Burt Reynold's Double

One of Steve's first hits in the industry was to act as a double (and sometimes stunt double) for Burt Reynolds. It all started in Burt and Steve's act in W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.

E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial

During his work in acting, Steve discovered his true love for cinematography - it brought a balance between Liberal Arts and Engineering, two of his passions during his education at Vanderbilt University. He first got his hands on the camera while making commercials with Allen Daviau. A few years in, Allen got an offer to work as a part of the crew for E.T., and so did Steve. Steve pulled focus as First Assistant Cinematographer for E.T..

Every other day I’d say to Steven, ‘You know, this is going to be a big movie.’ He said, ‘No, no, it’s my little movie. It’ll do okay; it’s not going to be great.’ I said, ‘I think it’s gonna be great!’ He said, ‘Why do you keep saying that?’ I said, ‘Because we all like that little guy — everybody on the crew. The little E.T. guy, he’s adorable! Every kid in America is gonna see it twice and take a parent twice. Just count the tickets, you don't have to be a genius.’ It spent 20-plus years as the highest-grossing film.

- Steve Shaw, as reported by The ASC

Ken-L Ration Dog Food Commercials

Following Steve's work in E.T. (and as a response to his disinterest in pulling focus), Steve worked as a camera operator for a variety of Ken-L Ration dog food commercials.

The Zero Boys

After his work with Ken-L Ration dog foods, he went on to work as cinematographer and operator for The Zero Boys - a slasher / thriller released in the mid 1980's. Steve had never worked either one of these two roles, but managed regardless!

TV Series

Following some smaller features and Robert Greenwald offering Steve his first movie of the week, Steve took on the role of Director for a few TV series such as ABC's Crossroads, Paramount's Legend, and Fox's 413 Hope Street (just to name a few!). During this time, he was also granted membership to the DGA (Director's Guild of America).

Parents Inc

Winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge 2019

I’ve known them for quite a while now; just wonderful people. When Emily was 2 years old, she had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee in order to save her life; she had a terrible childhood disease. She also lost fingers on both of her hands. She’s now 16. And, last year, she and her mom and dad shot a little project — I think with just an iPhone — and submitted it to the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge competition. And it was pretty good, but failed to get nominated for any of the Easterseals awards. So this year they wanted to try again, but, also, they wanted to step things up, so I volunteered to shoot it for them.

- Steve Shaw, as reported by The ASC.