#055 - BJ McDonnell // Steadicam Operator

You ever wonder how a beautiful "oner" gets shot? Well it's talented operators like BJ McDonnell who use their techniques and skills to capture those elaborate long takes. When he's not operating the steadicam rig, BJ works as the A camera operator on films like The Interview, Fall Guy, and the latest Naked Gun. BJ's love for working on set means that he's less interested in going to work and more interested in having a great time with the people he's working with. Tragically, BJ's home was destroyed by the Palisades fires in 2025. Although he's working to rebuild his life from scratch, he maintains a positive outlook on the future of his home life and the industry he works in. Tune in as we chat with BJ about how he got into steadicam, some of the BTS stories of working as a camera operator, and where he sees the industry going.