set of abilities which provide the critical edge in securing consistent work. These abilities, or “Soft Skills” will be examined in a half-day seminar, led by veteran Camera Operator and Producer – Geoff Haley, SOC immediately followed by a member mix-up.

This Seminar is designed for:

– Associate Members at the start of their operating journeys.

– More Seasoned Operators looking to level up, develop skills or enter new genres.

– Operators who are currently not working as much as they would like to be.

Date: Sunday, December 20th

Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

After the seminar join us for a Holiday Member Mix-Up from 5pm-7pm. (Seminar attendees are automatically registered for the Mix-Up. If you wish to bring a guest to the Mix-Up you must register them here: Holiday Mix-Up Guest Registration)

Location: J.L. Fisher Stage (Across the street from J.L. Fisher Burbank offices)

Parking will be available in the J.L. Fisher parking lot located at: 1000 W Isabel St, Burbank, CA 91506

Open to current SOC members of all categories in good standing. 

Important Notes: Please plan for lunch before arrival. Only light refreshements will be avaiable during the seminar. There will be a hosted food truck and non-alcoholic beverages at the 5pm-7pm Holiday party.

Audio and video recording will be prohibited for this seminar in order to maintain a safe discussion space for attendees.

Instructor

Geoffrey Haley, SOC

Topics to be covered include:

– Psychology hacks to nurture professional relationships with the Director, Actor, DP and others.  

– Assertive Communication in “running” the set.

– Efficient Scene Blocking, Screen Direction and easily navigating the 180 degree rule.

– Successful Interviewing techniques with the DP and Director

– Effective Deal Negotiation Tools

– Optimizing peak Mental and Physical Performance

– Memory sharpening techniques.    

– Work Stress management

– The Practice of “Subconscious Messaging” to become Indispensable.

Come join the conversation as we dive into the hidden side of our craft’s most valuable skills, followed by a holiday member mix-up to celebrate the season and bid farewell to an auspicious 2025.

Attendance Policy:

Please be courteous to your fellow members and only register if you are able to attend. Repeated no-shows may affect your ability to participate in future limited-capacity events.

Cancellation Policy:

  • If you are unable to attend, you must notify madison@soc.org asap so that we may fill your seat with someone on our waitlist. If you wish to transfer your seat to another individual you must let us know at the time of cancellation.

(You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours after you complete your registration)

Event Contact: madison@soc.org

Soft Skills Seminar Registration

Support Our Community
The Society of Camera Operators is proud to offer many free or low-cost events throughout 2025 in recognition of the challenges many of our members are facing. If you’re in a position to contribute, your donation will help cover event costs and allow us to continue offering valuable programming. Contributions are entirely optional and not required to attend.

Support Our Community

Details

  • Date: December 20
  • Time:
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm PST

Venue