Join Pauline Edwards, an accomplished camera operator, as she dives into the vibrant world of reality TV and film production. She shares the unique challenges of framing scenes and maintaining emotional continuity, especially under the pressure of demanding directors. Discover what a 'swingle' is and hear about her journey navigating the industry as a female and Black operator. With personal anecdotes, Pauline highlights the camaraderie among camera operators and the technical artistry required to capture spontaneous moments on set.
A camera operator's role involves framing visuals precisely while maintaining a balance between technical execution and storytelling immersion.
In reality TV, operators must remain adaptable and ready to capture spontaneous moments, enhancing the visual narrative through unpredictability.
Deep dives
The Invisible Art of Camera Operation
A skilled camera operator plays a crucial role in television and film production, often working without drawing attention to themselves. Their primary task is to frame the visuals directed by the director and the director of photography, ensuring that both the necessary elements are included and extraneous details are excluded. This responsibility includes calling out potential issues, such as visible equipment or distractions in the frame, but they need to exercise discretion to avoid interrupting the flow of the scene unnecessarily. A good camera operator blends their work into the storytelling, allowing the audience to focus on the narrative without being distracted by technical execution.
Challenges in Unscripted TV
In unscripted television, such as reality shows, the work of a camera operator becomes even more demanding as they must be prepared for spontaneous developments. Camera operators need to anticipate moments without a predetermined script, staying alert and ready to capture unexpected events, such as a sudden conflict or a heartfelt interaction. They collaborate closely with audio mixers who help direct their attention to significant conversations quietly happening off-screen, guiding their filming choices. This dynamic environment requires a high level of adaptability, physical endurance, and the ability to think on their feet in order to deliver compelling visual storytelling.
Navigating the Hollywood Experience
Working in Hollywood, camera operators encounter a range of personalities, including challenging directors and volatile production environments, which can add stress to their job. Despite the pressure, many operators thrive on the excitement of being in the midst of creative storytelling, learning to navigate conflicts with professionalism. Experiences during projects like 'Snowfall' highlight the importance of effective communication within technical teams, as mastering equipment not only boosts confidence but also impacts overall performance. Building relationships and trust with crew members is vital for successfully executing complex shots and creating a supportive atmosphere, allowing operators like Pauline to flourish in both scripted and unscripted settings.
Framing a scene to draw in the audience, dealing with screaming directors, and getting lost in an actor's performance with Pauline Edwards, a camera operator. What's it like filming a reality TV show? And what's a "swingle"?
NEW BOOK ALERT! You may be aware that I’ve written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I’ve got a sixth book coming out in January called RESET: How to Change What’s Not Working. It’s a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.
Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.com
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What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like?
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