FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA HOW TO

It can’t just be theoretical they need to be able to have hands-on experience with the gear. This will allow them to shadow the 1st Assistant Cameras and 2nd Assistant Cameras to learn the ins and outs of each job while gathering technical experience with the equipment.Ī First AC’s job is to stay organized, set up the camera and pull focus. If they like the camera department then they can try and become a Camera PA, which is essentially a camera trainee. It’s a great way to get experience and witness what each of the different departments do. Most First AC personnel start as PAs on set. After that, they repeat the same process for each shot and scene. Then the 1st Assistant Camera places the camera, sets up the shot, grabs focus marks, and shoots the scene. If the 1st Assistant Camera can anticipate what the Cinematographer is thinking they can modify the camera setup to best suit what will be needed and save time.

FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA HOW TO

The 2nd Assistant Camera lays down marks for the Actors and camera positions during rehearsals while the 1st Assistant Camera observes and prepares a plan for how to hit all the marks. The First AC preps the camera and gets ready for rehearsals and blocking. When production starts, the typical day for a First AC starts by unloading the gear with the rest of the camera department. They will also place the gear orders and run camera tests prior to the shoot. In pre-production, the First AC works alongside the Director of Photography (or Cinematographer), DIT to help create the Director’s vision by recommending cameras, lenses, and other support gear. Their duties typically extend from pre-production through production. If they are the Key 1st Assistant Camera, it’s also their responsibility to run the camera department in all aspects, ranging from gear to people management. “The responsibility of the First AC is to pull focus,” says Derek Plough, an experienced First AC who has worked on feature films, music videos, and commercials.

First assistant camera