Team Deakins ANDY HARRIS - 1st AC
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Dec 14, 2022 Andy Harris, a talented first assistant cameraman renowned for his work on films like The Tragedy of Macbeth and 1917, shares insights from his cinematic journey. He discusses the delicate art of reading the room and actors to determine ideal marking spots. Harris also highlights the contrasting dynamics of working directly with the camera versus monitoring from afar. With anecdotes from filming in diverse locations like Rome and the Atlas Mountains, he emphasizes the importance of trust, mentorship, and adaptability in the fast-paced world of film.
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Andy Harris' Career Start
- Andy Harris began his film career after high school in photography and sound recording.
- He transitioned from being a cook to PA, then loader, and eventually to 1st AC through hands-on experience.
Manage Department with Calm Adaptation
- Run the camera department by staying calm and attentive to the DP, operator, director, and actors.
- Adapt your focus marks to the actor's natural movement rather than forcing fixed marks.
Reading Actors and Geography
- Andy reads actor and room dynamics instead of relying heavily on fixed marks.
- He favors playing to the geography of the space, trusting actors to move near their marks naturally.