Ben Semanoff, Camera Operator

Background & Training

Since I can remember, I have been facinated by "Steadicam." Even before I fully understood what 'it' was or how 'it' worked, I was drawn to the concept of being able to move the camera with the freedom that Steadicam offers... however, it wasn't until I attended a Steadicam Operators Association workshop in 2002, that I learned just how seductive the technology is. The lead instructor was Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown. This experience had a profound impact on my life and carreer. I fell in love with Steadicam!

Garrett became a personal friend and mentor, and offered inspiration in my effort to become the best Steadicam Operator possible. Along the way I've had the opportunity to meet and learn from other great camera operators including Larry McConkey, Mike O'Shea & Jerry Holway. They have provided me with inspiration, mentorship & support... and I try to give back by offering the same to new operators.

In 2004, Garrett invited me to become more familiar with one of his more conteporaty inventions... the SuperFlyCamTM. I leapt at the opportunity, and began learning the system inside and out. I worked with Garrett in the workshop making improvements to the system, and in the field deploying the system. Two years later, my company (ZipCamTM Systems) became the world-wide licenssee of SuperFlyCamTM. We've been around the world flying our lightweight cable camera for major motion pictures and commercials. We continue to forge ahead with the technology, improving SuperFlyCamTM and developing new technology under the ZipCamTM brand. Most recenty we've completed work on our very own lightweight, 2-axis head called the ZipHead.

After several years of working specifically as a specialty camera operator, I realized something was missing. I was missing the opportnity to develop the kinds of relationships with the crew that you form when you work together for weeks with a common goal. I missed the pride you get when you've had an impact on every frame of a film. So in 2005 I began an effort to change my role in the motion picture industry. I began offering my services as a camera operator... period. Steadicam, SuperFlyCamTM & ZipCamTM became skills in my "bag of tricks" as a working camera operator. And that's what I did! Most recently as A-Camera/Steadicam on "Vinyl" and "Mega Spider," and B-Camera/Steadicam on "End Of Love" - premeiring at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Of course, I continue to day play whenever I can be of help to productions... most recently on both CSI: New York & CSI: Miami filling in as B-Camera Operator & Steadicam Operator.

Along the way, I've been inspired by Garrett Brown & Larry McConkey to observe how we use the tools available to us to create, and recognize when there are better ways to acheive an end result. My original attemps at this were crude fabrications. However, over the years I've studied CAD, machining techniques & welding, and have become quite competant at envisioning, designing and fabricating new tools and solutions in my own workshop (some of which are available at my online store SteadicamParts.com). My most ambitious project, the ZipHead, is a 10lb fully wireless pan & tilt remote head capable of supporting up to a 30lb payload (camera + accessories).

Follow me on Twitter @Semanoff or read my weekly Steadicam Operator Blog.

Bookings & More Information

Please Email ben@bensemanoff.com or Call Toll-Free 1-800-678-3234 (1.800.6STEADI)