Camera PA

[cnabers]

MR. Mullen-

What are the typical duties of a Camera PA on a professional set? Is it a good way to get started if my goal is to become a DP?


Thanks
Chris Nabers

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Camera PA's sort of help out where needed. Sometimes they act more like an assistant to the DP, other times they are more in the camera truck helping the AC's (moving cases, running cable, going back and forth to the truck, etc.) It's a good way to learn what a camera department does and make contacts.

Sure, it's one method among many that will help you understand what a DP does. I wish I had had the opportunity to see other DP's at work -- I'm sort of self-taught.

But at some point, if you want to be a DP, you have to go light & shoot.