Zachary Shea Mills
+1 (818) 281-7454 | zacharysheamills@gmail.comÂ
Dear Hiring Manager,
Hello, My name is Zachary. I am a creative individual who loves to work on interesting projects that pose new challenges. My passion for motion picture and still photography extends far beyond my professional life. It bleeds into everything I do.
I began my journey at Emerson College by learning the history of the medium, starting with the practical realities of shooting on analog film. I shot short films on 16mm film, as well as photo essays using 35mm and 4x5 film. I also helped friends and colleagues with their projects taking on various roles including grip, electrician, camera assistant, and director of photography. I also worked for the Equipment Distribution Center on campus, where I became an HMI Expert.
After graduating, I worked as a camera prep technician in Los Angeles, first at a small indie film and commercial rental house, before taking a job at Arri Rental. It was during this period that I gained experience with camera systems, such as the Canon C series, RED and the Alexa 65. At Arri, I serviced many high end productions including Euphoria season 1, El Camino, and the Hawaii unit of Hobbs and Shaw. I also collaborated with friends to create shorts, web series, as well as professional work. I enjoyed much personal and professional growth during my time in Los Angeles.
Eventually, I wanted to come back east. In February of 2020 I moved to New York City for a fresh start, just as COVID shut things down. During COVID, I shot a French language master class with author Douglas Kennedy, who also used one of my photos for the cover shot of his novel The Great Wide Open. Also during COVID, I secured a position with the Bond Audio content team.
At Bond Audio, I honed my commercial photography and camera operation skills. A key responsibility was to shoot marketing photos for one of three brands, producing lifestyle photographs and demo videos for guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals. I also created an inventory scheme for our gear, and an innovative photo deliverables strategy that increased efficiency and productivity. I kept my studio clean and organized at all times. For fun, I also worked on small Indie short films, and 48 hour film festivals. I also joined a local group called Short Cuts, which challenges filmmakers to produce a film in three weeks based on a random prompt.
I am a hardworking, reliable, dedicated, fast learner that can efficiently collaborate and contribute in a teamwork setting. I have a strong history as a problem solver that knows how to get the job done, I love what I do, and constantly challenge myself. You may find more experienced candidates, but you will not find anyone that will work harder. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best,
Zachary Shea Mills
