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Camera

The camera department is helmed by the Director of Photography (DOP or DP), who collaborates with the Director to capture and shoot the production.

What does working in this department look like?

The work in this department covers all aspects from creative, technical, and physical. Various techniques include setting up the shot, making sure the shot is in focus, handling and operating equipment, as well as coordinating with the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) in preparing dailies.

The Camera Team is often broken up into the following craft categories:

Motion Picture Technicians
3D Technicians
Digital Technicians
Video Technicians
Playback Technicians
Remote System Technicians
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Category
Still Photography
Publicity
Aerial Photography Technicians
Special Photography Technicians

Skills needed

Working in the camera department typically requires extensive on-the-job training with hands-on expertise in the various types of equipment used.

This experience can be gained through education and working on independent films, commercials or movies of the week (which has the advantage of accruing the requisite paid days of work to qualify for membership in ICG 669, the labour organization who represents the camera department).

Another path to this knowledge and experience in British Columbia is to join the ICG 669 Camera Trainee program which has a structured program providing training and work experience on a variety of productions.