When you’re watching your favorite TV show, it’s easy to get caught up in the drama unfolding on screen. But behind every captivating scene, there’s a whole team of dedicated professionals working their magic. Chad Boyce was one of those people – a skilled cameraman whose work on The CW’s hit series “The 100” helped bring that post-apocalyptic world to life.
Sadly, Chad’s story ended too soon. But his contributions to the show and the entertainment industry deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Who Was Chad Boyce from The 100?
Chad Philip Boyce wasn’t a household name, and that’s exactly how he liked it. Born on September 23, 1978, in Vancouver, Canada, Chad was the kind of guy who preferred working behind the camera rather than in front of it. As a second assistant cameraman on “The 100,” he played a vital role in capturing those sweeping shots of the post-apocalyptic Earth that made the show so visually stunning.
What made Chad special wasn’t just his technical skills – though he had plenty of those. He was a member of the International Cinematographer Guild 669, which is basically the gold standard for camera professionals in British Columbia. But ask anyone who worked with him, and they’ll tell you it was his passion for the craft that really set him apart.
Chad Boyce’s Career in the Film Industry
Like many people in the entertainment business, Chad didn’t start at the top. His first gig was as a camera trainee on a 2002 film called “Punch.” Not exactly a blockbuster, but it was his foot in the door. And once Chad got that taste of what it was like to be part of creating something visual and meaningful, he was hooked.
Over the years, he worked his way up through various productions. You might have seen his work on “Riverdale” (yes, that Riverdale with all the teenage drama), “Wynonna Earp,” and several other projects. Each job taught him something new, and he built a reputation as someone you could count on when things got complicated on set.
His Role in The 100 Production
Working on “The 100” wasn’t your typical TV gig. The show demanded everything from intimate character moments in cramped space stations to epic battle scenes across desolate landscapes. As a second assistant cameraman, Chad was responsible for making sure all the technical stuff ran smoothly so the camera operators could focus on getting those perfect shots.
It might not sound glamorous, but Chad’s work was crucial. When you’re filming a show that jumps between underground bunkers, space habitats, and vast wilderness areas, having someone who knows their equipment inside and out can make or break a shooting day. Chad was that reliable presence that kept things moving.
The Tragic Loss in 2018
April 17, 2018, started like any other day for the cast and crew of “The 100.” But by the end of it, they had lost one of their own. Chad Boyce passed away at just 39 years old, right in the middle of working on the show he loved.
What made it even more heartbreaking was that Chad had just returned from what his friend Dale Shaben described as his “first big trip” to Asia. For someone who loved traveling and photography as much as Chad did, that trip represented so much – adventure, new experiences, the kind of stuff that fueled his creativity.
The news hit the Vancouver film community hard. Here was a guy whose career was really taking off, someone who brought both skill and genuine enthusiasm to every project. Losing him felt like losing a piece of the family.
How The 100 Honored Chad Boyce
When the fourth episode of “The 100’s” fifth season aired, viewers saw something that doesn’t appear on TV very often – a tribute to a crew member. The simple message “In Loving Memory of Chad Boyce” appeared on screen, ensuring that millions of fans would know about the man who helped create the show they loved.
This wasn’t just a nice gesture; it was recognition of something important. TV shows don’t happen because of actors alone. They’re the result of dozens of people working together, and Chad was one of those essential pieces of the puzzle.
Chad Boyce’s Personal Life and Interests
Outside of work, Chad was the kind of person who made friends easily. He had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs, and loved nothing more than planning his next adventure. Photography wasn’t just his job – it was his way of seeing the world.
Growing up with his father Larry after losing his mother young could have made Chad bitter or closed off. Instead, it seemed to make him appreciate the relationships he had even more. His friend Dale’s Facebook posts after Chad’s death painted a picture of someone who brought joy to the people around him.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Chad’s story reminds us of something we often forget: the entertainment we love exists because of countless people we never see. Every time someone watches “The 100,” they’re seeing Chad’s work. That’s a pretty amazing legacy for someone who was just getting started.
His dedication to his craft also serves as inspiration for anyone trying to make it in the film industry. Chad didn’t become famous, but he became essential – and sometimes that’s even better.
Remembering Chad Boyce Today
Years have passed since Chad’s death, but his work lives on every time someone discovers “The 100” for the first time. His story also serves as a reminder to appreciate the people who work behind the scenes to create the entertainment we love.
For those of us who never met Chad Boyce, his legacy is simple: he was a professional who cared about his craft, a friend who brought joy to others, and a creative person who helped tell stories that mattered. In the end, that’s not a bad way to be remembered.
