Cam Op

The Camera Operator is the person who operates the camera

Where the DP controls the look of the film, the Cam Op is the more technical role. Their sole focus is the camera.

The Cam Op reports to the DP. The Cam Op line manages the 1st AC, who in turn line manages the 2nd AC.

The Cam Op is the one who presses record. They are the one to format the camera card. They focus on operating the camera while the DP liaises with other departments.

In an AOTS project, the Cam Op is optional. We often run a shoot with the DP and 2 camera and lighting assistants. When there is no Cam Op, the DP operates the camera.