Rollerblading Cameraman John Lyke Brings Unique Mobility to Hollywood Sets

John Lyke, a Hollywood cameraman who films on rollerblades, has carved out a niche career by combining aggressive inline skating skills with camera operation. Lyke, who started rollerblading at age eight, realized his skates offered a cheap DIY alternative to steadicams or dollies. He is regularly hired by Hollywood productions and corporate clients for his mobility, speed, and handheld intensity. His work includes the HBO basketball series 'Swagger,' where he was given a six-figure camera and a skatepark to film. Lyke carries 20 pounds of camera in hand and 40 pounds in his backpack, relying on his aggressive inline background to maintain balance and avoid falls. He can skate backwards faster than someone running backwards, get the camera lower to the ground, and move through tight spaces. Lyke recently shot a video for Oakley Meta smart glasses, following a pro skateboarder into a 14-foot bowl. He knows only two other blade camera operators, noting the rollerblade community is tiny. Lyke emphasizes that not every job needs a rollerblade camera and often talks people out of hiring him, but when the right gig comes, it's the best option.