Howard J Smith

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit: I own 2 x RED Epic's and Various MK-V 'Steadicam's'

I can use: I Own 2 X Red Epic'S And Various Mk-V 'Steadicam'S', I Have Worked With Everything From Iphones To Imax And Started In Film So I Am Hands On With All Professional Equipment.

About me

I grew up in Manchester, UK. My father was a Director of Photography and my mother a set designer for the BBC, therefore I was surrounded by magic and cameras from day one. I first started making films when I was 4, together with my father, little animation films with plastic dinosaurs on Super 8. I started going out with my father on shoots from this age as well. By the time I was about 12, I was making films on 16mm reversal film, using the Éclair NPR camera and using a Moy geared head. I won the ‘’Screen Test” (UK TV show) young filmmakers award for one of my films.

I left school at 16 and began my apprenticeship with my father working first as a camera assistant on a 2-camera documentary (16mm), then into the edit suite at the BBC to sync up all the footage we had shot. I learned the importance of boards and good sheets very quickly. I stayed on at the BBC editing for about 6 months, working on Steinbeck’s and Pic-syncs. It amazed me how we could completely change the feel and subject of the program with the edit.
I then spent the next 6 months as a Spark and Grip (with the Tulip crane & Panther dolly), and as a boom swinger and clapper/loader, Sometimes all at the same time!
I found the training as a spark and grip invaluable once I started shooting my own work.

At 17, I started shooting in documentary on film, which also became an invaluable experience as there was no take 2, you had to think on your feet, and plan ahead carefully. A skill I still use often today.
By the age of 21 I had moved up to focus pulling on 35mm commercials and also began operating Steadicam and remote and geared heads. I chose to specialize in these fields, as there was no one outside of London with this skill set at the time. This kept me very busy, mainly on commercials where I learned the art of lighting and planning = Director of Photography (DP).

I became a full time camera/Steadicam operator in 1993 and started lighting in 1996. Over the years I have shot probably thousands of commercials on all formats known to man.
(I still like film best), and I also directed and shot an IMAX film on 65mm, called Rheged the Lost Kingdom in 1999.

From 1996 onward I was working on major films as camera operator and Steadicam operator, once more learning the art of the DP and then shooting commercials as DP in the down time. I also shot on most of these films as 2nd unit DP, which I found to be a wonderful, and educational experience, as all these great cameramen would have to share their secrets and tips so I could match their work. I even had the honor of working for 3 months with Stanley Kubrick, which was an education in itself.

In 2000 I set up MK-V; a company to make my new designs of a “Steadicam” type stabilizer system. In 2004 I launched my new design and flagship system: the MK-V AR. I continued working on major films, like “Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions” and the “Harry Potter” films, and as a Director of Photography on many commercials, shorts, and features.

I also have a strong knowledge of VFX and have worked as the VFX supervisor on numerous projects.
This is a shoot I DP'd and VFX supervised, inc. BTS - https://vimeo.com/312722200

I also have 2 full MoCo Systems and 8K Timelaspe.
I have been working on my own project "Chiaroscuro" in my down time, which is a homage to "Baraka" and "Koyaanisqasti". https://vimeo.com/273669966

I continue to act as a consultant for some of the major feature films and am happy to assist in any way I can.
I also run 1-1 training workshops at a beginner and advance level for all film equipment including Steadicam™.

I am based in Manchester, but am able and happy to travel anywhere in the world.

Howard J Smith
http://imdb.com/name/nm0808475/
www.howardjsmith.com
Additional information:
A Camera/Steadicam/MK-V AR Op (30+ years)
2nd Unit Dp/ Director
Director of Photography on 1,000's of commercials world wide

Inventor of the MK-V AR System.
Remote op head specialist
3D Specialist/comsultant

License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Director of Photography
Job Titles	Video Editor, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist, Director, Camera Operator, Cinematographer, Director of Photography (DOP), Photographer, Camera Supervisor, Aerial / Drone Operator, Gaffer / Lighting Director, Key Grip, Teacher
Years in industry	6+ years