Finally saw some cam op work I'd done show up on Netflix the last few weeks.
One of the fun parts of this nonsense is getting to share it once it's available. The actual and very un-sexy part though is that the production process typically takes forever and sometimes never crosses the finish line. Those realities – plus the non-disclosure agreements and deal memos you typically sign – don't land on your Instagram stories to prove you're an actual "working creative" and drive your peers to their next panic attack because they're not there on set with you too. The best part of social media has to be the unending regret of "following your passions" and not becoming an engineer or lawyer or something even close to practical so you could reliably provide for your family. That and funny pet photos/videos.
Back in Summer 2019 I got to b-cam op some of the NYC interviews for the six-part Netflix docuseries How to Become a Tyrant. The NDA I signed before the shoot is keeping me from publicly posting about how some of the sausage got made those few days I was on set. It was one of the first times I'd shot on the Angenieux EZ zoom lenses and I've been in love with them since. Not necessarily enough to reach out to my banker to talk about a loan to pick up a set, but don't temp me and my disposable income here in Oklahoma.
There's also the Movies that Made Us "Back to the Future" episode that was released recently. Steve Mathis is a buddy of mine here in Oklahoma City who's gaffed most of the movies my generation and the following grew up with. He'd reached out about a project he was being interviewed for during the legit and scary uncertainties of Covid last summer. They were going to do a two "camera" interview using iPad Pros and needed someone to basically babysit the tablets and restart them as they'd overheat and inevitably crash...and also setup and light the interview as the "Digital Imaging Technician – Oklahoma. There's a bit more from the shoot way back on the blog if you're up to check it out.