Society of Camera Operators Inclusion Committee
Mission Statement
The SOC Inclusion Committee is dedicated to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and belonging within the camera operating profession. We strive to amplify underrepresented voices, break down systemic barriers, and create pathways for access and advancement through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Please feel free to contact us at Inclusion@SOC.org
Committee Members
Chair: Shanele Alvarez, SOC
Members
- Yves Arispe
- Nikku Hearn-Sutton, SOC
- Allen Ho, SOC
- Alexxiss Jackson, SOC
- Megan Masur, SOC
- Jack Messitt, SOC
- Max Miles
- Tania Romero
- Angelia Sciulli
- Jennifer Schnieder
- Mahadi Shawon
- Michael Sharpe, SOC
- Lisa Stacilauskas, SOC
- Paige Thomas, SOC
- Mande Whitaker, SOC
- Jen White, SOC
- Brenda Zuniga, SOC
Chair of the Inclusion Committee
Shanele Alvarez, SOC
Shanele Alvarez, SOC, is an Emmy-nominated camera operator and cinematographer with experience across scripted, unscripted, and live productions. Her work—featured onDisney, Showtime, Hulu, Netflix, ABC, CBS, and more—reflects her passion for storytelling through the lens and the artful use of light. From inspiring the creation of new cinema gear to lensing documentaries, TV films, and second unit projects, Shanele’s lifelong dedication to filmmaking continues to drive her craft. She currently serves on the SOC Board of Governors and is the Chair of the Inclusion Committee, where she advocates for greater representation and equity within the cinematography community.
Additional Committee Members
Yves Arispe
Allen E. Ho, SOC
Allen E. Ho, SOC is a Taiwanese American camera operator and DP born and raised in California. Working primarily in the narrative, commercial and live event space – his recent projects include operating on The Chosen, Dr Pepper Fansville Season 8, and the Coachella Music Festival livestream. Allen joined ICG Local 600 as an operator in 2019, and was awarded the Emerging Cinematographer Award in 2024.
Megan Masur, SOC
I am a Camera Operator + Steadicam + Gimbal Op, w/ a background in post-production. I have worked as an A Op/Steadi on features, TV, commercials, unscripted, & docs. I am also a T1D & an avid figure skater/skier. I have worked on the HBO Original doc “The Stroll,” which won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2023. And, check out “13: The Musical” on Netflix. I worked on “Power Book II: Ghost” and “The Last OG” alongside DP Daniel Patterson, whom I met while filming a Steadicam oner at the Guggenheim Museum. Finally, I’ve worked on a variety of commercials for brands including Apple, Michael Kors, Reebok, Revlon, Nike, & many more. You can even see me operating IN an iPhone 13 commercial shot by DP Greig Fraser & directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
Max Miles
Max Miles is a Filipino-American Steadicam/Camera Operator from San Francisco, now based in Los Angeles, CA. He began is operating career in live events in the Bay Area, operating for artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Lady Gaga, Pink Pantheress, and many more before transitioning into narratives. Max is passionate about fostering a community that celebrates and uplifts Asian-American voices within the art of camera operation, and continues to advance his career with the goal of ending up in narrative television and film.
Angelia Sciulli
Angelia Sciulli is a freelance cinematographer and ICG 600 camera operator based in Los Angeles, California. She has operated on numerous projects including Netflix’s BRAND NEW CHERRY FLAVOR, and the independent features, ALL THAT WE LOVE and WHAT LIES WEST. In between projects, Angie is currently working on her documentary on student loan debt, MONEY TALKS: THE PRICE OF AN EDUCATION.
Mahadi Shawon
Mahadi Hasan Shawon is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer, director, and visual storyteller from Bangladesh. A Panavision-certified cinematographer, DaVinci Resolve– certified colorist, and Golden Globe Foundation Fellowship recipient, he has collaborated with major partners including Universal Studios, Film Independent, and DTLA Law Group, along with international campaigns for brands such as Facebook (Meta) and Unilever. Trained by NetJlix, Disney Studios, and JL Fisher, and a licensed drone pilot, he brings strong technical and artistic vision to his work. Mahadi is also the founder of Direction for Camera (DFC), supporting underrepresented Bangladeshi Jilmmakers.
