BSA 131 (Digital Filmmaking I) Week 11 : Craft Roles
The Camera Department
In class we were assigned the task of researching specific roles in the industry, my group got the Director of Photography and Camera Operator, below are our findings.
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DOP
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Camera Operator
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First Assistant Camera (AC)
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Second AC
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Third AC
As the industry progressed so did the roles of the crew. It
used to be that there was only one person working with the camera, the camera
operator. Since it’s changed and a much more definitive hierarchy now exists. The
top of the pecking order is the Director of Photography, the person in charge
of what the film looks like. They converse with the director directly and
decide what the composition, lighting, exposure and general look of a shot
should be. The DOP has a lot of creative say in the final product and have to
manage the camera crew and lighting apartment to achieve their and the
directors vision. The relationship between the DOP and Director is
collaborative, while all other crew fall under the director, the DOP works with
him to achieve a mutually agreed upon vision.
Like the rest of the camera crew the DOP needs to have good
technical knowledge of the camera and lighting, but an essential skill that
puts them apart is that they need to be able to creatively make quick
decisions. They take a leadership role wherein problem solving is a vital
trait, but they also need to be team orientated in order to meet the director
halfway. Communication is very important for someone in this position, they
need to be able to give and receive orders.
The DOP’s role in post-production is minimal, they are
needed mainly for the production stage. They do help in pre-production by
creating a visual identity for the picture and translating the script into
shots. They even work with the production designers, art directors, set
dressers and wardrobe department to establish the looks of the film.
Camera operator
The camera operator is someone who operates the camera,
doing the shots the DOP and the Director has planned. They are assisted by the
1st AC and 2nd AC.
The camera operator also manages the camera department on a
shoot.
They have a good understanding of different camera systems,
lenses and equipment being able to use them without hesitation.
Camera operators have to pay particular attention to the set
to make sure nothing interferes with their department. This could mean that
they have to let know if the lights need to be turned up or down, where the
camera is placed making sure it us viable. They work closely with the grip
departments as well. After a scene has been blocked, the DOP and Camera
operator would figure out where to place the camera, the operator will then
talk to the grip department on the movement of the camera. The camera operator
needs to think quickly on their feet and make decisions on the shoot to ensure
it runs smoothly.
They are also in charge of the safety of the camera
equipment, if filming in harsh conditions the camera would need to be protected
at all times.
In the Low budget film scene, the DOP and Camera operator
will often be the same person to save on costs. The problem with this however
is that DOP’s cannot concentrate on the artistic vision of the production,
constantly having to communicate with other departments.
Excellent - thanks, Bo. Occasionally, DOPs can come in to consult on the colour grade, too!
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