James Elias Verified listing

After studying Broadcast Television Operations, I started my professional career over 17 years ago at Tiffen Steadicam working alongside the legendary Oscar-winning Steadicam Inventor, Garrett Brown. Whilst there, I became a Steadicam instructor teaching and assisting all over Europe for organisations such as YLE Television in Finland, DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation), BBC Training and Development in the UK and Filmbase in Ireland. I developed a two day course format bringing the "Bronze" Steadicam training workshop to the UK and Europe for thefirst time. I was also heavily involved in the day to day running of Steadicam, preparing equipment, maintaining parts, giving film school demos, and liaising with operators providing technical support. In addition, I spent nearly two months at the Steadicam Facility in Glendale, California learning to build and service certain mechanical components of the rigs such as stages, gimbals, and the latest generation of arms.

After 4 years, I left to begin my freelance career as a Steadicam Operator. Since then, I’ve gained a large variety of credits; including the BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Channel 4 / Netflix comedy drama “The End of the F***ing World”, "Baby Reindeer"; music videos for artists such as The Vamps, McFly, Rag ’n’ Bone Man, and Busted; and many live broadcasts for the BBC during the EU Referendum and subsequent General Election campaign debates, Piers Morgan Uncensored, and I have also operated Steadicam for the BBC on both the 2019 and 2024 Election Results over-night live broadcasts.

I have credits spanning Drama, Commercials, Promos, and Live Television - one of few who can comfortably work in all the disciplines.

I enjoy the unique challenges of all genres. My ultimate aim is to help deliver the vision of the DP and Director, whatever the challenge may be.

I own a top of the range Steadicam rig suitable for any professional HD Broadcast, Film or Digital Cinema camera.