Mylitis is an affliction. It's something that grabs hold of you and won't let go.

Cameramylitis afflicted me early as a child, shooting movie shorts with my family's super 8mm film camera of my friends doing stupid stunts and the family on vacation. As I framed and operated the camera, I was fascinated by the way I could capture life's moments. I quickly figured out I could tell a story from these moving images.

Stage 2 of cameramylitis came with my introduction to still photography. I was totally intrigued by framing, exposure, and processing film in the dark room. When the chance came up I became my school photographer.

Cameramylitis had me so bad it caused me to leave the warmth of my childhood home in St. Thomas, USVI to brave the bitter cold of Boston. It was a good thing I did. In 1984 I graduated with high honors from Emerson College in Boston. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in film and television. For the next six years I took my lumps and earned my stripes. I worked in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, the Caribbean, and Miami. I learned the film business from the ground up, working as a production assistant, grip, camera operator, and editor.

In 1990 I opened Beachchair Productions. I was the Director of Photography and Camera Operator on countless commercials and corporate films for companies as varied as Blockbuster Video, Magnavox, Donzi Marine, and Fitness Solutions. We produced educational programming for PBS, the Food Network and The Learning Channel. I learned from owning my own film and video company every aspect of pre-production, production and post-production and most importantly how to handle budgets. That gives me a unique perspective when hired to do a job - I understand the importance of balancing budgets vs. creative.

In 1992 I went to the Rock Port Maine Film and Video Workshops. I was hell bent to learn the Steadicam Rig. To my surprise and advantage, my teachers turned out to be master Steadicam operators Bob Crohn and the late Ted Churchill. Wow! What a class! Cameramylitis was in my core, hooked for life. By the end of the 10 days, I was sure that if I trained hard, I could be a top notch Steadicam Operator. I also joined steadicam and camera associations and became a member of I.A.S.T.E. local 600.

It turns out my Steadicam ability and my positive professional work attitude and ethics have taken me all around the world. I have been graced with the opportunity of working with the top production companies, producers, directors, Directors of Photography, and talent in the world. I have worked on Feature films, Television pilots and shows, commercials, and music videos.

I never could have imagined the doors that would open for me because of the Steadicam. I have been able to master shooting underwater, aerial, in cranes, car rigs, vehicle mounts…you name it.

Of course once you start shooting as a Steadicam Operator somebody is bound to ask if you can handle DP. The answer of course is yes. I was doing that before steadicam, but my experience in steadicam has given me a view from the top I did not have before. When standing beside some of the greatest DP's in the world something has to rub off if you are paying attention. And I have definitely been paying attention. I have recently had the opportunity to DP national spots for Winn Dixie, The Steve Wilcox show and the IFL. This is just the beginning.

With my experience and knowledge of all film and video cameras and formats I am a huge asset on any set. It's always an advantage for a Director and Producer to have a DP that can light, shoot, and has a steadicam rig ready to roll at a moments notice. I know in my career I have saved producers countless hours of overtime, talent and location fees by strapping on the rig.

My Steadicam package is ready for all formats, and any kind of shot. Please check out my reels, and resume. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. Contact my agent, Russell Todd at 818-985-1130 or rtamail@aol.com for availability and rates.

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