Camera in the UAE
The camera department, led by the director of photography, operates, focuses and maintains the cameras and manages the image data captured on set.
Feature film, TV drama, Commercials, Music video, Digital & social
- Director of PhotographyDesigns the visual look of a production with the director and leads the camera, grip and lighting departments to achieve it.
- Second Unit Director of PhotographyPhotographs second unit or splinter unit work, matching the main unit's look and lighting.
- Camera OperatorOperates the camera to frame and execute each shot, working closely with the director, DOP, focus puller and grips.
- Steadicam OperatorOperates a body-worn Steadicam or similar stabiliser rig to capture smooth moving shots, usually with their own equipment.
- Gimbal OperatorOperates handheld or vehicle-mounted gimbals such as Ronin or MoVI systems to capture stabilised moving shots.
- Focus PullerKeeps the image in sharp focus during takes, prepares and maintains camera builds and leads the camera assistants.
- Clapper LoaderSlates each take, manages camera reports, media cards and lenses and supports the focus puller.
- Camera TraineeEntry-level member of the camera team who helps prep, move and maintain camera equipment and learns the assistant roles.
- Digital Imaging TechnicianManages camera settings, on-set colour and LUTs, and the safe backup and quality control of digital camera media.
- Data WranglerOffloads, verifies and backs up camera and sound media on set and prepares it for dailies and post-production.
- Video Assist OperatorRuns the on-set monitors and playback system so the director and crew can watch live images and review takes.
- Remote Head TechnicianSets up and operates remote heads and wheels so the camera can be moved on cranes, cars and other rigs.
- Technocrane OperatorOperates telescopic camera cranes such as the Technocrane, controlling arm movement with the camera operator and grips.
- Underwater Camera OperatorFilms underwater using housed cameras, working as a qualified diver with the marine safety team.
- Aerial Director of PhotographyPlans and photographs aerial sequences from helicopters, planes or drones using stabilised camera systems.
- Drone PilotFlies camera drones safely and legally, planning flight paths and airspace permissions for aerial shots.
- Drone Camera OperatorControls the drone's camera and gimbal independently of the pilot to frame aerial shots on dual-operator drones.
- FPV Drone PilotFlies first-person-view drones for fast, immersive close-proximity shots through spaces and around action.
- Motion Control OperatorPrograms and runs motion-control camera rigs to repeat precise camera moves for VFX, tabletop and multi-pass shots.
- High-Speed Camera TechnicianOperates high-frame-rate cameras such as the Phantom, managing triggering, buffers and data for slow-motion shots.
- Tabletop Camera OperatorFilms product and food close-ups for commercials, often with probe lenses, motion control or high-speed cameras.
- Unit Stills PhotographerTakes still photographs on set during filming for publicity, marketing and continuity reference.
- Camera Car OperatorDrives or operates camera car and tracking vehicle systems such as Russian Arm units for moving vehicle shots.
- Camera Department CoordinatorCoordinates camera equipment orders, rentals, crew schedules and paperwork for large camera departments.
- Splinter Unit Camera OperatorOperates camera on small additional units that pick up inserts, cutaways or pick-up shots alongside the main unit.