BSA 131 (Digital Filmmaking I) Week 11 : Craft Roles

September 27, 2017

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.

Hierarchy of cinematography department:

- DOP

- Camera Operator

- First Assistant Camera (AC)

- Second AC

- Third AC

Director of Photography

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 1^st AC and 2^nd 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.