An accomplished camera operator of 45 years with ten Emmy nominations and one win for Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel’s LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE: “Good Times” and “All in the Family” episodes.
Helena’s many credits include the daytime dramas THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, and DAYS OF OUR LIVES and prime time network shows including AMERICAN IDOL, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, SHARK TANK, CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD, THE BACHELOR and THE BACHELORETTE, VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW and TOM BRADY: THE GREATEST ROAST OF ALL, to name a few.
Her network sit-coms include THE NANNY, ALL OF US, FAMILY REUNION and THE EVE SHOW. She has lensed game shows including: FAMILY FEUD, CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD and THE CHASE. She has been behind the camera on hit talk shows including THE ROSEANNE SHOW, THE ELLEN SHOW, and THE TALK.
Her concert tours include such global superstars as: The Rolling Stones Steel Wheels Tour, Whitney Houston, I’m Your Baby Tonight Tour, Toni Braxton’s Secrets Tour; Dr. Dre’s 2000 Chronic Tour; Eminem’s Anger Management Tour, and JayZ/50cent Rock the Mic Tour. She was camera operator on TAYLOR SWIFT THE ERAS TOUR CONCERT FILM.
Helena grew up in Northern California and has BA degrees in TV journalism and Radio/Television Production from San Jose State University.
Her first job was at ABC Television station KNTV as a camera operator. She is the first African American woman to film The Pope, The Emmys, The Grammys, The Oscars, The NAACP Image Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime Shows.
I would describe Helena with the three “Gs” of success:
~ Michael A. Joseph, Toastmaster
Gutsy, Gritty & Graceful.
Her impact on the industry is best defined by her presence, her ability to excel in multiple genres of television a n d the longevity of her career. She is that person who can and will tell hopeful camera operators, ‘If I can make it you can, too.’
