As Live Production Research - Camera Operator Profile - Mitch Dubin

Camera Operator Profile - Mitch Dubin

Mitch Dubin is one of the more well-known Camera Operators, though due to the ensemble of accompanying members of production that surround the camera operators (directors, DOP's and directorial assistants), their names often slip under the radar even when it comes to Hollywood talent like Dubin here.

Mitch was born in Dallas, TX back in June 1953, making him currently 64 years of age. With decades of experience in the industry, both at the indie level and the Hollywood blockbusters, I felt that Dubin would be a perfect candidate for my research going into our 'Steal the Style' studio production. Mitch Dubin is best known for his work with Steven Spielberg on classics such as 'Saving Private Ryan' starring both Tom Hanks & Matt Damon, not to mention the work he did on the more recent 'Lincoln' & 'Avengers Assemble' films that both broke Hollywood records.

Dubin has also made somewhat of a name for himself in the television industry recently with the addition of FX's 'Legion', the sleeper hit based on the hugely popular Marvel-owned IP: 'X-Men'.

In 2008 Dubin was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Camera Operations, His peers in the industry acknowledged the exemplary work that Mitch has done throughout his career. As they say "Operating the camera on such blockbuster films around the world has given Mitch a wizened perspective on just what it takes to be the consummate professional Camera Operator to rise to this level."

Mitch Dubin giving an interview on the art of camera operation.

One of the reasons I respect Dubin specifically is the way he got into the industry. He started "answering the telephones", essentially doing the running type jobs, assisting camera operators, producers and talent. He expresses how much he appreciates the apprenticeship type progression within the film and television industries and goes on to explain how he rose through the ranks in his own unique way. 

Mitch began his career as a Camera PA (personal assistant), carrying out menial tasks such as transporting equipment, he then went on to become what was known at the time as a 'Film Loader', a term used to describe the person who physically loaded the film into the cameras before the advent of digital camera technology. Following this, he became a second camera assistant, which basically meant the guy "...who does the slates and the logistics." in his own words. Moving on from there he moved onto being a 'Focal Puller' that would be in charge of adjusting the focus in a scene while recording, changing focus from a subject in the foreground of an image, to the background for example. It was from there where Dubin took on the role of 'Camera Operator' in which he fell in love with the art of moving and manipulating cameras in general. Even stating that he's had "...numerous opportunities to move up to a cinematographer or lighting cameraman but I love what I do as a camera operator so much that I stayed. This is it. This is good." 

I hope that Dubin can somehow influence my own performance as a camera operator looking back at much of his work, his dedication to innovating what can and cannot be done with a camera is truly impressive. With films like "Any Given Sunday" revolutionising the way action sequences could be shot - Mitch even states in the above interview that the entire film was shot with just 2 camera operators, speaking further to their dedication and creativity to filmmaking as an artform. He goes on to discuss the importance of "Saving Private Ryan" as it went on to influence the aesthetic of countless films ahead of it. Mitch has clearly had a fruitful and lasting impact on the industry, something that often isn't associated with Camera Operators.