1st AC Liza Bambenek discusses the camera department roles and responsibilities, mentorship, female representation, and the evolution of the Santa Fe film market on the Team Deakins Podcast.
Transitioning from loader to 1st AC requires learning and adapting to new technologies for efficient camera department operations.
Prep time is crucial in overcoming equipment challenges in remote filming locations, emphasizing the need for strategic problem-solving in production.
Increasing female representation in camera crews showcases a positive trend towards gender diversity, emphasizing the value of mentorship and equitable opportunities for women in the film industry.
Deep dives
Career Path and Influences
Growing up in Winona, Minnesota, Liza Bambenek's love for movies and TV shows stemmed from her father's influence as a photographer. Exposure to still photography and darkroom processes shaped her early interests. Despite having a background in science and math, she found her passion for films at the College of Santa Fe, eventually transitioning to the independent film world after mentors guided her towards a career in cinematography.
Evolution in the Industry
Starting as a loader, Liza Bambenek navigated her journey from New York to New Mexico, eventually becoming a first assistant camera. The progression involved learning nuances of each role, from managing film and batteries as a loader to overseeing equipment and labor scheduling as a first assistant. The shift from film to digital cinematography necessitated adapting to new technologies, such as Light Ranger and Focusbug, for enhanced operational efficiency.
Preparation and Challenges in New Mexico
Prepping jobs in New Mexico posed unique challenges due to the distance from major equipment sources. Despite local rental houses and satellite offices, delays in equipment delivery due to external factors required strategic problem-solving. Adequate prep time was highlighted as essential for thorough equipment testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring seamless production workflows. The industry's fast-paced nature post-COVID emphasized the value of comprehensive pre-production and learning to adapt to evolving filming technologies for efficient on-set operations.
The Shift Towards Female Representation in the Camera Department
Over the course of 25 years in the industry, the representation of women in camera departments has significantly increased, reflecting a positive trend towards gender diversity. The shift has been noticed with more women taking on roles ranging from loader to focus puller and even DP. The podcast guest mentions that she now predominantly hires women in her department due to their competence and skills, illustrating a deliberate effort towards fostering gender diversity within the camera crew.
Advantages of Female Mentorship and Opportunities in Film Industry
The podcast discussion highlights the crucial role of female mentorship in providing opportunities for women in the film industry. The guest emphasizes the importance of having mentors who understand and support their experiences, facilitating career progression. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the necessity of proper training and mentorship to avoid merely filling gender quotas without adequate preparation, underscoring the significance of equitable opportunities and professional development in fostering a diverse and skilled workforce.
1st assistant cameraperson Liza Bambenek (THE CURSE, THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS, SICARIO) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. We get a full breakdown of the camera department in this episode, and we discuss the duties and responsibilities of the different positions with Liza. We had the pleasure of working with her on SICARIO and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, and we can attest to her expertise. From small town Minnesota down a winding path to Santa Fe, Liza reflects on her life and career throughout the episode, and we consider the qualities we find most helpful in a member of the team and the characteristics commonly found in the world of filmmaking that inspire us to keep creating. We also discuss the importance of mentorship and the strength and responsibility of admitting that you don’t know something to your teammates. Liza later reflects on the evolution of female representation in the camera department and in crews overall, and she shares how the Santa Fe film market has matured since its implementation of film incentives.
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This episode is sponsored by Godox
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