Operator checklist
- Nataliia Dzhura (Unlicensed)
Preparation for Filming
Planning:
Receive the filming task from the producer, which includes the topic, content, and what needs to be filmed.
Create a detailed filming plan, including where scenes will be shot and what equipment will be used. Plan what you’ll be shooting for the B-roll.
Make sure you have all the necessary permits and documents if they are required.
Equipment Check:
Ensure that your camera, lenses, microphones, and other equipment are working properly.
Charge your batteries and get the cables and accessories you need ready.
Only bring the equipment you really need for the specific shoot. Don't bring extra stuff that you won't use.
Think about what equipment is best based on the location (for example, you might not need a lot of lights if you're shooting outside, but you might need different equipment for different indoor locations). If you're not sure, ask for pictures of the location to help you decide.
Lighting Check:
Look at the lighting where you'll be filming and decide if you need extra lights, light stands, or reflectors. If you're not sure, ask for pictures of the location to help you decide.
Sound Preparation:
Make sure your microphones and audio recording equipment are working well and have charged batteries.
Check all your cables (like the ones for lavaliere microphones and connections to the audio recorder). Test your own voice recording to make sure it sounds good.
During Filming
Framing and Stabilization:
Choose the right angle and frame the scene nicely.
Use a stabilizer if you have one, or keep your camera steady so it doesn't shake.
During the shoot check the focus and ensure that the main objects are sharp.
Recording Sound:
While you're filming, make sure the sound is clear and easy to hear, and avoid things that could make noise.
Make sure the lapel microphone is placed 10 cm from the guest’s mouth towards the face.
Turn off any extra sounds that could be a problem and ask everyone involved to put their phones on silent mode.
Light Control:
Change the camera settings (like the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) to match the lighting where you're filming.
Shot Planning:
Think ahead about what shots you'll need and plan how you'll move between them so the filming goes smoothly. Always check if it will be easy for the editor to work with the shots you filmed.
After Filming
Reviewing Footage:
Watch all the footage you recorded to check that it looks good and fits the assignment.
Think about how well you followed your plan and what you can do better next time.
Handing Over Material to the Editor:
Send all the footage you filmed to the video editor, along with details about what needs to be done and the filming plan.
Backing Up:
Make copies of all the footage you filmed and keep them on a different hard drive or in a cloud storage system
For effective work on set, operators can distribute their responsibilities in the following way and be tolerant of each other:
When a director is on the set, he assigns each camera to a specific operator and specifies their roles during the shoot. An example of such a distribution with a director on set might look like this:
Operator 1:
Responsible for camera A (the main camera).
Focuses on capturing the main events and actors.
Tracks composition and framing.
Works with lenses and exposure to achieve the desired effect.
Ensures stability and quality of the footage from their perspective.
Operator 2:
Responsible for camera B (an additional camera or a moving camera).
Specializes in capturing additional angles, dynamic shots, and details.
It may capture the audience's reactions to the main events.
Handles camera angles and cinematic techniques.
Assists in setting up and adjusting any moving equipment if used.
In cases where there is no director on set, operators can distribute their responsibilities as follows:
Discuss the shooting plan before starting work determine the main angles and events to be captured, and assign each camera to an operator.
Maintain mutual communication and cooperation during the shoot to avoid overlap and conflicts between shots.
Review the video material and make adjustments to camera angles for diversity, considering the predetermined camera assignments.
Work together to create a quality and balanced image on camera A and camera B, following the agreed-upon distribution of duties.
Jointly address any issues that arise during the shoot, discuss, and make decisions regarding changes to the shooting plan, taking into account the camera assignments.