Before The Job Even Starts
OK, you landed the gig and it starts in a few weeks. What’s next?
First off, it’s worth noting that we are talking about a long-term job of a month or more, not a day-playing gig. While some of these ideas definitely happen with a day-playing gig they dont all apply. If it’s local, you don't have to worry about leaving town and taking care of everything before you do. If it’s a location show, you’ll have to add in packing and shipping equipment (if you have it), making sure things are taken care of at home, and all sorts of other things that come up. I’ll deal with that in another section, but, for now, let’s discuss what you can do to prepare for the work you will be doing.
Story
I know I’m becoming a broken record, but story is how you are going to excel at your job, particularly in understanding and being able to tell that story. The best way to prep for that?
Know the story.
Read, read, and re-read the script. On some shows I’ll read the script 10 times before we shoot, and then each scene the night before as well as the sides on the day. Know the script. It's that simple.
Do your homework on who you are working with
Working with an established director? Watch their work and see what they tend to like as far as filmmaking. You may learn something and you may not, but if nothing else, it will allow you to reference their work at some point–which always goes a long way.
Same goes for the DP. Know their work and you will hopefully get an idea for a visual style. You can also ask to meet with the DP for coffee to discuss how they see the show, how they would like you as the operator to fit in, and if nothing else, just get to show them that you are a fun, good person to be around and give them something to look forward to. Mind you, the DP has a lot more work in prep to do than you do, so be conscious of their time and understand if they can’t. One thing I will always do is send an email asking if there are any big shots to be aware of in the film and even cite specific big scenes and ask if they have decided how they will be shot. Getting out ahead of these things not only helps you prepare, but shows them that your head is in the game.
Introduce yourself to the crew
On a lot of shows I know the crew at this point, but I still find myself meeting new people. To set the tone and say hi, I will usually send out an email ahead of time to say hi to everyone, introduce myself, and discuss safety on set and our job in that area. I’ll usually keep it brief, keep it funny, and let them know how much I am looking forward to working with them. The safety aspect gives me a good reason to reach out and at the same time sets the tone that I am full in on helping make sure that our set is run safely.
Head to prep if you can
As a Steadicam operator, I generally have to be at the prep to get my gear ready but many operators don't have to be. I always suggest that, if they can, operators who don't know the camera crew, head to set for lunch one day just to say hi and stick their heads in. If you work it out with the assistants you can carve out some time to set up your handheld build, so they know what you like and it affords you some time ahead of time to see who people are, get to know their attitudes, and generally get the lay of the land so you can hit the ground running on day one.
Prepare to disappear
Assuming this is a long gig, you are going to be working 12 hours a day 5 days a week for the next few months. As a result, a good part of your life is going to come to a halt. Doctors appts, dentist appts, taxes, getting your oil changed, finishing house projects, you name it, it’s all going to be tough to wrangle, so, while you have the time, look ahead in the calendar to your end date (and if you are smart, add a week or so) and see what will need to be done. If you can get it done before you start, do it. You’ll be glad you did.
On a personal level, spend extra time with your spouse, with your kids, with your dog, whoever is important in your life. Yes, you will be coming home at the end of the night but it will basically be to sleep and answer a few emails. You’ll be present but you will be stepping out of their lives for a bit, and it’s a tightrope walk for sure. As a result, seize those moments you have free to cram in some life so, in the end, it makes up for you not being there. And if you have babies, well, just forget it, because when you get home from work and are exhausted, your spouse at home is going to be even more exhausted and, trust me, you’ll have night work to do. Its part of the gig, and if it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.
