1st Assistant Cameraman/focus Puller* (Specialty Camera Operation)
The 1st Assistant Cameraman/Focus Puller supports the shooting operations for various types of camera equipment including specialty cameras. He/She is responsible for maintaining focus between the lens and subjects. He does this by setting up a complex set of indicators placed on the set, floor or props during rehearsal. He collaborates with various production teams to ensure a consistent focus during the shoot. In addition to focus pulling for the camera operator, he manages and maintains the camera equipment such as lenses, filters and camera boxes for assembling the camera and its accessories for different shots. Before shooting, he arrives on the set early to ensure that the camera and all the required lenses are prepared for a day's shoot. At the end of each day, he resolves the problems with the 'rushes' and liaises with the film lab to rectify any faults with the camera or film stock. He then proceeds to clean the equipment and pack it up in preparation for the next day's shoot. He may also be required to set up and mount specialty camera equipment and assist in the operation of specialty cameras such as 360 cameras, underwater cameras and aerial cameras during the shoot. The work involves physically demanding tasks especially the capture of motion sequences, amidst high pressure. He is expected to operate in an outdoors environment and may be required to travel depending on the location of the shoot. He needs to have strong knowledge of camera equipment, a strong affinity with technology, knowledge of the relevant electronics and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of camera work. He is required to be an effective team player and shows diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists, production staff and crew. He should have good color vision and excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Contribute inputs to the scene-wise visual requirements during rehearsals
• Administer the marking on the set for the purpose of determining focal distances
• Test camera parameters in accordance with natural and artificial light to determine optimal parameters
• Plot focus length path, positioning and movement of cameras to capture sequence of scenes
• Determine pull focus distances and pull focus measurements to achieve required composition
• Propose adjustments to focus length paths to enhance the visual quality of shoots
• Supervise the unpacking and packing of camera equipment and camera preparation at the beginning of the day's shoot and at the close of production respectively
• Manage the camera set-up and changes required throughout the production process
• Install lenses and filters on camera equipment to achieve desired effects
• Control focus distances to pull focus shots according to composition requirements
• Compose frame in line with focus parameters
• Assist in the camera choreography in coordination with production teams to move camera setup as per shot requirements
• Troubleshoot issues with camera equipment or motion in collaboration with production teams
• Analyse the creative vision and the execution plan for the overall production to ensure alignment to production requirements
• Derive the requirements for special shots from relevant storyboards
• Assist in the set-up specialty cameras based on instructions from production teams
• Mount specialty equipment by collaborating with production teams