Camera assistants perform many essential roles in film or TV productions. This paper will examine the requirements of camera assistants and explore their duties and responsibilities.
The definition of camera assistant, according to Camera Assistant: Job Description, Duties and Salary is as follows: “A camera assistant prepares and positions cameras that are used to shoot visual images for motion pictures and television shows. By keeping the equipment in good condition and ready for immediate use, the camera assistant, who works closely with the camera operator, plays an important role in ensuring that the production phase of a video project runs smoothly.” This means that a camera assistant in a production team has to be responsible for camera equipment and has to work smoothly with camera operators. This same source states that “Camera assistants are the backbone of the camera department on set. These technicians aid camera operators in setting up gear, keep the sensitive equipment in tip-top shape, and trudge over hill and over dale to lug the DP’s Panavision on location.”
A professional camera assistant must be capable and flexible. Douglas Hart, in his book The Camera Assistant: A Complete Professional Handbook, says that the job of a camera assistant “involves technical expertise (an understanding of photography, mechanics, optics, electricity, and electronics), certain physical attributes (manual dexterity, quick reflexes, excellent peripheral vision, good judgment of time and speed and distance, physical strength and considerable endurance），and considerable mental and attitude control (organizational ability, consistency, good memory, patience, extraordinary concentration under conditions of stress and distraction, common sense, flexibility, adaptability, a briskness of attitude and demeanor, boundless energy, and a good sense of humor).”
The responsibilities of a camera assistant are various. The most important of these, according to Hart, is “the care and maintenance of camera equipment.” In Camera Assistant Duties, Jason Prader clearly states: “Camera assistants maintain studio equipment, such as camera lenses and lens filters. They also construct camera rigs and attach accessories for certain shots.” Hart provides a useful, detailed list of what a camera assistant should be responsible for. The ones relevant to me are:
” Make Sure Equipment Inventory Complete
Make Sure all Equipment in Working Order
Determine Expendable Supplies to be Purchased
Order and Obtain Expendable Supplies
Assemble, Warm Up, Balance, and Prepare Camera for Shooting
Clean and Lubricate Camera Movement as Required
Check Flange Focal Depth as Necessary
Check Shutter and Movement Phasing as Necessary
Keep Camera Clean and Properly Lubricated
Keep Camera as Quiet as Possible
Check Parallax and Rack-over Status
Check for Camera and/or Magazine Scratches
Ensure Camera is Running at Correct Speed
Ensure Security of Mounted Camera
Never Leave Camera Unattended
Find Out from D.P. which film Stock(s) are to be Used for Each Set of Location
Determine Proper Focus Setting as Required
Determine Split Focus Settings as Required
Determine Depth-of-Field as Necessary
Set Focus on Lens
Set Aperture on Lens
Prevent and/or Eliminate Lens Flares
Execute Variable Shutter Changes as Required
Execute Focus Changes( Follow Focus) During Shot as Required
Execute Focal Length Changes(Zooming)During Shot as Required
Execute Aperture Changes ( Aperture Pull ) During Shot as Required
Execute Use of Color Correction Filters, Special Effects Filters, Graduated Filters, Mattes, and Diffusion Filters, as Required
Clean Filters as Required
Clean Lenses as Required
Ensure that Lenses are Properly Supported on Camera
Check Gate for Hairs, Film Chips and Debris
Keep Accurate Record of Lenses Used, Filters Used, Exposure, Shutter Settings, Focus, Aperture, and other Variables, if Required
Change Camera Batteries as Required
Ensure that Batteries are Properly Charged
Notify Assistant Director of Footage Remaining in Magazine and When Reloading is Necessary
Find Additional Camera Crew Personnel as Required and Refer to Production Manager for Hiring
Ensure that Entire Camera Crew is Notified of Next Day’s Call Time and Location ( don’t trust the Production Staff to do this!)”
As the web journal, Camera Assistant, emphasizes,” The first assistant cameraperson, also known as the focus puller, is primarily responsible for ensuring a sharp picture. He or she works closely with the camera operator (under the direction of the director of photography) to measure the distance between the lens and the subject, and to maintain proper focal distance during camera movements. Tracking shots and crane movements will require AC to collaborate with both camera operator and the dolly grip or crane operator to ensure consistent focus.”
Being a Camera Assistant can be a hard job. It involves more responsibilities than most people think. A good camera assistant must be capable and flexible. As the journal article, “30 Tips for being an Outstanding Camera Assistant,” sums it up: ” Camera Assistants are usually the first people to start work and the last people to finish.”
“Camera Assistant: Job Description, Duties and Salary.” Education-portal. 2013. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://education-portal.com/articles/Camera_Assistant_Job_Description_Duties_and_Salary.html>.
“Camera Assistant.” Get in Media. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://getinmedia.com/careers/camera-assistant>.
Hart, Douglas C. The Camera Assistant a Complete Professional Handbook. Boston: Focal, 1996. Print.
Prader, Jason.”Camera Assistant Duties.” EHow. Demand Media, 10 June 2010. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/list_6614892_camera-assistant-duties.html>.
“30 Tips for Being an Outstanding Camera Assistant.” Through The Lens Film School. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://filmcameracourse.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/30-tips-for-being-and-outstanding-camera-assistant/>.