Overview of the role
Reporting to the camera operator, the camera assistant/focus puller in unscripted TV production is responsible for keeping the camera kit in good order, and assisting as needed when shots are being taken, primarily by operating focus and changing lenses. They set up, test, and de-rig camera kit as well as cleaning, maintaining and packing it for transport. In addition, they help to troubleshoot any mechanical and electronic faults. To carry out their role, they liaise primarily with any director of photography and camera operator.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. For a more detailed breakdown of the first assistant camera technician’s required knowledge and skills, please refer to the National Occupational Standards for Camera.
- Compile full inventory of camera equipment and consumables
- Check the condition of cameras, lenses, filters and all accessories
- Carry out camera and lens tests
- Check accessories, cables, cable ports and camera supports are available and operational
- Check the quality and fit of weather-proofing materials
- Make sure equipment is appropriately packaged for transport
- Ensure constant cleanliness and ongoing maintenance of all camera equipment
- Check and if needed clean (with great care) camera sensors
- Identify and resolve mechanical or electrical malfunctions or broken components
- Refer any malfunctions or problems that you cannot resolve to relevant people
- Check there are sufficient charged batteries and facilities for charging
- Place cameras on tripods and other mountings such as gimbals, checking security and balance
- Check the availability and condition of lenses, filters and accessories
- Assemble camera bodies, mechanical and electrical attachments and secure lenses in mounts, fitting supports when required
- Position cameras and mounts for shooting
- Adjust settings on camera menus to align with other cameras when required
- Set up and position viewfinders and monitors, checking settings with test signals
- Be able to use a follow focus unit to ensure accurate focus
- Maintain and adjust focus throughout shots, reporting any suspicion of soft focus
- Change lenses, taking care with cleanliness and being responsive to quickly changing shooting conditions
- De-rig camera equipment after shoots
- Secure and protect cameras from environmental damage while de-rigging
- Remove cameras and lenses from mounts
- Check cameras, lenses and accessories for malfunctions and breakages, rectifying any within your area of expertise
- Report any breakages, malfunctions or missing equipment.
- Clean all camera equipment that has come into contact with the ground, water or harmful substances
- Store de-rigged camera equipment in original cases for transport
- Check equipment and rectify any damaged or missing parts prior to packing
- Cross-reference packed equipment with carnet or shipping list when required
- Pack and label camera equipment in original case, ensuring it is secure, protected from damage and meets the legal requirements for the shipping agent and country of destination
- Check that associated documentation matches equipment, resolving any discrepancies with the production office
- Ensure close liaison at all times with camera operator
- Resolve issues with minimal disruption to shooting, referring those you cannot resolve to senior personnel
- Liaise with production and any camera facility company about equipment requirements
- Work in line with health and safety practice for all aspects of your defined role
- Make sure crew read any risk assessments supplied by production and comply with all health and safety requirements
- Immediately raise any matters of concern regarding on-set health and safety with a senior person
- Be aware of what’s coming up next and prepare kit accordingly
- Have a current driving licence and be able to drive a range of vehicles
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of camera assistant.
- Setting up cameras as required by the operator and/or the DOP
- Troubleshooting basic technical faults
- De-rigging, maintaining, cleaning and packing cameras
- Pulling focus accurately to follow any rehearsed action
- Changing lenses as required by the operator or DOP
- Planning ahead to ensure smooth running of the days filming
- Communication: interpreting other’s requirements and communicating camera requirements to colleagues
- Teamworking: collaboration within own and with other departments
- Problem-solving: resolving issues with shot quality so that production requirements are met
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Productivity: organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and respond to changing priorities and working requirements as required, while at all times maintaining high standards in a constantly changing production environment