The Complete Guide to Film and Digital Production, 3rd Edition

9

The Camera Department

The camera department, like the art department, is one of the few departments whose entire work is seen on screen. Camera people are extremely meticulous. Every little focal length and film roll must be tended to with care. This is one department where using only a few people because of the budget could cause you trouble. Furthermore, in this department it is important that your crew have experience. With experience also comes a sense of urgency that is very valuable on set. A slow camera team can slow down your shoot like no other department.

Camera teams usually work together on a regular basis. I once worked on a film where the director of photography (DP) was fired. Not only did the camera team leave with him, but ...