Zsolt: Our Lightning Bolt

Spoleto tends to focus on international artists coming from afar. Well, now it’s time to focus on one of our own. Who, as it turns out, did come from afar.

Mythology buffs might recognize a touch of the classic trickster tales in the story of Zsolt Haraszti. After all, the former professional dancer – who now makes his living behind the camera – certainly has a knack for turning misfortune on its head and coming out on top.

His story begins in the Hungarian Dance Academy and includes stops along the way in North Carolina School of the Arts, Washington Ballet and the German Opera House in Berlin. Today, he is a vital part of the local art scene in Charleston.

Two injuries, years apart, derailed his dance career. While he was recovering from knee surgery in Berlin, Doug Smoak, a friend from school, suggested he come to Charleston and make a fresh start. Zsolt accepted the offer and soon after fell in love with the city.

“It’s the most European feeling city that I’ve been to in the United States,” he says. “And of course I love the beaches and the weather. As much as I loved Berlin, after three winters, I was ready for a change.”

Zsolt credits Jill Eathorne Bahr of Charleston Ballet with helping to put him on the path he walks today. He began capturing video of the performances and found that his own dance experience gave him an edge when it came to anticipating how to frame each shot.

Way leads to way, it seems. He next shot video for Charleston Battery soccer and then, when the TV series Palmetto Pointe came to town, he decided to take his work to the next level.

His experience as a videographer was not enough to get him a gig as a camera assistant on the set, so he signed up for an unpaid internship. That’s when the next twist of fortune occurred. “The camera assistant passed out from the heat,” he recalls. “So they handed me a slate and said, ‘okay, let’s go.’”

For Zsolt, it has always been about being at the right place at the right time with the right skills. He learned on the go, played his cards smart and became an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild. His recent credits include work on Army Wives, The New Daughter, Dear John, and The Little Red Wagon.

His video work is extraordinary, as is his still photography. “Juggling photography and motion picture work keeps me from getting too restless,” he says. “It gives me a nice balance.”

One look at his work tells the tale: that balance sure does the trick. We’re amazed, Mr. Haraszti. Sure glad it was our town in which you and your considerable talent landed.

To see Zsolt’s photography and videos, click here.
To see Zsolt’s cinematic demo reel, click here.

Story by: Jason A. Zwiker
Photos by: Jackson Lee David and Zsolt Haraszti