Frederick "Buzz" Feitshans IV, born in Studio City, California, into a prominent film industry family, inherited a passion for film from a young age. He was taught the fundamentals of photography, videography, and cinematography by his father, a successful feature film producer, and his grandfather, an Academy Award-nominated editor.
Buzz's early exposure to film and photography quickly blossomed into a deep passion. He honed his skills across various formats, including super 8mm, 16mm, and still photography, laying the groundwork for his professional career. His first major project was the feature film Big Wednesday, directed by John Milius in 1978.
Buzz's dedication to the craft grew as he immersed himself in the film industry, drawing inspiration and guidance from distinguished cinematographers such as Bruce Surtees, Jack Green, Bill Fraker and Peter Ellenshaw.
Climbing through the industry ranks, Buzz gained comprehensive experience in numerous production roles, including camera mechanic, film loader, focus puller, and camera operator, contributing to notable films like Red Dawn, The Dead Pool, and Tombstone.
Buzz achieved his first credit as a Director of Photography on The Indian Runner, directed by Sean Penn in 1991, where he led a winter shooting unit. This role showcased his cinematographic prowess and propelled him into a successful career in both commercials and feature films. In the late '90s, he shot high-profile commercials for the Italian company Movie Magic, continuing to work in commercials and feature films until 2005. Before venturing into television, he expanded both his domestic and international experience, with filming throughout the United States, as well as Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia, Central America and Mexico.
As the film industry transitioned to digital, Buzz seamlessly adapted, leveraging his digital project experience and his film-based expertise in color and lighting. His versatility across both mediums set him apart from his peers.
Buzz made his television debut on The OC, working alongside executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. This four-year project confirmed his reputation among network and studio executives. Over the next decade, Buzz focused on one-hour dramas, including Chuck, Heart of Dixie, Community, and Cooper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life. He later worked on Young Sheldon for seven seasons with Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro, and Steve Holland.
Buzz's latest project a multi-cam series called Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, has him collaborating again with industry notables Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro. His consistent delivery of visually stunning shots and scenes affirms his status as a dependable and talented cinematographer, with a passion for the craft that continues to thrive. In recognition, he was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Cinematography For A Series (Half-Hour) category in July 2025.
Whether shooting inside or outside of the U.S., main unit or second unit, the ability to adapt to environmental changes, budget restrictions, technology advancements, equipment breakdowns and creative goals and/or variances, in a way that delivers photographically and dramatically, is an artistic, technical and mental craft. Buzz has taken on these challenges and delivered, using light, darkness, shadows and objects above-and-beyond what was received from the rental house.
Contact
Buzz Feitshans IV is represented by the Worldwide Production Agency (WPA)
Frank Balkin
& Brian Goldberg
World Wide Production Agency