Thomas C. Miller
Pacheco, CA,CA
Summary
Experienced visual storyteller with a strong background in creative direction, lighting design, and advanced camera techniques. Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead diverse teams in fast-paced, collaborative environments. Currently seeking to transition into drone operations for data capture, leveraging technical expertise, attention to detail, and a passion for precision to deliver actionable insights and innovative solutions.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Aerial Cinematographer /Business Owner
Blue Sky Aerials, LLC
01.1994 - Current
- Delivered stunning visuals in high-pressure environments while maintaining focus on safety protocols and risk management procedures.
- Maximized production value by selecting appropriate equipment and technology for each project.
- Perfected framing compositions that evoked specific emotions or messages intended by the director.
- Collaborated with director to plan and implement desired production look.
- Read and understood scripts, shot lists and location plans.
- Handled multiple responsibilities simultaneously such as operating cameras, directing the camera crew and maintaining the film''s visual style throughout shooting.
- Visited locations to take series of shots to determine proper fillers, framing, angles, lighting and techniques.
Helicopter Gimbal Operator / Line Video Capture
SAM Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM)
11.2024 - 11.2024
- Installed and rigged Airfilm Single Pole Mount with Cineflex Gimbal, Red Helium 8K Camera, and Canon 50-1000mm lens on a helicopter.
- Held briefing with pilot daily to plan mission activities, leveraging weather data and KMZ files provided by clients.
- Captured high-resolution images of critical transmission line hardware for detailed inspection and documentation.
- Operated high-resolution camera and gimbal systems to ensure precise imaging for comprehensive hardware evaluations.
- Logged flight tracks using ForeFlight and maintained accurate GPS data for inspection purposes.
- Documented potential risks and urgent issues daily in Google Docs for client review and action.
Helicopter LIDAR Operator Trainee
SAM / Surveying And Mapping, LLC
09.2024 - 09.2024
- Installed and rigged Airfilm G1 Mount with LIDAR System
- Held briefing with pilot and Lead LIDAR Operator daily to plan mission activities, leveraging weather data and KMZ files provided by clients.
- Captured high-resolution still images using phase one camera of critical transmission area.
- Operated LIDAR System to capture designated line right of way.
- Instructed the pilot to maintain correct altitude during capture as per clients specifications.
- Documented potential risks and urgent issues daily in Google Docs for client review and action.
Helicopter Gimbal Operator
SAM / Surveying And Mapping, LLC
06.2024 - 06.2024
- Installed and rigged Airfilm Single Pole Mount with Cineflex Gimbal, Red Helium 8K Camera, and Canon 50-1000mm lens on a helicopter.
- Held morning briefing with pilot daily to plan mission activities, leveraging weather data and KMZ files provided by clients.
- Captured high-resolution images of critical transmission line hardware for detailed inspection and documentation.
- Operated high-resolution camera and gimbal systems to ensure precise imaging for comprehensive hardware evaluations.
- Logged flight tracks using ForeFlight and maintained accurate GPS data for inspection purposes.
- Documented potential risks and urgent issues daily in Google Docs for client review and action.
Helicopter Gimbal Operator
Linewise Aerial, INC.
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Installed and rigged Airfilm Single Pole Mount with Cineflex Gimbal, Red Helium 8K Camera, and Canon 50-1000mm lens on a helicopter.
- Held briefing with pilot daily to plan mission activities, leveraging weather data and KMZ files provided by clients.
- Captured high-resolution images of critical transmission line hardware for detailed inspection and documentation.
- Operated high-resolution camera and gimbal systems to ensure precise imaging for comprehensive hardware evaluations.
- Logged flight tracks using ForeFlight and maintained accurate GPS data for inspection purposes.
- Documented potential risks and urgent issues daily in Google Docs for client review and action.
Helicopter Gimbal Operator / Line Video Capture
Linewise Aerial, INC.
07.2019 - 02.2020
- Installed and rigged Airfilm Single Pole Mount with Cineflex Gimbal, Red Helium 8K Camera, and Canon 50-1000mm lens on a helicopter.
- Held briefing with pilot daily to plan mission activities, leveraging weather data and KMZ files provided by clients.
- Captured high-resolution images of critical transmission line hardware for detailed inspection and documentation.
- Operated high-resolution camera and gimbal systems to ensure precise imaging for comprehensive hardware evaluations.
- Logged flight tracks using ForeFlight and maintained accurate GPS data for inspection purposes.
- Documented potential risks and urgent issues daily in Google Docs for client review and action.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Film
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05.1989
Skills
- Visual storytelling
- Over 15 years rigging cameras in Helicopters and Fix Wing Aircraft
- 5000 hours in helicopters
- 5 Years Experience Distribution and Transmission Line Data Capture for detailed inspection
- Part 107 Licensed Remote Pilot
- Shot framing
- Lighting mastery
- Configuring cameras
- Camera movement expertise
- Technical problem solving
- Setting up cameras
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Video production
- Task prioritization
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Self motivation
Accomplishments
- Emmy Award-Winning Aerial Cinematographer : Recognized for your excellence in aerial cinematography, with over 30 years of experience and 5,000+ flight hours.
- National Geographic Projects : Key contributor to National Parks: USA, Secrets of Whales, and America's National Parks, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
- Smithsonian Channel's Aerial Series : Filmed iconic episodes for Aerial America, Aerial Argentina, and Aerial Italy, capturing stunning views from above.
- Emmy Nomination for Spy in the Wild : Celebrated for your work on PBS's acclaimed series, spotlighting your diverse filmmaking expertise beyond aerial cinematography.
Affiliations
- I.A.T.S.E. Local 600 Cinematographers Guild
- S.O.C. Society of Camera Operators
Certification
- Part 107 Remote Pilot License F.A.A. October 2023
Timeline
Helicopter Gimbal Operator / Line Video Capture
SAM Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM)
11.2024 - 11.2024
Helicopter LIDAR Operator Trainee
SAM / Surveying And Mapping, LLC
09.2024 - 09.2024
Helicopter Gimbal Operator
SAM / Surveying And Mapping, LLC
06.2024 - 06.2024
Helicopter Gimbal Operator
Linewise Aerial, INC.
05.2021 - 07.2021
Helicopter Gimbal Operator / Line Video Capture
Linewise Aerial, INC.
07.2019 - 02.2020
Aerial Cinematographer /Business Owner
Blue Sky Aerials, LLC
01.1994 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Film
San Francisco State University
- Part 107 Remote Pilot License F.A.A. October 2023
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