1. The Camera Department The Complete Guide to Film & Digital Production:
The People and The Process
Lorene M. Wales, Ph.D.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

2. DP Pre-Production Decides on stock.
Hires the gaffer, key grip, camera operator and sometimes the 1st A.C.
Determines camera package.
Meets with director and discusses each scene to see how the photography will match the vision of the film.
Runs hair, makeup & sometimes stock tests.
Meets with gaffer.
Goes on location scouts.
Usually flies first class to the location (except on low budget shoots).
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

3. DP Production
Supervises the lighting of the set and the work of the camera.
Checks the lighting for proper exposure.
Takes and gives the meter reading to the 1st A.C. after confirming it with the gaffer.
Constantly watches the photography to make sure the vision is being achieved.
Attends dailies.
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4. Camera Operator Responsible for the care and condition of the camera.
Runs the camera.
Usually has a working knowledge of how to fix a camera.
May check the height and level on the tripod (sticks).
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5. 1st AC Responsible for checking the height and level on tripod.
Sets the exposure on the camera as given by D.P.
Possibly hires the 2nd A.C.
Measures and pulls focus.
Assists the camera operator with any needs as necessary.
Checks the gate after a setup is finished (if using film).
May load film magazines (if there is no 2nd A.C.).
Cleans camera lens.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

6. 2nd AC Sometimes loads magazines (if shooting film).
Operates slate or clapper
Writes camera reports.
Fills out film stock summary report.
Sets up, runs and maintains the monitor for director.
Packages film for shipping.
Gives camera reports and film to the 2nd AD.
Cleans lenses (if not done by the 1st A.C).
Runs magazines from camera truck to set and back.
Responsible for moving camera boxes.
Gives footage of each take to script supervisor.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

7. Other Positions in the Camera Department
Clapper/Loader
Camera P.A.
Video Assist
At the beginning of the day, sets up video playback close to camera. When the director moves, he/she moves the monitor into position so it is close by the director. Records everything on video. Turns in all video at the end of the day so the director has access to it at any time.
Steadicam
Special Operators
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8. Operations
The night before, film (if applicable) for the next day is loaded.
Crew arrives and unloads the camera and accessories.
Crew arrives on set and finds out where the first set up is.
Stages all the camera boxes so they are close to camera.
The 1st A.C. or 2nd A.C. puts the mag on the camera.
Once lighting is almost set, moves the camera into place.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

9. Camera Team Operations
Once stand-ins are in place, the 1st A.C. measures focus and adjusts the focus knob.
Once the D.P. determines the exposure, the 1st A.C. sets the exposure.
The camera team stands by for rehearsals and shooting.
Throughout the day, loads new mags onto the camera.
At the end of the day, wraps the camera and returns it to the camera truck.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

10. Other Camera Issues Stock Processing & Printing Dailies
Behind-the-Scenes – DVD
Tests
The Camera Package
© 2017 Taylor & Francis

11. Conclusion
The DP is responsible for camera, grip and electric. The DP works to achieve photographic excellence in line with the director’s vision.
The camera crew can consist of the DIT, the camera operator and one or two assistants or may include additional operators for complicated shots or shots that need to be covered from many angles. Camera operators can be highly specialized, such as the steadicam operator and aerial and underwater operators.
Finally, in addition to main unit camera operators, small camera crews also frequent the set, shooting featurettes and behind-the-scenes footage for DVD release.
© 2017 Taylor & Francis