Welcome, and thank you for visiting my web site. I am a Camera Operator and First Assistant Cameraman with over 20 years experience, and more than 125 production credits on feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, and educational films. In addition to my production experience, I have 18 years experience teaching cinematography classes and workshops throughout the United States. I am also the author of “The Camera Assistant’s Manual” and “Camera Terms and Concepts” published by Focal Press and am a member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 and the Society of Camera Operators..

As Camera Operator I have worked on a variety of productions including music videos, feature films and television movies and series. My work includes the feature film "American Yakuza" for DP Richard Clabaugh, along with the television movie "The Lighting Incident" and the music video "High Noon" for DP Victor Goss, A.S.C.

As a First Assistant Cameraman I have had the opportunity to work on a number of award winning shows for television, including “The Wonder Years” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” along with many other shows, including “Gabriel’s Fire”, “Dream On”, “Tales from the Darkside” and many more. In addition to television, I have worked on a number of television movies and theatrical feature films including "Claire of the Moon", "Prey of the Chameleon", "Red Surf", "Waxwork", "The Unholy" plus many others.

 

My work in commercials includes spots for McDonalds, Life Savers, Burger King and Minute Maid Orange Juice. I have also worked on a variety of music videos including “Under The Bridge” with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “County Line”, with Coolio, “Stop the Tears” with Air Supply, and “Pass the Mic” with the Beastie Boys.

Because of my varied experience ranging from small independent shoots to large-scale union productions, I am familiar with all types of shooting situations and can adapt easily to any situation. I have used most of the currently available professional 16mm and 35mm camera equipment with the majority of my production experience involving Arriflex or Panavision cameras and equipment. I also have training in the operation of the Arriflex LCC Software program for use with the 16SR3, 435 and 535 cameras.

Click here to see a complete listing of my Production Credits.

Currently I am serving as Assistant Dean and Chair of the Cinematography Department at the North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I recently served the school as Interim Dean for the 2006-2007 academic year.  My teaching responsibilities include the training of all first year students in the basics of filmmaking, including film terminology, set safety, crew positions and responsibilities, along with basic filmmaking techniques. In addition, I also teach an advanced third year course on the duties of the members of a professional camera department along with complete instruction on the use of the Arriflex 16SR3 camera.

To learn more about the North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking, click on the link below.

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©2007 David E. Elkins
Last revised - June 2007