About the SOC Membership
The Society of Camera Operators’ membership is made up of camera operators, camera assistants, still photographers, directors of photography, grips and others. 64% of active members are based in the Western states, 14% in the Northeast, 13% in the South, and 5% in the Midwest. The SOC also has 5% international membership, in countries such as Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia and Afghanistan.
Over 65% of the members are also owner/operators, and most of our membership either owns their own gear, works directly with the DP, director or the production in choosing gear for the project.
The SOC is not a guild or union, but 67% of the members are also members of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.
The SOC membership works on many types of productions with feature films, television scripted/single camera, television scripted/multi-camera, and commercials the most prevalent.
The current membership has grown over the years. Over 16% of the SOC members have been members for 16 to 20 years. 11% of our membership have been in the SOC for at least 3 years.
The Society worked hard to negotiate with the AMPTP to include the SOC initials following the screen credits of our active members who are camera operators.
Spring Camera Operator
Camera Operator spoke with Camera Operator of the Year nominees Paul Sanchez and Hilton Goring about their work on the series The Old Man, starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow—work that was often defined not so much by how the camera moved, but instead how it didn’t. In the conversation, we discuss the unique style of the series, shooting the car chase sequence from the season finale, and the dynamics of working as an operating team.
