Camera Operator

Good evening one all, today I am coming to talk to you about camera operator according to Creative Skillset http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3073_camera_operator

Carry Operators carry out the Director of Photography’s and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. They are usually the first people to use the camera’s eyepiece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience.

 

Camera Operators usually start at the end of pre-production and attend technical recces with other Head of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Director and Grip, and are responsible for the First Assistant Camera (1st AC), Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC) and the Camera Trainee.

 

After the Director and DoP have rehearsed and blocked the shots, the Camera Operator and DoP decide where to position the camera and what lenses and supporting equipment to use. Camera Operators liaise with the Grip and other Heads of Department, and keep them informed about how the position and movement of the camera might impact on their workload.

 

During shooting, Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, enabling the DoP to concentrate intensively on lighting and overall visual style.

 

Camera Operators make sure the camera and equipment are prepared for the required set-ups and ready for any last-minute changes. They must be able to multi-task and to watch, listen and think on their feet while carrying out complex technical tasks.

 

They liaise closely with the Director, fine-tuning the exact details of each shot, suggesting creative improvements or alternatives. They supervise the logistics of moving the camera, and oversee the Camera maintenance work carried out by the Focus Puller and the 2nd AC.

 

Camera Operators work closely with performers, guiding them on what can and cannot be seen by the camera. As DoPs now also operate the camera on smaller films, many Camera Operators specialize in the operation of other precision equipment, such as Remote Heads or Steadicam. Most also work on commercials, promos and television drama.

 

The DoP or Director often asks for a specific Camera Operator, who in turn makes recommendations about the rest of the camera and grip departments.

The work is physically demanding, and requires high levels of strength and stamina. Hours are long (12-14 hours a day) and some foreign travel may be required, involving long periods spent away from base.

 

To do this role, you will need to:

  • Know how to operate the camera expertly
  • Have good working knowledge of all camera systems, lenses, support equipment and accessories
  • Provide creative input
  • Have artistic ability
  • Be patient
  • Have a good sense of visual composition, perspective and movement
  • Have physical co-ordination and strength
  • Combine creativity with technical skills
  • Pay precise attention to detail
  • Communicate effectively
  • Be able to collaborate and work as part of a team
  • Be diplomatic and sensitive when working with artists and crew
  • Know about health and safety legislation and procedures

 

Have you thought about what it takes to be a camera operator? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Video editing

Good evening one all, today I am coming to talk to you about video editing according to Media College.com (http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/tutorial/definition.html)

Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a new work. Editing is usually considered to be one part of the post production process – other post-production tasks include titling, color correction, sound mixing etc.

Many people use the term editing to describe all their post-production work, especially in non-professional situations. The following terminology falls under the meaning of editing:

  • Rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips
  • Applying color correction, filters and other enhancements
  • Creating transitions between clips

When you are editing your video or film you should first determine what is required in editing.

Time: When editing your project, it’s important to know how long is the video once you have determined the length you can move on to the next step.

Removing unwanted footage: Simply getting rid of the flawed or unwanted bits

Choose the best footage: Normally while filming you would take numerous shots of the area you are working or the events being performed, that way you can review and choose what footage you would like to use.

 Create a flow: Telling a story or providing information from the footage you have taken,

Add effects, graphics, music, etc.: Improving your project by doing a little extra to the film will have your customer lost for words by how well you made the film look.

Alter the style, pace or mood of the video: Techniques such as mood music and visual effects can influence how the audience will react.

Give the video an angle: Video can be tailored to support a certain viewpoint to tell a story of what is being filmed.

Have you thought about what it takes to edit a video? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

 

 

Internship

Hello everyone, I want to invite you to follow me as I take you on a journey through the Life of an Intern. I am currently doing my internship in Northern Cambria, PA at Cam-Ron Video Production as a television production assistant, a Television production assistant are responsible for providing administrative and organizational support to senior production staff prior to, during and after production of a program. My role as a television production assistant is different from the standard definition given about the position, my role in this job is to edit previously recorded performances that occurred prior to me working for the company. When we go filming I am required to help carry equipment into the facility or the area outside once I have helped move the equipment to the location we will unpack everything and start laying wire, once the wire is laid it time to check the audio, cameras and the people you are filming to make sure no last-minute changes have been made.

I drive 226 miles every day from Youngstown, OH to Northern Cambria, Pa plus I have driven even further to different locations to perform my duties as an intern. In doing this job I have been able to learn how to run the video switcher which allows you to switch from three different cameras to catch the right shot of the performance. Before you can even get that far I must lay wire from the switcher to the different cameras plus sound microphone wire from the stage, podium or audience to get the right sound of the performance. When it comes to outside filming you are required to be patient with the outside elements because you cannot control the environment. It has taken us two days to film one episode all because we ran into issues we had not control over; the first obstacle we came across was the landscapers wanting to cut grass the same time we were filming which caused us to leave and drive another park; the second obstacle was the wind blowing causing noise on the microphone, messing up the hair of our actor, and blow our props around; the third obstacle was the sun and clouds at one moment the sun was shining bright and then the clouds would cause a cover that I had to use a reflector to catch any light if possible.

Have you had similar experience while doing your internship, if so please with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Life of a intern

Once you start down the road of learning your profession from the experience people you are working with or working for you will truly know if the education you have gotten will pay off in real world.