Thinking about what the camera crews go through in filming movies or TV shows, and wondering what’s the worst of those jobs? The “Dirty Jobs” camera crew had to deal with some awful places, smells, and so forth. The folks on “Deadliest Catch” must go through some truly harrowing times in heavy storm seas. Even the guys on “The Incredible Dr. Pol” had to contend with some mighty gruesome stuff while trying not to get run over by a massive bovine. And I haven’t even begun to consider what movie crews go through sometimes.
Any other candidates for the worst gig? I’d especially enjoy (for certain values of “enjoy”) hearing from folks who’ve been there, done that, managed not to lose their lunch or get folded, spindled, and mutilated in the course of their duties.
There was a case recently where the cinematographer took a bullet in the chest and died, though that is not exactly routine. But you can imagine filming in active war zones.
The camera operators on OP Live/Live PD often put themselves in danger. Filming people that are actively angry that they’re (the police and/or cameras) there. Following cops on a foot pursuit at night through the woods. Being in high speed chases in busy areas etc. And it seems like they never get tired. Those camera guys not only keep up with the cops, but sometimes even get ahead of them, but I’m guessing they’re in better shape.
I remember listening to the Walking Dead Podcast and the host mentioned that steadicam operators go to a training camp where they learn how to do things like running across rooftops or chasing someone through a house while still filming.
Frank (“Walking Dead”) Darabont had two Steadi-cam operators while filming The Mist. They worked around each other seamlessly — one was up while the other down, one’s left while the other’s right, etc. If you get a chance to see it and just pay attention to the camera work, you’ll be impressed. The DVD has a section detailing the cinematography.
As someone with, I think, a very rational and justified distrust of heights, cinematographers should tell any film-maker wanting to do a doco on free-climbing, base jumping, crossing between buildings on a tightrope, etc to just fuck off and leave them alone.
