The Op

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Film Interviews
**The Op**

Dave Chameides, an A Cam/Steadicam operator has been working in film since the late 1900s, has won 2 Emmys, an SOC Operator of the Year award for his work on *Ozark*, and a seriously cool collection of international toothpicks, brings you The Op, a podcast about Operating and the Art of Visual Storytelling. Geared towards storytellers both young and old, (Operators, DPs, Directors, Writers, and beyond), every week the Op will bring you an interview with one of the best the film industry has to offer. Website and instagram: theop.io

Latest Episodes:

Operator Nick Müller Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

Nick and I discuss dancing on cruise ships, Stranger Things, Fall, Fear Street, and so much more.

Nicks IMDB

To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op.

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

A Short Incomplete History of The PRO Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

David Emmerichs and Chris Haarhoff discuss the beginnings of the PRO Stabilizer, a device they were instrumental in creating, that propelled the art of Steadicam by leaps and bounds.

GPI PRO Systems Website

David's IMDB

Chris' IMDB

To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op.

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

Operator Vince McGahon Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Vince discusses jumping back and forth between A and B cam jobs, early steadicam work with a cable, Slow Horses, Paddington, and so much more.

Vince's IMDB

To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op.

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

How to Succeed As A Production Assistant (Part 1) Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

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

How To Succeed As A Production Assistant (Part Deux) Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

On todays podcast we talk to Operator Rochelle Brown, 1st AD Kris Krengel, Key 2nd AD Sarah Gorczyk, and 2nd 2nd AD Jackson Lipps discuss the ins and outs of what it takes to be a good PA. This is a sequel to the first part which can be found here.

Rochelle Browns Podcast we mention can be found here.

To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op.

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 Des Whelan May 01, 2025

Show notes

Des and I discuss operating a remote head through an eyepiece, working with Tim Burton, Beetlejuice 1 and 2, My Left Foot, and so much more.

Des' IMDB

For more links, pics and videos, check out the page for this episode on The Op.

Please check us out on the web and instagram and like us if you enjoyed the episode.

Theme Music - Tatyana Richaud

Theme Mix - Charles Papert

2nd AC Shannon DeWolfe Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about the art of silent communication, the importance of maintaining healthy fear, how to be a successful camera PA and so much more.

Shannon's IMDB

To see pictures and things we discussed in todays episode check out the podcast page of The Op.

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

Dune 2 Discussion w/DP Greig Fraser and Operator Jason Ewart Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Danny Bishop interviews Cinematographer Greig Fraser ASC ACS and A Camera & Steadicam Operator Jason Ewart ACO about their work together on the epic Dune Part 2. Special thanks to the ACO (Association of Camera Operators) for allowing us to share their work.

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 Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

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

Micheal D. O’Shea Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

We discuss starting out sweeping floors at Warner Brothers Studios, M*A*S*H*, The Goonies, Leslie Nielsen's Fart Machine, and so much more.

Mike'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