Despite being categorized as a “comedy series” for the purposes of awards by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, watching The Bear can often feel like having a panic attack. Between stellar performances from the series’ principal cast, bold direction, and ambitious camera work, the visceral thrill and white-knuckle terror of working in a busy kitchen during the dinner rush breaks through the barrier of the screen and pulls you in.
Now in its third season, the critically acclaimed, award-winning series continues to innovate and push its visual style in new directions. Camera Operator had an opportunity to speak with A camera operator Gary Malouf and B camera operator Chris Dame about their experience working on the show from the beginning, from having the trust and freedom to be truly collaborative in the shooting of each episode to breaking down the process behind pulling off a 17-minute oner in only three takes.
After inheriting a cash-strapped roast beef sandwich shop from his deceased brother, Carmy Berzatto dreams of transforming The Beef into a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment. The process of doing so, however, is far from straightforward. With debt and deadlines looming large, Carmy’s personal demons take their toll as he wrestles with how much personal happiness has to be sacrificed in the pursuit of professional success. The Bear is created by Christopher Storer and stars Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bacharach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson.
