Ensuring that a lens is in focus, or that a can of exposed film is properly labelled at 30,000 ft requires skill and courage. Because of weight restrictions, aerial camera crews involve fewer people than their terrestrial equivalent, usually comprising of a three person crew - the Camera Pilot, Aerial Director of Photography (DoP), and Aerial Camera Assistant. This is a highly specialised job, and most Aerial Camera Assistants also work on standard crews at a senior level (1st AC). Because of the level of trust required, and the potentially dangerous nature of the work, aerial camera crews have extremely close working relationships, preferring to work with the same people whenever possible. Although the hours are long, often involving lengthy periods of working abroad, sometimes in extreme locations, the work is extremely rewarding.

What is the job?
Aerial Camera Assistants combine the roles of 1st, 2nd Assistant Camera (AC) and Grip on a standard crew. They also operate video playback equipment, and are responsible for rigging gyro-stabilised camera systems (which help to keep the camera from shaking during flight), onto the side of the aircraft. Before take-off the aircraft and rigging is fully checked by a Safety Engineer. One of the main challenges for Aerial Camera Assistants is changing film magazines. As this cannot be carried out in flight because the camera is outside the body of the aircraft, the aircraft must touch down for reloading magazines. Good Aerial Camera Assistants co-ordinate reloading with refuelling so that filming is interrupted for as little time as possible.

As aerial camera crews often film in extreme or remote areas, miles away from camera equipment facilities houses, Aerial Camera Assistants may be called upon to dismantle and reassemble the camera system in situ. At the same time as performing the combined roles of an entire camera support team, they must also operate video playback equipment, ensuring that the Aerial DoP and/or Aerial Unit Director are capturing the shots required by the Director. Whilst aerial crews often work independently, Aerial Camera Assistants usually liaise with the 2nd AC on the main unit to ensure that all rushes and relevant camera sheets are prepared and handed over at the end of each day. If the aircraft and equipment are being left on location overnight, Aerial Camera Assistants help to tie-down and make safe the helicopter's rotor blades, and pack away all equipment.

Typical career routes
Although this is a highly specialised job within the film industry which is in limited demand, it requires a high degree of camera proficiency. Like any other 1st AC, Aerial Camera Assistants progress through the ranks of the camera crew - from trainee to 2nd AC, and subsequently to 1st AC. As they are required to carry out the work of an entire standard camera support team, they must be experienced in all the roles. Specialist aerial filming companies usually work with a small number of Aerial Camera Assistants, who they train in all aspects of aerial cinematography.

A full working knowledge of all camera equipment and lenses and of all photochemical processing as well as digital techniques, are essential. Knowledge of aerial camera equipment (usually the Wescam system), and good knowledge of physics and electronics, are also required. Key Skills include:

Training and qualifications
Although wide experience of Camera work provides the most important experience and training for Aerial Camera Assistants, numerous short courses are 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. No flying experience is required, but an interest in aerodynamics and aviation is helpful. Training in emergency first aid procedures is recommended.

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.

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.

- FT2;

- 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;

- The Moving Image Society (BKSTS), organises events, courses, and demonstrations of new equipment, and publishes Image Technology;

- flyingpictures;

- flight logistics;

- Sight and Sound, publication available through the British Film Institute website;

- American Cinematographer

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Aerial Camera Assistant - Film

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