Rey Reyes was born and raised in The Bay Area, CA. His professional experience in the entertainment industry started in 1996 in front of the camera and on stage as a tap dancer, musician, singer, and actor before falling in love with the technical work on the other side of the lens. He has had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of the world’s most renown instructors and working professionals in several aspects of entertainment.
Rey’s work includes independent and theatrical features, live broadcast, commercials, industrials, corporate, and music videos. He is the former Steadicam® Director of Technical Sales & Services and Lead Instructor of Bronze, Silver, and 3-day workshops. He is currently the Director of the Week-Long and 3-Day Workshops for The Steadicam Operators Association (SOA; est. 1988 by Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown), as well as Lead Instructor of SOA partnered workshops with Abel Cine. Rey maintains his knowledge of the craft by continuing to work as a professional camera and Steadicam operator in both live broadcast and narrative film & television.
His extensive experience operating as well as training and consulting operators spans a multitude of clients in the motion picture and television industries, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL, Disney, DreamWorks, Marvel, Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and more; and also includes work with multiple college university film divisions at SUU, Asbury University, Baylor, USC, UCLA, CSUN, and CSN to name a few.
Rey brings a unique approach to instructing for the Steadicam courses due to his extensive experience as an Athletic Director, Coach, Martial Arts Instructor, Teacher for K-12 grades in Physical Education, and Collegiate level Strength & Conditioning Coach. Formerly certified by NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), Rey has also been employed by university and independent professional sectors in various applied sports sciences and personal coaching. His research and study on neurobiology, "the brain-to-body connection," and how to unlock potential, provides clientele with the critical knowledge necessary to not only learn a new skill, but apply it in a short amount of time.
Multi-faceted and always willing to learn, evolve, and be challenged, Rey also works with his beautiful wife in her successful land acquisition and recreational rental property business in Utah, and is also part owner in a New York based private equity investment firm. When not working, Rey volunteers his time in his community through various organizations including local St. George Blue Lodge #33, Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, The Shriners, and St. Jude, among others. However, his favorite pastime is to just be out in the wilderness staring up at the stars and listening to the wind play through the trees, in peace.
“My passion for Steadicam and its historical lineage is a continuous commitment to explore and share the knowledge, ingenuity, athleticism, and artistry of this craft and great gift given to us by Garrett Brown.” — Rey Reyes
