2nd Assistant Camera
2nd Assistant Cameras (ACs) are key members of the camera crew, and are responsible for the smooth running of the entire camera department. Audiences watching a finished film are not conscious of the camera - a complex piece of machinery, powered by batteries which must be charged and reloaded. Nor are they thinking of the difficult job of anticipating when a magazine (the sealed container that feeds the unexposed film into the camera) is about to run out, and what a pressurised job it is to reload quickly so that the flow of filming is not disrupted. These are some of the responsibilities of the 2nd Assistant Camera (until recently known as the Clapper Loader in the UK). Most 2nd AC's are requested by a Camera Operator or 1st AC, and work on a freelance basis. They often work on a combination of commercials, promos and features.
What is the job?
2nd ACs assist the Camera Operator in positioning and moving the camera, and are responsible for loading and unloading film magazines, changing and charging camera batteries, changing lenses, operating the clapper board, filling out and filing all camera sheets, liaising with film labs, and ordering the correct amount and type of film stock. 2nd ACs work closely with 1st ACs (Focus Pullers), and supervise any Camera Trainees.
Depending on the size of the feature film, 2nd ACs start work two or three weeks before the first day of principal photography, assisting the Director of Photography (DoP) and Camera Operator with any tests required on film stock or/and with artists. During the shoot, 2nd ACs begin work early in the mornings, unloading, organising and preparing all the camera equipment for each day's work. During rehearsals, they mark-up the actors' positions, enabling the 1st AC to calculate any changes in focus. When the camera starts to roll, 2nd ACs mark each take with a clapperboard (which identifies the take and enables the Assistant Editor to synchronise the sound and picture in preparation for editing). 2nd ACs position themselves next to the camera, where they can anticipate all camera movements, and monitor how much film stock is being used. They must know when a new film magazine should be prepared. At the end of each shooting day, 2nd ACs pack away all the equipment, label up film cans, and dispatch them to the labs with detailed camera sheets.
Typical career routesThe majority of 2nd AC's serve an apprenticeship as a Camera Trainee before progressing through the ranks of the camera department. Because the job involves an in-depth knowledge of, and feel for the camera, actual experience of handling camera equipment and stock is vital. Working in a camera rental facilities house such as ARRI or Panavision can also provide a good route to an apprenticeship.
Essential knowledge and skills
2nd ACs must have an exhaustive knowledge of all camera equipment, film stocks and processing techniques. They also need a thorough understanding of how to manage and maintain all camera department paperwork and administration.
Key Skills include:
Training and qualifications
Although the most important training for 2nd ACs is hands-on experience, there are numerous short courses available in the UK providing the basic skills for 16mm and 35mm Camera Assistants. Training in stills photography provides a good all round understanding of composition and light.
FT2 (Film and Television Freelance Training) provides industry recognised training for all job roles, including Camera, involving apprentice-style attachments to professional crews, combined with short course training opportunities. The National Film and Television School also offers industry recognised short courses for all grades, including those aimed at 16mm Camera Assistants moving into working on 35mm.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
- National Film and Television School NFTS;
- The British Society of Cinematographers;
- BECTU, the trade union represents camera personnel;
- The Guild of British Camera Technicians aims to further the professional interests of technicians working with motion picture cameras Guild of British Camera Technicians website;
- The Moving Image Society (BKSTS), organises events, courses, and demonstrations of new equipment, and publishes Image Technology;
Publications - Sight and Sound, publication available through the British Film Institute website;- American Cinematographer American Cinematographer
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2nd Assistant Camera - Film
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