Howard J Smith
Video
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video fileHoward J Smith - Director of Photography
Credits
Year | Job Title Project Type |
Project Name Director / Company |
Location |
---|---|---|---|
2018 |
Director of Photography
Event |
1,000's Commercials Various / Worldwide |
|
2018 |
Director of Photography
Event |
Chiaroscuro Howard J Smith / MBF |
|
2015 |
Director of Photography / A Cam-Steadicam / Remote head Op
Event |
Curiosity Howard J Smith / HJS Films |
|
2015 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op
Event |
Gotham Tim Hunter / Primrose Hill Productions, WB |
|
2014 |
Steadicam Op
Event |
Boardwalk Empire Timothy Van Patten / HBO |
|
2013 |
Aditional Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op and VFX DP plates
Event |
RIPD Robert Schwentke / Universal Pictures |
|
2012 |
MK-V AR Operator (inventor, operator and supervisor)
Event |
Men in Black 3 Barry Sonnenfeld / Columbia Pictures |
|
2011 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op
Event |
Win WIn Tom McCarthy / Fox Searchlight Pictures |
|
2009 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ MK-V AR Op / 2nd unit DP
Event |
Dark Country 3D Thomas Jane / Stage 6 Films |
|
2009 |
A Camera Op/ Steadicam Op / MK-V AR Op
Event |
My Bloody Valentine 3D Patrick Lussier / Lionsgate |
|
2009 |
MK-V AR Operator (inventor, operator and supervisor)
Event |
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix David Yates / WB |
|
2006 |
A Camera Op/ Steadicam Op / 2nd unit DP
Event |
Employee of the Month Greg Coolidge / Lionsgate |
|
2003 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op
Event |
Matrix Revolutions The Wachowskis / WB |
|
2003 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op
Event |
The Matrix Relaoded The Wachowskis / WB |
|
2002 |
Steadicam Op / 2nd Unit DP
Event |
In America Jim Sheridan / Hell's Kitchen Films |
|
2001 |
2nd Unit Director of Photography / Main Unit Steadicam / B cam Op
Event |
Formula 51 / 51st State Ronny Yu / Alliance Atlantis Communications |
|
1999 |
Steadicam Op
Event |
Eyes Wide Shut Stanley Kubrick / WB |
|
1998 |
Main Unit Camera Op/ Steadicam Op / 2nd unit DP
Event |
Friends (in London) Kevin Bright / WB |
|
1997 |
Steadicam Op
Event |
The Saint Philip Noyce / WB |
|
1993 |
Steadicam Op
Event |
Cracker Jean Stewart / Granada TV |
Education
Year | Qualification | Where |
---|---|---|
1982 | My father was a DP as well | Professional Cameraman since 1982 |
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
Driver's License: | Yes |
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 |