PAUL CURRAN
LIGHTING CAMERA OPERATOR/DOP

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Hello there. It's very easy for websites like this to get very techy - pictures of assorted cameras and other equipment. But kit is boring. It's what you can do with it that's interesting. When you hire a camera operator, you're hiring a person, not simply a van full of hardware, so I thought I'd tell you a little bit about me and the qualities and personal skills I try to bring to my work...

 

I got my first camcorder when I was 17. It was the beginning of a life-long love affair. Today, my kit may be better, but my passion for shooting remains the same. I love what I do.

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Over the past 25 years, I've worked on some of the UK's most popular TV shows - from obs docs to formats, single to multi-camera - and for some of the best companies in the business. 

 

Every day is different and I love meeting new people and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. This, I think, is the most important part of what I do. A good cameraperson isn't simply a good technician or operator; they should be emotionally intelligent, be able to listen, feel the emotion and connect with the action and the people in it. 

 

I believe a good cameraperson should also be able to make decisions and take the initiative instead of waiting for someone else to decide - even if it's as simple as whether to go handheld or use sticks. We're there to get the job done.

 

I love lighting - I've worked with some large rigs, but you can create an atmosphere with just one well chosen light. Sometimes less really is more.  

 

I've learnt my craft from some great people, and I take a lot of pleasure in teaching others. I've taken on and trained numerous trainee camera assistants over the years.

 

Finally, I love going to the gym to keep my core strength up – keeps those handheld shots nice and steady!

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Thanks for dropping by - do get in touch if you think I might be able to help. Best, Paul.

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