How elite operators think, behave, and earn trust on set

This package is your foundation. It’s where you unlearn the cliché of being “just the operator” and start understanding what truly sets world-class A Cam and Steadicam Operators apart.

Featuring Geoff Haley (Joker, Avengers, The Idol), Ari Robbins (La La Land, Bardo), Fares Corbani (The Cello, Desert Warrior-AP) and Curt Schaller (TRINITY2 Inventor), this is not a technical manual, it’s a deep dive into psychology, politics, set dynamics, and the emotional stamina required to lead the camera team on major productions.

Introduction

A raw, honest opening that sets the tone for the entire course. Geoff Haley shares what separates the good from the great, emphasizing mindset over mechanics. You'll also meet the mentors behind the Masterclass and understand how the course is designed to transform your career.

Chapter 1 – The position of A Cam and Steadicam Operator

Part 1 – How to Become Indispensable with Geoff Haley
Geoff tears down assumptions and reframes what it truly means to be an operator. With stories from Marvel movies sets, he shows that being indispensable has less to do with perfect shots and more to do with being grounded, essential, and trusted by leadership.

Part 2 – Navigating Politics and Crew Relations
Being great isn’t enough. Geoff breaks down the invisible forces, relationships, reputations and perceptions that dictate who gets hired again and who doesn’t. He also reveals how stepping into directing changed his entire view of crew dynamics.

Chapter 2 – Understanding Your Gear as an A Cam Operator

Part 1 – Introduction with Ari Robbins
Ari opens with the brutal reality of Bardo, operating a 171-pound 65mm rig, breaking it (and nearly himself), and learning what gear truly means for your longevity. A strategic breakdown of tool selection, adaptability, and survival on set.

Part 2 – Picking the Right Tool for the Perfect Shot
This isn’t textbook talk. Ari explains how he decides what tool to use, even if it means hanging off trees with a Trinity or using broken gear to land an iconic shot in La La Land. A masterclass in instinctive, story-first choices that leave a mark.

Part 3 – The Politics of Introducing New Tools on Set
Gear is political. Ari shares the behind-the-scenes tensions that come with introducing new tools, how to gain trust, when to push, and when to wait.

Chapter 3 – Prepping for a Feature Film as an A Cam Operator

Part 1 – Navigating Previs and Storyboards
Geoff breaks down how to read and challenge previs and storyboards, especially when they don’t reflect real-world physics. A key chapter on aligning with directors early and spotting potential execution risks before shoot day.

Part 2 – Managing Crew Dynamics
With insights from Geoff and DP David Procter, BSC, this section reveals how to read a room fast, align visually with the DP, and become more than a technician. Includes real examples of red flags and green lights when joining new teams.

Part 3 – How to Manage Stress and Spot Risks
The emotional weight of the job, fully unpacked. Geoff and Ari talk about what happens when the operator becomes the scapegoat, and how to protect your mental space without losing presence. A survival guide for longevity in high-pressure sets.

Chapter 4 – Mastering the Shot in the World of Commercials

Ari and Fares dissect a complex international campaign shot with director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman). With everything from camera cars to live editing, they show how cinematic instincts can elevate fast-paced commercial work into something unforgettable.

Chapter 5 – Balancing the Energy on Set

Part 1 – How to Handle Shooting with the Wrong Gear
You won’t always get the tools you need. This no-nonsense chapter covers how to deliver excellence under bad calls without burning bridges.

Part 2 – Tending to the Actor’s Needs
Geoff recounts a 600mm Steadicam close-up on Christian Bale held perfectly steady for four minutes, and how trust earned over years of collaboration made it possible. Learn how to support actors through performance-critical moments while staying invisible but essential.

Who is this for?

• Camera operators wanting to refine their instincts
  
• DPs or operators needing stronger leadership and presence on set 
• Operators who want more than technical proficiency
• Filmmakers who want to step up and lead with integrity
• DPs and Directors who want to understand how the best operators think.

This isn’t just education. It’s a professional awakening.
If you want to rise to the top, this is where it begins.

Duration: 4h 01m