Collea began working in film as a video assist engineer, putting his engineering background to good use for directors like Roland Emmerich, James Cameron, Michael Bay and Michael Mann. On those sets, Collea introduced digital technology and began experimenting with HD as soon as it arrived on the scene. Recognizing his HD and engineering expertise, the IATSE 600 union invited Collea to help develop the DIT position; he became their first DIT member. Panavision also sent Collea to travel the world teaching film crews how to shoot with HD cameras.

Remaining on the frontline of all technological breakthroughs, Collea saw the declining prices for quality equipment as an opportunity to democratize filmmaking. He built his own pipeline for indies, using his tools to make effects-heavy, smaller-budget films rival the look of studio tentpole productions. Having worked for Vince Pace and Cameron during their initial foray into 3D, Collea had a head start incorporating 3D into his own pipeline. Using this technology, Collea recently designed and supervised the 3D workflow for Universal Soldier: A New Dimension 3D.

Collea grew up with photography in his blood. Raised in Rochester, New York, he would pass the Kodak Headquarters every morning on the way to school. With the specter of Kodak always looming, Collea played with a 3D Viewmaster and set up his first dark room at the age of 10. While still in high school, he took after-school film classes at the Rhode Island School of Design. Before college, Collea spent two years with the Marine Corps, training and studying electrical engineering. He then spent another two years building spy planes.

After the four years in the Marines, Collea commenced a decade of eclectic and intensive study. He attended the University of Kentucky and finished his undergraduate education at the University of Arizona, where he studied biology, chemistry and his other great love - dance. He pursued a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Arizona, but after two years of the three year program he transferred to the University of Arizona Department of Dance. After earning an MFA in Dance and Film, Collea founded and ran a modern dance troupe.

Collea’s attraction to 3D filmmaking grew out of his eclectic interests. He used his live performance background to break into Hollywood starting out as a set electrician on Natural Born Killers and worked his way up from there. His desire to capture the intensity of live dance performance drove him into 3D.

Chosen by Sony to teach its exclusive 3D Filmmaking courses, Collea is currently teaching 3D to members of the DGA and soon members of the Producers Guild of America, while he continues to make cutting edge movies.

Collea lives in Playa del Rey, California with his wife, step-daughter and grand-daughter.