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The camera assistant acts as an extension of the camera operator and takes care of all relevant matters relating to the operation of the camera. He ensures that the camera technology works flawlessly and that there are no delays in the process.
A complete camera team consists of more than just a cameraman and a camera assistant. It usually also includes a second camera assistant. The two assistants clearly have different tasks.
The 1st camera assistant
The first camera assistant is also known as the "first assistant camera", "1st AC" or "focus puller". He is responsible for the proper functioning of all components as well as their assembly and disassembly. He is one of the most important employees of the Director of Photography (DOP) and acts as the contact person for all technical questions relating to the camera equipment. He is also responsible for setting and adjusting the focus level.
The 2nd camera assistant
Also known as "2nd Assistant Camera", "2nd AC" or "Clapper Loader" or "Film Loader". Responsible for the organization and management of the equipment pool. He makes his appearance by famously hitting the film clapperboard. If the team is working with recordings on real film, the 2nd AC takes over the management of the raw material.
One of the most important tasks of a camera assistant. He is responsible for ensuring that the actor in the picture always remains in focus. He achieves this by simultaneously tracking the focal plane on the lens to that in the picture. The distance between the actor and the camera is crucial for this.
The work of a camera assistant doesn't just begin during the filming phase on set, they have to take care of a long list of open points in advance.
Depending on the status of 1st or 2nd camera assistant, the following points are on the to-do list:
Tasks of the 1st camera assistant
Before the start of shooting:
Read the script to get an impression of the necessary equipment
Create a list of equipment
Communication with camera rental and post-production
Visual and functional check of the equipment received
On set:
Setting up, changing and dismantling the camera
Changing the recording medium, lens and filter
Adjustment of all relevant parameters on camera and lens
Elimination of interfering light incidence
Focus adjustment and focus control
Checking for lint or scratches
Checking the control monitor
Minor repairs
Communication with production, post-production and equipment rental
Attendance at sample demonstrations
Post-processing:
Cleaning, completeness check and return of camera equipment
Tasks of the 2nd camera assistant
Before the start of shooting:
Consultation with production regarding transportation and storage of equipment and film material
Procurement and acceptance of consumables (e.g. storage media or film)
Communication with copying plant
Supporting the 1st assistant with the necessary tests
On the set:
Provision of the necessary equipment
Connecting and checking various radio and cable connections
Supporting the 1st camera assistant
Hitting the film clapperboard
If necessary: loading and unloading the film material and managing it
Regular charging of all batteries
Equipment maintenance
Follow-up:
Completeness check, cleaning and return of equipment
If necessary: material accounting
Even if the areas of responsibility sometimes overlap, the professions of 1st and 2nd camera assistants are fundamentally clearly separated from one another. They are different functions.