Incomplete Advice for a First Time Operator
A friend called me a ways back freaked out about his first gig as a B cam operator. After getting off the phone I put this together and sent it. Some things I wish I had known when I first started out but by no means complete.
There are no perfect shots. Forget that idea. There are shots that work and shots that dont but EVERY shot can always be improved on.
When you are given your shot start out by looking for assassins. What is going to impede you from success? Glass, Mirrors, gear, trees in the way, you name it. Start by getting over the hurdles that will stop the shot from happening. Once you have done that, start to finesse. Keep on molding and every take ask yourself what didn’t work and/or what can be better. In fact, as soon as you see the space start looking at where the assassins are so you are ahead of it.
Ask other people. No one has all the answers. You shouldn’t either. We all ask.
Trust in your dolly grip but also keep an eye. Remember at the end of the day you have to pull off this shot. I usually start out by telling them the shot and seeing what they do. If I agree with it, I know we are on the same page (dolly track, boards, etc).
If you are deciding where the lens is, figure out what you want, and ask yourself why it’s there. What do you like about it. This is a luxury that only time will give you but if you can tell yourself why you decided the camera is there it’s likely a good shot. If you have no answer, it’s a crapshoot.
Generally speaking I have found that the simpler the shot is the better it is as a storytelling device. Look for assassins, finesse, simplify - not always in that order but all three of those.
If you are on B cam and laying dolly track that you think may get into the A cams shot at one end, ask for that end to be a four foot piece, or even a two foot piece. Easy to pull off in case that happens and shows you are looking out for them. Prepare for the unexpected.
Commit. Standing someone up, panning someone out, etc etc. If you commit and the actor bucks, might work, might not. If you dont commit to the move and hesitate to go back and grab them, it’s likely unusable. Commit. You might end up finding something and you may get looked down upon, but at least you went for it. The alternative is never good.
Read the script. Re-read the script. Read the sides. Know the story and you will know what is needed. You’ll become invaluable.
Ask your AC not to cut the camera until the actor breaks, not when the director calls cut. This is generally a few seconds and no one will know but occasionally you will be rolling for a final moment that is absolutely real, true, and what we are all striving to capture, as the actor can still be in that moment a second or two longer. The stuff you get may be gold and if you dont, no one will ever notice.
When you aren’t operating, watch the monitors and ask yourself why the A cam is doing that and what you would do and why. It’s a constant learning opportunity. Sit with the A Cam op at lunch and talk. Get to know them. Establish a relationship.
When A cam is setting up a crane shot and you aren’t working, listen in on the headsets.
Watch your dailies and watch the A cam dailies. Learn. Constantly re-assess. What can be better.
Remember that the one person who will get in your way the most on set is the person reading this sentence right now. Stay out of your head. You will screw up. Everybody does. The great operators learn early on how to put that in a box and move forward. You already know this as a great 1st so the concept isn’t hard. You’ll just be doubting yourself. So breath, think, know the story, be smart, listen, and sadly for all of us who will miss you as a focus puller, you’ll do an amazing job.
Good luck and have fun. Text me anytime if you need anything or just need to download.
