BIOGRAPHY

Michael J. Burke is a highly accomplished A Camera Operator, Steadicam and Gimbal Owner/Operator, and Cinematographer based in New York. A member of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600), the Society of Camera Operators (SOC), and the Steadicam Operators Association (SOA). Michael brings thirty years of industry experience to his craft.

Most recently, Michael was the A Camera Steadicam and Ronin Operator for an A24 horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson with cinematography by Alexander Dynan. He has also been working on "Rabbit Rabbit" for A24/Netflix with cinematography by Matt Lewis and "The Spot" for A24/Hulu with cinematography by Nico Aguilar. He recently wrapped two fashion commercials with Madonna — for Gucci and Kiko Milano — shot by Alexander Dynan.

Michael wrapped 2025 as a Steadicam operator on the film "Sunny," directed by Eva Sørhaug with cinematography by Mauro Fiore and starring Angelina Jolie. His recent credits also include working as a camera and Steadicam operator on Hulu's "Love Story" for cinematographers Jason McCormick and Pepe Avila del Pino, as well as Steadicam operator on the Apple TV+ project "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed." Michael operated Steadicam for Mona Fastvold's film "The Testament of Ann Lee," starring Amanda Seyfried with cinematography by William Rexer.

Prior to that, he operated Steadicam on the Netflix series "Sirens" — collaborating with cinematographers Greg Middleton and Zoe White — featuring a cast that includes Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Milly Alcock, and Meghann Fahy. He also served as a Steadicam and Ronin operator on the Peacock series "Long Bright River," working alongside cinematographers Pepe Avila del Pino, Tari Segal, and William Rexer.

Michael's extensive television and feature work includes serving as a Steadicam operator on "Dr. Death" (S2), camera operator on the AMC series "The Walking Dead: Dead City" with cinematographer Terry Stacey, and the Showtime series "Let the Right One In" with cinematographer Jay Feather. Michael was the Steadicam operator for the film "Sam & Kate," starring Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek. He also worked as a Steadicam operator for "The Dutchman" with cinematographer Frank DeMarco.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Photography, Studio Art, and Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont (2002). He launched his career in 1996 as a camera loader on "A Stranger in the Kingdom" and honed his skills as a camera assistant at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab in 2000, where he began a lasting professional relationship with cinematographer Tim Orr.

Before advancing to operator, Michael built a formidable career as a First Assistant Camera (2004–2021). He contributed to major productions such as "John Wick," "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Winter's Bone," "Life of Crime," and "This Is Where I Leave You." His television assistant credits include the first season of HBO's "Girls," the pilot and early seasons of "White Collar," and "Red Oaks." He has collaborated repeatedly with renowned cinematographers including Bobby Bukowski ("The Messenger," "The Iceman," "Phoebe in Wonderland," "The Guitar," "The Hawk Is Dying," and "Very Good Girls"), Frank DeMarco ("Shortbus," "Rabbit Hole," and "Winning Season"), and William Rexer ("The Get Down," "Hunters," "The Tick," and "Friends with Kids").