John "Buzz" Moyer Event

Spielberg Cameraman to Speak at The Lindsay Theater on Dec. 12 

Sunday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.

Nationally known camera operator John “Buzz” Moyer has worked for 32 years on film and TV projects, directed and produced by the likes of Martin Scorsese, George Clooney, Ben Stiller and, most recently, Steven Spielberg on West Side Story.

Moyer will share his experiences on the set and behind the camera during the opening weekend of West Side Story at The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, with a free presentation on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. at the Theater. Moyer, who started freelancing in Pittsburgh has become nationally known as a Steadicam Operator, the cinematographer trusted to immerse audiences in the film by tracking shots while walking alongside or (backward) in front of actors.

A Sewickley native, he attended Sewickley Academy and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Cinema/Photography from Ithaca College in 1986 and began his career with commercials and corporate videos. “Through well-crafted corporate videos, I was able to start a shot, do a shot, and end a shot for a complete storytelling scene,” he says. “This has been invaluable moving forward.”

Moyer found his early years of sports (lacrosse and soccer), music (drumming) and stage experience (acting and dancing as a teen) invaluable to his profession because of the physical demands of the job, as well as the needs for timing and rhythm.

In the 1990s, after joining International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 644 (now 600), Moyer gained a national reputation as a Camera Operator and Steadicam Operator. “Each project was a valuable learning experience, each Director and Director of Photography were, thankfully, very supportive and collaborative,” notes Moyer, who has over 100 credited features and television projects.

A member of the Society of Camera Operators, Moyer proudly serves on the Board of governors, nominating committee, and education committee. Also a member of the Steadicam Operators Association, he instructs and mentors young and newly invested Steadicam Operators.

In a presentation that shares the joy of making movies, Moyer will discuss his Steadicam Operator profession, working with Steven Spielberg and answer audience questions.