Hammer

Steven Jacob Russell is a Director of Photography and IATSE Local 600 Steadicam and camera operator with 10 years of experience working in the film industry. Originally from the mountains of Colorado, he studied Film and Television Production at NYU and is currently based in NYC. He’s been a proud union member since 2023.

The production of Hammer was mentally and physically exhausting, yet it was even more fun and rewarding. He is grateful that directors Alejandra Parody and Ben Sottak trusted him with their vision of a nightmarish 1600s Cartagena and forever in admiration of his crew’s consistent professionalism and good humor throughout the production.

Since then Steve has continued to shoot more projects, with his first feature film Director of Photography credit – The Hallowarrior – set to premiere within the coming year. Some of the same crew from Hammer worked on that film, both above and below the line, and he is incredibly excited for the world to see it.

Being recognized by the ECA fills Steve with gratitude and excitement. He sincerely thanks the ECA committee, judges and Local 600 for the honor. And as always, he remains deeply grateful to his family and friends for supporting his passion and ongoing dream of being a cinematographer.