Camera Operator

When working as a camera operator its really important to know the script, the actors, the stand ins, as well as everyones character name and their real name.

To make this easier operators will often times tape the actor portion of the call sheet to the camera to be able to quickly recall peoples names. More than just their names, you should introduce yourself to every actor that comes on set as eventually you'll have to ask them to move to the left or right and its much easier to ask them to do things if they have met you before.

Cameras should go into the set based on their letter. A Camera first, then B, then C. This allows them to setup their shot before you have to figure out how to work around them. B camera very rarely should ask A Camera to change their shot, A should get priority.

While this will depend on the DP that you're working with, once you are framing up your shot, you should have a good idea of what the DP wants. If you're getting an over the shoulder and the actors are stacked, try and move to the left and right to see if you can fix the problem on your own. If you can't fix the problem, you can either talk with the other operators about moving the actors, or ask the DP's permission to move people. Come to the DP with a solution on how to resolve the problem instead of just saying you can't get the shot.

Short Operators

It can be difficult if you are shorter than average height as an operator when working handheld. It will be more difficult to just shoulder the camera and be at someones eye-level. There are a few things you can do to resolve this problem. Most fixes will only give you 1-3 inches, but with many solutions compounded, you can get to an average eye level height.

• Wear platform shoes

This can be good, but will only gain you a few inches of height.

• Use an Easy Rig without a Kong Frog Clamp or with the Standard Hook Adapter

Easy rigs height can be adjusted to allow someone to operate above their own shoulder level.

• Use a dovetail shoulder pad

This again will give you additional height.

• ZeeGee

This is a more dramatic fix, but using the ZeeGee with an arm and vest allows you to operate above shoulder height much easier and with less fatigue.

• Apple Boxes

This is not the greatest solution as its very limiting as you can only lay down so many apple boxes. It is a fine last minute solution to get more height.