Job Overview
"The first assistant cameraman is in charge of running the department
in terms of ordering cameras and equipment needed, checking in the
equipment, setting it up, and making sure it is running properly, thread-
ing the camera, and maintaining it," says first assistant Anthony
Cappello. "But our primary function is to pull focus."
"Pulling focus" is the act of focusing the camera lens. The first assis-
tant works closely with the camera operator, ensuring that each shot is in
focus. "They are in charge of setting the aperture on the lens, the zoom,
or focus--the person who is actually touching and operating the focus
during the shot," explains assistant cameraman Mark Walpole. They also
oversee the second assistant camera operator and film loader. On small
shoots, where there is only one assistant, they perform the duties of both
assistants and the loader.
Special Skills
The first camera assistant must have a well-rounded knowledge of
cameras, lenses, and light-meter readings. Additionally, Coppello credits
his passion for the job as being an important part of his success. "You
have to have a good attitude; you have to be passionate about what
you're doing."
"I think the best thing about my education at NYU was that all the
other schools pamper their students. At NYU, the first thing they said to
you was, `Why are you going to film school? There are no jobs out there.
Everything is going to video. You guys are ridiculous.' I thought, `I'm
paying you $10,000 a year; aren't you supposed to teach me?' But it made
you very independent and very resilient. You had to fight to get the
classes you wanted; you had to sleep overnight to register for the classes.
I didn't understand it then, but it taught me some of the persistence that
this business requires. You're going to get turned down a lot. It's not an
easy business to get in and there is a lot of rejection, but if you stick it
out, the people that work in this business, work in this business."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
"Ninety percent of the people in this business start out as production
assistants," says Cappello. "Basically, you are a gofer and you do whatever
JOB TITLE: FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERAMAN,
ASSISTANT CAMERAMAN, OR FIRST
ASSISTANT CAMERA OPERATOR
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