“Michael Frediani has been in the TV & film industry for 28 years starting as a camera assistant, working his way through the ranks to camera operator and director of photography, magazine editor/writer, mentor and instructor.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema, Frediani worked for 5 years in many capacities at Image Transform in North Hollywood—from developing motion picture film and optical printing to negative assembly and editing.

In 1995 Frediani was tapped to head the prestigious Society of CameraOperators serving as its President for two years. He wore many hats during his term as president and “pushed the performance by any prior officer to a new level of proficiency," said former President Stan McClain, SOC.

Frediani developed the first Annual Hands-On Crane & Remote Head Seminar in January of 1996 which has developed into the popular CineGear event held annually in Los Angeles. Frediani also developed the informative web site www.soc.org and went on to produce two Lifetime Achievement Awards Banquets.

Frediani served as the editor of The Operating Cameraman magazine and is a frequent contributor. Of his service to the S.O.C. Frediani stated, "I would have to say that I am most proud of the fact that during my tenure as President we were able to contribute approximately $10,000 to the Children’s Hospital VISION CENTER.”  Of that sum, $4,000 was garnered in donations from the decorative pin designed by Frediani.

Bill Hines a founding member of the Society said of Frediani, "Mike's productive tenure as SOC president was achieved by total dedication and loyalty to the Society. He gave one hundred percent toward building a stronger, more effective organization. He achieved this by his own example and by encouraging a greater degree of member involvement. His vision, involvement and accomplishments will be long remembered and appreciated.” In 1996 Frediani received the SOC’s highest honor—The Distinguished Service Award.

In 2002, after many years on the set and noticing that many novice actors were not set-wise, nor were they comfortable once they “landed the role” he created a unique seminar Survival On Set which trains actors in the art and craft of working smoothly on the set. With behind-the-scenes footage that he shot on the TV series Charmed— interviewing actors, directors, producers, and a variety of crew members who speak to the students about what is needed from them to work effectively—Frediani and his partner, acting coach Sally Forcier created a workshop that is like no other!

Currently Frediani serves on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild; and was a delegate to the IATSE Convention in 2005. Frediani servesd as Editor-in-Chief of the highly regarded magazine of The International Cinematographers Guild.

Michael was re-elected President of the SOC in April of 2011 with the goal of raising the awareness of Camera Operators worldwide.

Frediani’s total dedication to each production and project that he becomes involved in, along with his easy-going style has served him well in creating a successful career in Hollywood.