Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
What is the SOC?
What is the SOC?
The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) advances the art, craft, and creative contributions of the camera operator. The SOC is an internationally recognized professional honorary society. The core activities of the Society are the annual SOC Awards, publishing the Society’s magazine Camera Operator, and our charitable commitment to The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. We serve the SOC membership through our commitment to advancing the role of the camera operator by providing education, supporting the development of technology and production methods.
How did the SOC begin?
In 1979, thirteen camera operators banded together with the goal of advancing the position of the working camera operator in the motion picture and television industries. They drew up a constitution and by-laws and the Society of Operating Cameramen was born with the motto: “We See It First!” This was the first step toward bringing a higher understanding and respect for all craftspeople in the industry. Incorporated in 1981 in California as a nonprofit organization, the SOC has since changed its name to The Society of Camera Operators.
Why does SOC support the Vision Center Children’s Hospital Los Angeles?
The Society of Camera Operators was inspired by a story that Mary Marta, Past President, Bob Marta’s wife, shared about a boy in Tijuana with a serious eye problem. As camera operators, SIGHT is most important. In 1983, the society was seeking a worthy charity to support. That story led to finding Dr. A Linn Murphree with the Eye Care Clinic (now the Vision Center) at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, who was involved with soft contact lens research, as it applied to partially sighted infants. Gil Haimson, a founding member, visited Dr. Murphree’s clinic, and knew that this is where the SOC’s charitable energies would concentrate. . .in the gift of sight. After the SOC reached out to Dr. Murphree, he was also moved by Mary’s story, operating on the boy and saving the child’s eye.
MEMBERSHIP
For a complete list of membership categories, benefits, qualifications, and applications, click here.
How can I find out if a camera operator is a SOC member?
The SOC’s membership roster is published in our quarterly digital magazine – Camera Operator. For further confirmation, please e-mail: Membership@soc.org.
Are my SOC membership dues tax-deductible?
Dues and subscriptions paid to SOC are NOT considered charitable contributions for federal tax purposes. However, they may be deducted as ordinary and necessary business expenses. Please consult your tax advisor for further guidance as needed.
Can I add SOC to the end of my name?
Using the SOC initials after your name is strictly for the use of Active Members only, and use is limited to camera operating screen credits only. When credited as the director or director of photography, the SOC initials MAY NOT be used.
Can I submit an application to join SOC online? Yes—all applications for membership are initiated online, click here and select the appropriate membership level.
How long does the application process take?
The Membership Committee and Board of Governors reviews and votes on all new applications monthly. In some instances, applicants are tabled for the following month if further information is needed from the applicant or their sponsor.
How long is my SOC membership term?
The SOC membership term is one year from one’s membership anniversary date. Corporate memberships that have four-year terms with be for 48 months upon acceptance date.
Does SOC offer a discount when I reach retirement age or have retired due to a disability?
SOC offers a Retired Active Member category for current Active level members in good standing. Retired members will complete an online application and have a $50 annual fee. Benefits will remain the same as an Active member.
If my membership has lapsed, how can I reactivate it?
If your membership term has lapsed you will be given a 90-day grace period in which to reinstate with out penalty. You may reinstate your membership at any time after the grace period, by completing a reinstatement application and submitting along with current dues, a $50 reinstatement fee. If your membership lapsed prior to 2020, we will need to establish the level at which you were last current. Further details, click here or e-mail: Membership@soc.org.
Camera Operator Magazine
How can I get a Camera Operator subscription?
Click here to subscribe.
Does Camera Operator magazine accept unsolicited articles?
Yes. If you are an SOC member and have worked on a noteworthy project or have reviewed new technology utilized by camera operators and would like to submit an article, contact Kristin Petrovich at Kristin@soc.org.
How can I get information about advertising in Camera Operator magazine?
Please contact Jeff Victor, jvictor@techwoodmedia.com, 847.721.2730, or Kristin Petrovich, Kristin@soc.org 818.388.2306.
Additional Support
For additional support or to ask questions, please contact SOC Member Services at socoffice@soc.org
