He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1976 with a degree in Mathematics. Originally Elkins planned on a career teaching mathematics or possibly working in the computer field. These plans changed dramatically in 1980, while he was recovering from major surgery: He decided it was time to do something new and different with his life. On June 16, 1980 he packed up his car and headed for Los Angeles.

During the first few years in LA he worked in the retail field while trying to decide what it was he really wanted to do. Living so close to Hollywood his interest in the film industry just got stronger. Having read scores of
magazines and books on filmmaking he felt he would benefit from attending a film school. David enrolled in Columbia College-Hollywood, concentrating on the study of cinematography and graduated Cum Laude in 1985 with a degree in film production.

His first professional film job was working in craft services on a low budget feature film where many of his college classmates were crew members. Then he became 2nd AC on some second-unit shooting for the film. That job led to other jobs as a second assistant and his career was on its way. He continued to work as a second assistant for approximately two years. Elkins joined NABET Local 531 in late 1986, and started to work more as a first assistant around the same time. In 1989 he became a member of the International Cinematographers Guild as a first assistant cameraman.

David has assisted or served as camera operator for many exceptional cinematographers including John Schwartzman ASC, Victor Goss ASC, Marvin Rush ASC, Randy Sellars, Mark Woods, Richard Clabaugh, Anthony Palmieri and many others on commercials, music videos, television series and feature films. His credits include The Wonder Years, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Gabriel's Fire for television, music videos for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coolio and the Beastie Boys, commercials for McDonalds and Life Savers, feature films Waxwork, Clair of the Moon, Red Surf and many more.

While working steadily as a first assistant cameraman, David was asked by Columbia College-Hollywood to develop a new course to train students in the craft of becoming an assistant cameraman. During the time he was preparing and then teaching the class he compiled an extensive collection of notes detailing all of the
responsibilities of the job. While showing these notes to some of his colleagues it was suggested that he try to get them published. He sent a copy of the notes to Focal Press in Boston and five weeks later received a con-tract in the mail to write what would become The Camera Assistant's Manual.

Elkins' Manual has gone through many stages since first being published in 1991. It is currently in its third edition, has been translated into Spanish and has consistently been a best seller for Focal Press. The book is used all over the world by beginning filmmakers as well as work-ing professionals. (See review on next page.) As a result of the success of the first edition, the publishers asked Elkins to write another book for their Focal Handbooks series. This book, Camera Terms and Concepts was published in 1993.

David is currently employed as a Filmmaker-in-Residence at the North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking where he is the chairman of the cinematography faculty. (See Operating Cameraman June-July 2000.) He continues to work as a camera operator and also does 1st AC work when the opportunity arises, and splits his time between North Carolina and his home in Connecticut.