:CAMERA ASISSTANT / FILM ASSISTANT

If the actors and camera move a lot in a shot, the depth of field must be shifted each time,

The first assistant camera is therefore also called the focus puller, and it operates the dial at the camera lens that determines where the focus of the camera is.

This requires special skills and good coordination.

In addition, the first assistant camera has other duties on set:

– Charging and changing the batteries of the camera.

– Check that the camera is working properly.

– Checking the gate after each set-up.

– Setting the T-stops and the shutter speed.

– Measuring the focus distance.

– In some cases operating the camera zoom

(rarely used in feature films, as it makes the viewer aware of the presence of the camera)

– Helping move the camera to the next set-up.

– Monitor the camera for damage.

– Checking whether the correct roll is loaded (if shooting on film)

– Determine the time codes after each shot and pass them on to the second assistant camera.