Production Role: Camera Operator

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a) Key Functions

The key function of the camera operator is to physically operate a camera and maintain different angles and compositions to film everything during a shot or scene. The camera operator needs to connect and talk to the director of photography (DoP) to fulfill their role and get the perfect composition for the shot because the DoP is an expert at imagining the scene and what would be needed to get the vision they have. The camera can help with this because they can change angles to get certain shots which represent different ideas to the audience.

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b) Equipment Used

When making a film, there are quite a few types of cameras and machinery that help the camera with certain movements and positions that the camera operator must be able to use because there are many scenes in a film that have unique, difficult angles and compositions which only certain cameras, movements or positions can shoot. Production cameras from different brands and also cameras operators will need to know how to use focus puller and dolly/track.

 

c) Skills Needed

Being a camera operator can be physically exhausting and sometimes even mentally draining because being a camera operator takes a lot of  patience, physical strength and concentration. Other skills needed are communication and verbal skills because you are expected to talk and listen with other people such as the DoP. If you had not listened properly to someone in charge of you and get the task wrong, it uses up time and resources when filming. The camera operator also needs to work along time scales and work with changes in the production. and have patience android attention to detail.

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Production Role: Gaffer

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a) Key Functions

A gaffer is the head electrician who's role is to design and execute a lighting plan for the production of the film. They are in charge of all lighting techniques and equipment and, much like camera operators, they need to discuss with other crew members such as the DoP because camera operators and gaffers need to connect so that lighting and camera positions are perfect for the shot. If the camera operator and gaffer do not work with each other or are not connected in some way, it will be difficult for the shot to have a clean finish.

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b) Equipment Used

The gaffer is responsible for using lighting instruments and managing electrical equipment. They need to be able to work and function a lighting instrument as well as manage electrical appliances that support the equipment on set. Lighting equipment would include LED lights and tungsten lights for different sevens and lighting effects.

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c) Skills Needed

Gaffers need to be creative because they work on the shots of each scene and must always find ways to make it look good. Just like camera operators, they need to be patient because their is a lot of discussion that goes into decided what is best for the scene. One other important skill is problem solving skills because sometimes equipment make break down or things will happen out of your control so you will need to find solutions. Another skill they need, just like the camera assistant is to being able to work with changes during production so that the scene is correctly made and deal with pressure.

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MERIT - Contribution and Responsibilities 

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There are many similarities and differences between a gaffer and camera operator.  I am going to compare these roles in regards to their responsibilities and contributions to a production. Both gaffer and camera assistant have similarities with each other because they both contribute to make the scenes of the film visually pleasing. If they do not work with each other in any way, the lighting may not be in the correct position with the shot that the camera views, creating an unclear or unpleasant scene.  They both also work with the DoP, who is in charge of them, to get the lighting and camera position perfect for the shot. Because they both have to work with the DoP then they are both required to have communication skills. There is also big differences between the two department roles because a gaffer is in charge of lighting equipment and electrical appliances on set whereas a camera assistant is always on the camera filming the scene. There are many similarities between the responsibilities between a camera operator and gaffer because they both are responsible for managing and operating important equipment. they are both responsible for the upkeep and margin sure the equipment is running and it should and no repairs or faults have occurred that would slow the production down.