Camera and Steadicam Operator/Owner
My Story
Career Biography
After graduating from the University of New Haven in 2013 with a B.A. in Communications, I moved to Brooklyn to embark on a career in the film industry. I had no contacts in this industry in the beginning — my first year was very sporadic and temperamental, but I stuck with it, never giving up.
I worked my way up as a PA until around 2015 when I started getting consistent work as a Grip. That same year I picked up my first Steadicam rig and proceeded with Grip work while working the occasional Steadicam job. In 2019, I became a member of Local 52 as a Grip, which allowed me to work consistently on the biggest productions in New York. While being an active member of Local 52, I am seeking to expand my Steadicam career to eventually join Local 600 as a Camera Operator.
Steadicam Ups & Downs
I became interested in camera operating in college, finding it a unique way to tell visual stories while still being a technical and active form of work. I soon discovered what a Steadicam was and became determined to learn how to use this tool to help realize my ambitions.
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Although my path led me to work predominantly as a Grip, I always kept sight of my goal: working as a Steadicam Operator. I took workshops to improve my skills and bought equipment with the money I had saved.
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By the spring of 2020, I had everything I needed to become a full-time Steadicam Operator — and then the world shut down. Then, nearly a year later, in April 2021, I suffered the crippling loss of all my Steadicam equipment due to theft. Despite these setbacks, I have not given up on my goal.
Save Steadi Steve
After hearing of the theft of my Steadicam equipment, my close friend Garland Berenzy took it upon himself to initiate a GoFundMe campaign to rally other friends and co-workers to help rebuild my package.
While this campaign was never made public, I felt compelled to commemorate this immense act of generosity. I am incredibly heartfelt and thankful to all those that took the time to #SaveSteadiSteve.