The A Cam Operator is no easy task and Peter McCaffrey is one of the best. His work ethic has allowed him to become a camera operator on iconic productions such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Tune in to hear about Peters incredible career, what it takes to be an A Cam Operator and his recent transition into becoming a Director of Photography. Photo credit Ben Rowsell.

Katie Milwright was the tenth female cinematographer to be accredited by the ACS and was mentored by Mandy Walker ACS ASC. She has shot narrative for Netflix, Amazon, Disney and NBC. We talk about her early days as an assistant, finding mentors, breaking into drama and her approach to preproduction, coverage and lighting.

Neal Bryant SOC was the A Camera Operator for HBO's The Last of Us. We talk briefly about the show, his love for steadicam, operating the ZeeGee rig and tips for new camera operators.

Mark Toia returns to the podcast. This time to discuss the skills and techniques hes developed by photographing hundreds of car commercials around the globe. We cover getting his first automotive job, lighting for studio and exteriors, communication in arm cars and saftey in helicopters.

Koon was studying to be a musician until he came across a camera and began filming his classmates. This led him to study in San Francisco where he learnt steadicam and joined the SOC. Now based in Bangkok, Koon is the first Thai SOC and the ACO full member. We discuss his student days in San Fran, steadicam rigs, segways, MK-V AR Omega and his recent venture into engineering.

Ashley Barron ACS is a globetrotting cinematographer who grew up between Ireland, Armenia and Australia. We discuss her attendance at the American Film Institute, working with agents, navigating different markets, and her approach to shooting Dangerous Liaisons in the Czech Republic.

Denson Baker ACS NZCS is a Maori Aussie raised in Auckland, New Zealand, and Perth, Australia. An alumnus of the national film school, AFTRS, Denson eventually moved to the UK, where he shoots TV and feature films internationally. In this episode, we discuss his early beginnings in Auckland and Perth, his studies at AFTRS, transitioning into international work, meeting his partner Director Claire McCarthy and creative processes on set.

Getting your first job in the camera department can be daunting and many people don't know where to start. 1st AC Kiri G Mullen talks about how she got her first job as a camera assistant, how she worked her way up to focus pulling and gives tips for being a truck loader.

Dave Chameides SOC is a two-time Emmy Award-winning Steadicam operator, environmentalist educator, and founder of The Op, a podcast, and website for camera operators. Dave's career has spanned productions such as ER, The West Wing, Ozark, From Dusk Till Dawn, Donnie Darko, Saint Vincent, and Shame. He has not only been nominated for Feature Operator of the Year and TV Operator of the Year but has also dabbled in TV directing. In this episode, we talk about his new website and podcast 'The Op,' his viral fame as a conservationist, and some of his favorite shots (oners) in his career.