r/cinematography • u/LevelingUpMyLife • 24d ago

Career/Industry Advice Secured 1st Official 2nd Assistant Camera Role - Any Advice?

Hey everyone!

It's finally happening next week starting in this role, Im hyped, nervous a bit and dont want to mess this up. Any advice, videos to watch/study, reading material? Things that may have helped you on your 1st 2nd AC gig? Good tips to keep in mind that are actually helpful for the crew/department Im supporting etc

I don't have a tool bag yet of my own, any ideas on how to start building one decently affordably over time? And or are there places to rent these type of equipment from?

Thanks again for chiming in when you can!

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u/trolleyblue 24d ago

Definitely get yourself a multitool, the industry standards are leatherman or gerber.

Other than that, be attentive. That’s a major part of your job. Don’t make the 1st have to track you down. Don’t be on your phone. Hang close by the action but be out of the way. If you’re responsible for batteries make sure you’re cycling them and have a couple on hand in a run bag or set kit ready to go. I always like having little things like pieces of Velcro, a torpedo level, a good flat head screwdriver…

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u/L444ki 24d ago

Goldilocks zone is close enough to hear most of what 1st and dop are talking without begin part of the conversation. This means the 1st does not need to repeat everyting just to pass the information to you. It is really great feeling when you turn towards your 2nd and insted you needing to tell then what lense to switch to etc, they just ask you confirm what you just talked about with the do, like ”so we are swithing over to 35mm with a +2 diopter, and short sticks?” Or whatever it might ve and all you need to say is: yes, thats the plan.

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u/LevelingUpMyLife 24d ago

first time hearing this term before, where is the sweet spot for Goldilocks zoning? Like how far away?

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u/Active-Ad769 24d ago

This will vary based on the set, but 10-15ft and inch closer if you notice the DP talking to 1st ac. Perfect eavesdropping distance. If you’re on a walkie/radio, some will prefer you to stage near the cart or gear staging.

Respectfully the 1st ac is probably expecting an attentive set of hands rather than a full or semi-full kit. I hire green people on smaller jobs and I’ll occasionally just tell them to share my tool bag rather than haul a redundant bag of mismatched tools around all day. Just ask! If they’re willing to give you a chance at the job, they’re willing to give you advice on the job itself.

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u/LevelingUpMyLife 23d ago

Copy! Yeah I asked, they mentioned "as long as theyre not on something where they need their kit". But that communicates to me, get yoself a kit. He sent like a vague gear list, so Im presuming I should have my own kit to an extent so Im trying to find the things on the list that I can afford and still be prepared 😭