James Fortier shoots Jennifer Montana for
the CBS Super Bowl Preview Show, 1995
"Isn't a DP a cameraman too?" I'm asked that
question all the time. The answer is yes; however, a Cameraman or Operator
is not always a DP. On larger film shoots it's common for a DP to have one
or more "operators" who do the actual camera moves. In television
production, camera operators can be either the "DP," such as on
single camera film style shoots, or simply the "cameraman," such
as on multi-camera studio or sports productions, ENG shoots, or the lowly
"document the speaker" production. The difference, above and beyond
experience and skill lies in, once again, the day rates. A DP usually charges
a much higher day rate than a Cameraman or Operator. In addition, a DP knows
how to light with style and flare. A Cameraman can usually get by lighting
a news style talking head (i.e., one light above and to the left of the
camera pointing straight at the subject). On mulit-camera shoots and other
event and sports shoots Camera Operators simply show up and "run camera"
with no input for lighting at all. For television, this is the more acurate
defintion of Camera Operator. "Lighting Cameraman" is a term sometimes
used by shooters who work primarily in video, and typically shoot interviews
and B-Roll footage for corporate/industrial, cable, broadcast and news magazine
productions.These types of productions are typically done with smaller budgets
and within a shorter timeframe, i.e., cheap and quick. Their "run 'n
gun" approach does not allow for the many elements a DP would utilize
such as dolly shots, filters, special lighting techniques and elaborate
camera moves. In the final analysis, if there's lighting involved you are
no longer just a camera operator and your day rate should reflect that.
However, a good studio or event Camera Operator is not to be taken lightly.
It takes years of experience and a good eye for composition to demand and
get a decent rate as a Camera Operator. There's a lot more to it than just
pointing the camera and zooming and panning and tilting. There are many
Camera Operators who make a good income because of their specialty camera
work, particularly handheld and long lens work for Professional Sports.
