‘A’ Camera is the Meat. ‘B’ Camera is the Sauce.

A two-camera show will have an A Cam and a B Cam (and on some days a C, D, and E cam). The A Cam team is the main team who generally does every shot, including the master. The B cam team will often come in on coverage, if shooting two cameras, to do an off angle.

I’ve made my career as an A Camera operator and newer ops are always surprised to learn that I am always happy to go in on B camera jobs. Why? Because B camera kind of rocks. Sure, A cam is getting the glory, always in the game, and is the big cheese, but a good B cam op can have more fun than you can possibly know.

First off, there is often less of a spotlight on B cam, so there is the opportunity to pitch cool stuff. A cam is the meat, B cam is the sauce. Yes, A cam is doing the big shot that tells the story, but, often, B cam can pick up a piece that truly explains what is going on.

A good B cam op is always watching, always listening, and, most importantly, knows when to pitch a shot and when to shut up. They know the style of the show, what equipment is at their disposal, and, most importantly, recognize that their job is to be seamless and to add to the pie. Considering things like how much time it will take, if lighting will be an issue, what gear will have to be moved, and how the editor might use it, a B cam op who is smart can quietly grab the DP’s ear (it’s important to pitch to the DP and not the director because if the Director hears it first it may put the DP in a bad posiiton) and ask if this shot or that shot has any value for them. 

I find that as an A cam op, when I'm working with a good B cam op, I’m constantly psyched at what I am setting up, and then see what they have and think “Why didn’t I see that?” And that’s the way you want it to work. There’s a constant one-upmanship going on—in a good way—to see who can do more interesting work. And when I’m B cam? Well, I’m sitting back watching what’s going on, always ready to jump in the game, offering shots when I recognize the ones that have value, and not being upset if they aren’t considered (because, of course, I don't have all the info that the DP does). But mostly, I’m sitting back and silently judging the A cam op, watching what they are doing and thinking what would I do in that situation. Judging... always judging.

(That last part is a joke… sort of… not really… but good natured.)