David Parrella

Hi, I’m David! I’m a multidisciplinary filmmaker, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and now based in Los Angeles. I got my degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns! 🤘) where my thesis film, Origin (2018), won several awards and showed at over a dozen festivals across the world. While I continue to direct and produce content myself, my main gig in the industry is as a Steadicam Operator and Cinematographer, with a healthy dose of VFX work on the side when I’m looking for projects to fill my schedule.

About me…

David Parrella flashes a Hook 'Em hand sign while dressed in his Texas band uniform during a football game

After growing up just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I attended the University of Texas at Austin to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film. During my time at the University, I was the Head Trumpet Section Leader for the Longhorn Band, leading 65 trumpets in the nearly 400-person sized marching band at UT. This organization gave me the opportunity to perform in front of millions of college football fans over the four years I spent there, from massive stadiums across the country to parades down the streets of Austin, Houston, and especially San Antonio’s massive Fiesta Flambeau celebration.

David Parrella playing paintball for the University of Texas at Austin

David Parrella filming paintball, showing off the recent hits he took

I also played paintball (“speedball” style, fast-paced with inflatable bunkers) for the University of Texas at Austin’s club Paintball Team, where I competed for the Longhorns at regional events and the national championships tournament in Florida. On the Pro Paintball circuit, I shot and edited content for some of the best pro teams like Houston Heat, standing in the line of fire to capture the best shot possible for various sponsors and clients, such as DLX / GoG Industries, Facefull, and PbNation.

Steadicam Operator David Parrella films the Michigan Marching Band drum major in the center of the Big House, Michigan Stadium

Coming from a family of airline pilots, I was provided with the incredible opportunity to travel the world starting from a young age. I love exploring the world, and truly believe Mark Twain’s quote that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”

The privilege of traveling that I grew up with is not lost on me. One of my inspirations to follow my passion for film and technology was its inherent ability to bring people together. Not everyone has the opportunity or can afford to travel the world, but film provides a medium to bring ideas from any corner of the planet to anyone who is willing to sit down and watch.