Production Team 1: Electrical Department

When researching into my chosen Soap Opera, it is a part of the course to research the individuals and their roles within the production team, to further my understanding of how each episode is created. As such I have decided to post blogs on each department, starting with the electrical department.

As a whole this department can be summed up as the operators of general equipment on set, including Camera Supervisors, Crane Grips, Lighting Directors, Riggers and Steadicam Operators. Because of this department, each episode can be filmed and lit correctly, with the right equipment used efficiently each time.

The individuals who work in this department are:

Camera Supervisors: Dave Bowden, John Corby, Matt Hart, Chris Miller and Peter Woodley.

Crane Grips: Warwick Drucker and Mathew Forrest.

Lighting Directors: John Carberry, Roger Francis, Martin Kempton, Jemma Drake and Andy Louca.

Rigger: Ian Murray

Steadicam Operator: Mike Scott

A Camera Supervisor, operates the cameras which are used to film each episode, this is a vital role in any moving image product as without a camera there is no image for the program. Their role includes following directions given to them by the directors to capture the right angle and ensure the cameras move correctly and smoothly as well as keeping the right framing desired for each shot.

Crane Grips are specially trained members of the production team and are the members trusted to use the camera crane, these allow for high angled shots including the conventional establishing shot at the beginning of most episodes. The Crane Grips are the names given to the crane operators. They will have full control over the angle, focus, movement and framing of the shot, and will follow directions of what to film by the director.

Lighting Directors work closely with the director to light each scene to create the correct image, be it a dark setting with a single light highlighting the point of interest or naturalistic lighting, it is the job of the Lighting Director to light a shot to get the best and most desired look for each shot. On EastEnders this is most commonly a naturalistic lighting effect which doesn't interfere with the camera and makes the scene look as good as possible.

The Rigger is the man that sets up the heavy duty equipment and ensures its safety on set, this could include stunt wiring, boom mic's or the cranes.

A Steadicam Operator is a member of the production team that specializes in the use of the steadicam, a special type of camera which is used to give a natural flow to shots as its isn't set up on a tripod, this enables the camera operator to hold the camera and move it while filming with smoothness no matter what the movement of the operator is like. These shots give the audience the feeling of being in the scene as the camera moves naturally rather than being still.

Thank You for Reading, Chip James