The Op

How to Succeed as a Production Assistant (Part 1)

A friend pointed out that most people starting out are not going to jump into camera (if that is their goal) and instead will probably start out as PAs on whatever show they can get on. So today we are talking to Lauren Senger (Key PA), Jeff Sweeney (Key PA) and Ana Pellar (First Team PA) about the dos and don'ts, what to do the moment you park your car on day one, and much much more. Take a peak into the world of the PA and find out what it takes to succeed!
You can access Jeff Sweeney's PA Crash Course that we discuss here.
Lauren's Instagram
Jeff's Instagram 
Ana's baking instagram and website.
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

The DP/Operator Relationship - A Conversation with Cinematographer Jeff Jur and Operator Don Devine

Jeff Jur, ASC and Don Devine, SOC have been working together for 35 years and have created some incredible images. In a conversation with the two of them we discuss the operator/DP relationship, how super secret rehearsals work, Bridgerton, The Big Picture, and much much more.
Jeff's IMDB
Don's IMDB
Please check us out on our website and on instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert
 

Stand In Leah Lackey

Leah discusses the job of the stand in, what its like to bake for celebrities and the importance of homemade pies, doing your homework, Ozark, Prisoners, and so much more.
Leah's IMDB
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

Bonus Ep: Stunts and The Op

A discussion with Operator Mick Froehlich who has done huge second unit stunts about what to expect when you're working around stunts, how to stay safe, what to look for, and a whole bunch more.
It should be noted that Mick is not a stunt coordinator or an expert, but someone with a lot of experience who felt it was important to talk about this considering the recent accident that happened on a feature in Atlanta.
Stay safe, pay attention, ask questions, be informed.
 
For more info, videos, and links about Safety On Set visit www.theop.io/safety

Cinematographer Alan Caso, ASC

Alan discusses the differences between critique and criticism, his first time seeing a 35mm camera, Six Feet Under, George Wallace, building a network of co-workers, and so much more. This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at The Savannah College of Art and Design where Alan is a professor.
 
Alan's IMDB
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

Operator Mick Froehlich, SOC

Mick discusses starting out in trash TV, flipping back and forth from A Cam to B cam, Indiana Jones, Girls Trip, Hidden Figures, and so much more. Since this podcast was recorded, Mick was nominated for the SOC Operator of the Year for his outstanding work on Leave The World Behind which wasn't out yet.
Mick's IMDB
Mick's Instagram
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

What Went Wrong - Gun Safety w/Larry Zanoff

What Went Wrong, one of the best podcasts out there, full stop, that also happens to be about the film industry, did a below the line interview with the great Larry Zanoff, an armorer in the biz, where they discussed gun safety.
I highly recommend listening to this episode to ANYONE working in the film industry. A lot of great info. And if you haven't seen it, check out the Local 600 Gun Safety Video with none other than.....Larry Zanoff!
Finally, if you like these folks, check out their podcast What Went Wrong on all sorts of platforms. All the episodes are fantastic but if you are looking for somewhere to start, Roar, Island of Dr. Moreau, or anything with James Cameron will hook you right in.
What Went Wrong
 
 

Operator Gretchen Warthen, SOC

Gretchen discusses better tips for great handheld, what it's like to be the only operator on a reality series for long shifts, The Real World, Making It, and a whole lot more.
Gretchen's IMDB
LadyCameraGuy, Gretchen's amazing instagram account
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

Operator Kate Larose

Kate and I talk about the importance of the dolly grip, what it’s like to move for 1st AC to B Op and then to A Op, communication on set, Evil, Elementary, Jessica Jones, and a whole lot more!
Kate’s IMDB Page
Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert

Operator Stephen Campanelli, SOC

Steve discusses growing up tow work with your idols, Meatballs 3, Mystic River, how the Academy Awards changed his life, the best part of being an operator, and so much more.
Stephen's IMDB
Stephen's Website
Please check us out on our website and on instagram and like us and review us if you enjoyed the episode.
Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud
Theme Mix - Charles Papert