Jean François Heckel is a French director of photography, camera operator, and inventor, best known for his fundamental technological contribution to the film industry. His most famous invention is the Super-Technocrane 30, a remote-controlled telescopic crane that revolutionized the possibilities of camera movement, enabling fluid, dynamic, and complex shots that were previously unachievable. His skill as a camera and Steadicam operator is evident in high-profile productions such as Luc Besson's *The Fifth Element*. In addition to his technical work, he has served as a director of photography for several projects and also directed the film *D'Artagnan et les trois mousquetaires* (2005). For the concept and development of the telescopic crane, in 2005 Heckel received a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the highest recognition for his innovative impact on cinema.