What is your favorite part of being a camera operator? Why do you love it?
I love that while there are many people responsible for creating the individual shots that comprise a movie or TV show, we as operators are the people who are physically controlling the frame during the shot. What we do couldn’t happen without everyone else’s contribution, but we are the ones setting the frame and adjusting it while the camera rolls, and that is a special stamp we put on every project we do.
There is simply nothing better than being in a tight closeup with an amazing actor delivering an impassioned performance, or a pyro and stunt-heavy shot with multiple cues going off without a hitch…it just doesn’t get any better. We have a lot of responsibility, and the job isn’t always easy mentally or physically…but the joyous moments where you know you nailed a fantastic shot make up for any discomfort or stress. It truly is the best job on set.
There’s that moment after they call roll camera where you know you are about to be on. You have gone through the shot in your mind many tiems, hopefully rehearsed (maybe maybe not) and now it’s go time. You aren’t the only one who has to nail it, but if you don’t, its no good. Its just a great feeling. And when you nail it, it’s like hitting that perfect golf ball or sinking a three pointer with nothing but net. Such a great feeling.
Personally, its being four feet from great actors. I have the best seat in the house and I get paid to sit in it. And while we have talked through the shot and maybe even rehearsed, at the end of the day, I’m making the final decisions on framing and storytelling as I react to whatever is going on in front of me. Its often dull but when it’s magic, its extremely cool. I’ve been lucky enough to film a few of those performances and hope I do a few more before my time is through.
Best job on set. What’s not to love?
My favorite part of the job is when there's that rush at the end of a complicated shot that required ingenuity from all involved to pull it off.
The actors put in a world-beating performance; the grip/camera team nailed camera position, focus, framing, and timing; the lighting was just perfect; sound got what they needed without compromise; the props all worked; the set looks great; and when the director--who had a vision of this difficult moment rattling around in their head keeping them awake at night for weeks--calls cut, they light up realizing that imagined moment has now become a reality, and everyone cheers wildly.
Love that!