Lisa Stacilauskas, SOC
Lisa has been a camera operator for 25 years, and an SOC Active Member since 2007. She has been a member of the Board of Governors, held several committee chair positions, and introduced the Speed Mentoring event upon which SOC continues to improve. During the 2018 Membership Drive, SOC’s need for an inclusion initiative became apparent so Lisa with other SOC members began the task of forming a committee and establishing its objectives. Realizing that although change is often slow and difficult, Lisa believes in the power of community and SOC’s ability to foster inclusive, diverse and safe environments for all crew members.
Jen White, SOC
Jen White, SOC is a camera operator and Director of Photography working in narrative, documentary, commercials, live events, and music. She has been an active member of the SOC since 2020, a member of the International Cinematographers Guild since 2004, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in film from Columbia College Chicago. She has been running around with a camera since the age of twelve and is an avid film nerd whether she finds herself in a darkroom, a projection booth, or a changing tent. When she’s not on set you can usually find her at a Pearl Jam concert.
Nikk Hearn-Sutton, SOC
Nikku Hearn-Sutton, SOC is a Local 600 Black African American Camera Operator/Steadicam and Skycam Operator based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He also is a former SOC Board Member and Co-Chair of the Inclusion Committee when it was first started. He’s operated on scripted, non-scripted and sports for over 20 years. He’s not only passionate in the craft of operating and giving encouragement to other Blacks and everyone in the camera dept and those in different disciplines, to keep striving and motivation in the industry for their ascension.
Alexxiss S. Jackson, SOC
Alexxiss S. Jackson, SOC is a Camera Operator, Director of Photography, and Cinematography Professor at Spelman College. She has worked as a Camera Operator on projects for Hulu and Vice News, including the Emmy®-awarded series, “The 1619 Project”. She has served as Director of Photography on narrative features, commercials, docu-series, branded content, and more; including work for Vogue Magazine, Sony Pictures, MSNBC/NBC News, BET+, Tyler Perry Studios, Google, VH1, and Uber. In addition to being an Active Member in the Society of Camera Operators, she is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild/IATSE Local 600 and the International Collective of Female Cinematographers (ICFC). Alexxiss is originally from Detroit, and most commonly works in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Jack Messitt, SOC
Jack’s operating experience includes Scandal (ABC), Mixed-ish (ABC), Bones (FOX), and as a Ronin Operator on 911: Lonestar (FOX). He is a former 1st Vice President of the SOC and editor of Camera Operator magazine. Jack is currently an Assistant Professor of Cinematography and Film Production in The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at Arizona State University.
Tania Romero
Born and raised in Nicaragua, Tania Romero is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator based in Philadelphia and New York. As a world traveler and multilingual artist, she committed to stories that explore border cultures, immigration, the work of women in society, and social justice issues that affect marginalized communities. She is an associate member of SOC and Television Arts Academy.
Jennifer Schnieder
Michael Sharpe, SOC
Michael Sharp is a 4th generation IATSE member based in Burbank, CA. He has been a member of Local 600 for 20+ years in every position of the camera department, and currently working in Los Angeles as a Steadicam/Camera Operator. As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, he is committed to returning Hollywood to the leading production location of the world.
Paige Thomas, SOC, ICFC
Los Angeles is currently my production city. I love filmmaking on a global scale and work as both a camera operator and cinematographer. My passion for visual storytelling began in childhood with Polaroids and film stills evolving into a pursuit of capturing stories through the lens. Shaped by my studies at Antioch College and Goddard’s Institute for Social Ecology, I bring an approach that fuses artistry with social and environmental consciousness, thriving on collaboration and holding deep reverence for the craft of camera operating.
Mande Whitaker, SOC
Mande has been a Local 600 Camera Operator since 2001. She is a member of the Local 600 NEB, Safety Committee and Co-Chair of the Unscripted Working Group. She splits her time between LA and Seattle.
Brenda Zuniga, SOC
Brenda Zuniga is a Los Angeles native and daughter of Central American immigrants. Having traveled the world as a cinematographer and volunteer for environmental causes, Brenda’s keen eye and warm heart bring a unique perspective to her style of filmmaking. Her background as an artist gives her a deep understanding of how to tell a story.
