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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

As a 1st AC should I have a reel ?

I'm a DP, I have a DP reel. But I'm also a gaffer when I don't DP. But I don't have a Gaffer's reel. Mostly because that doesn't exist, no one needs to see a reel to tell if you can pull focus or not.
 
2nd AC on the other hand should definitely have a reel (insert montage of closing clap-sticks here)!

Sorry, couldn't resist! :)
 
So how do you know an AC can pull focus before you hire them?
 
Will Keir said:
So how do you know an AC can pull focus before you hire them?
Click to expand...

fair enough.
Then how do you know they can run the department effciently? How do you know they'll be excellent in all phases of pre- and actual production? How can you know from a reel if they're reliable, meticulous, fast, inventive, and generally good to work with?

Besides, a reel can be tricky: it can show you 10 fantastic shots perfectly in focus, with very difficult camera moves, but how do you know those shots were nailed in a couple of takes or if it took 50 takes per each shot?

Maybe it's just here, but when I've been hired as 1st AC (and even when I was a 2nd) I've always got those jobs because other people I had worked with recommended me. And the same happens now when I'm in the position to hire someone: resumes matter less than the opinion of someone I trust (and I guess it'd be the same if I was shown a reel).
 
a well put together resume, that's all you need. tv shows and big movies usually ask for it as they have a few people on their list they will hire, and they wanna see what credentials you have. for tv, they wanna see you have a lot of tv experience. movies, movie experience. and if you worked on a big stuff obviously that's what they wanna see too. unless you are a industry name.

commercials, all word of mouth.
 
Assistant Camera help!

Assistant Camera help!

My advice:

No reel.

For someone wanting to get into AC Work... I make my primary living as an AC/focus puller, 2nd, data wrangler and DIT. It didn't happen in one day. It didn't even happen in years. Like anything, (especially in this industry) it takes a hodgepodge of experience, a never-give-up - work until my eyes bleed and shoulder falls off dedication, and willingness to accept, adapt, and overcome with most difficult scenarios and situations, which often can be extremely stressful with a smile... (I learned to welcome the hardest situations.) Among all of the interpersonal qualifications, such as respect, a willingness to listen, communicate clearly, keep your mouth shut in certain situations, and speak up when need be.

Advice; if you welcome the worst, it gives you the best opportunity to shine... Which brings you to impressing DPs, and gets you work.

As a beginner, never expect to just 'jump right into the driver's seat' .... It does happen and people DO get lucky. But if you're sketpical about ANYTHING; just ask. If you're scared. Have a 'go to' AC friend that's more experienced. I highly advise getting one of these. A good higher-qualified AC friend to just... talk to and shoot the shit with can really help. Talk about jobs, learn from mistakes, books, workflow... It helps.

Read forums, read books, ALWAYS STAY SHARP.

the black and blue... AMAZING website for focus pullers and ACs. It's a mecca for beginners. Even now, I read every single one of evan's posts. They're honest, sincere, and he's one of the nicest guys on earth. He spends a lot of time, and love on his forum, and anyone wanting to learn, will totally learn A LOT from reading his site.

Unfortunately, I didn't stumble upon his blog until I was pretty heavy in the craft. I grew up on Elkins and Hart...

READ. THEIR. BOOKS.

The Camera Assistant's Handbook, by douglas hart. Buy it. Now. You must. He's one of the nicest guys too. I've found that the people I obsess (and love dearly) the most, are often super eager (and excited) to talk about the craft, BECAUSE THEY'RE PASSIONATE. A mentor when I studied in europe once told me, there's two types of camera department members: 1. The colleague who is always sharing, caring, and willing to teach, and always learn and evolve. An egoless artist always improving and growing. and 2. The selfish -keep my secrets to my self- type, whom is more than often grumpy and self-loving of his work... Nothing is constant, and times change. But every project is different, and... well; I know lots of terrible DPs that are so difficult to work with, who are amazing at their craft... But, the ones that are always learning always seem to.. well, kick ass waaaay harder. My two cents. Some would argue against this, I KNOW IT!!

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistant-Complete-Professional-Handbook/dp/0240800427

Hart's book is SUPREME cream' of the crop. It's an easy read, he's very 'real' practical, and also precise. He gives expert 'practical' advice on situations, workflow, and the basics of how the camera department is supposed to be run. Please, keep in mind that every job is different, so expect to ALWAYS BE ADAPTIVE. No matter what, all of this training is useless without a good attitude, and adaptivity. Never loose that.


David Elkins

http://www.davidelkins.com

His book is more technical. Both have focus charts, and precise camera information, but his is a heavier read. I definitely suggest starting at evan's blog, then Harts book, then Elkins. All totally amazing reads.

NOW.

For all of you rock star AC's that have been doing this for awhile. I want to blow your mind!! (if it hasn't already been blown)

Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen [Paperback]

http://www.amazon.com/Optics-Focus-Camera-Assistants-Science/dp/0240802004

Totally. Worth it. It's SUPER hard to find. I paid about $150 for it... but, well.... You'll see :D If you're curious, I can shoot ya the contents if someone is interested. PM if so..

-----
All of the BIG paying jobs I've received on commercials have been with DPs that I've smoozed my way in with somehow with great work ethic, attitude, and respect. (not to mention complete dedication, and obsession with the craft)

Never be afraid to take a job at the bottom, camera intern, PA, whatever. Shine. Kick butt. Move up. Watch other pro-ac's, ask questions if you have the time. Network. Network. Network.

Know your stuff, but don't flaunt it. No one likes an egotistical prick. Trust your colleagues, and never step on anyone's toes. Always try to make your colleagues look good in front of others. If you're 2nd ac'ing, make your 1st happy, ALWAYS THINK TWO-FIVE STEPS AHEAD.

Always. be. prepared.

Again, have a great attitude. Learn to be as stress free as possible. Smile. Be professional. Be prompt, but never run. MAKE IT LOOK EASY.

If you're not working, FIND WORK. Even if it's free. Before I had paid work pretty constant, I would use my good looks and youthful face to get in with local college DPs ;) As lame as it is to work for free, if you're not working, what better way to practice, than to work on student projects. You'll also have the chance to work in a higher position, maybe even work as a first/focus puller. Build a reputation at these institutions. Meet the big DP players in their school. You're judged by the company you keep. Stay within the 'good' realm. Young people are often more judgmental, so remember that. They may be young now, but you NEVER know who will be your boss years later. Talent is not judged on a number, it is judged on talent. You can learn from doing things the right way, but I've learned more by messing up. Might as well mess up on jobs where it won't hurt as bad. I feel like I've made every mistake in the book. But I'm glad I can admit that now, and I'm glad they have happened as embarrassing as it is. It makes you humble. Be humble.

REMEMBER PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

In all of this practice time, when a paid job comes up, you'll be even sharper. And in student gigs, you can tell war stories from the trenches of paid work, and they'll look up to you, and want to work with you again. They'll trust you. You might even get to shoot some stuff. I networked at a local university like this, and ended up getting to DP on all kinds of stuff, with 16mm, RED, and even a 35mm. Right? AND I didn't have to pay for ANY OF IT!!

Just saying. Teach yourself.

Meet the professors. They're often professionals. Network with them. Let them see you rule. Get in with their circles. They get paid work likely. They will get you paid work.

Always remember those who taught you. Always give credit where credit is deserved. Treat others how you want to be treated. Love your job. Love your job. If you don't get the hell out. This isn't the job for you. The industry is brutal, there are ups, downs, person hells, and ecstatic ups. I've been through hell and back to do this, and I have finally made it a sustainable career, but I know for sure 100% that I would die before I couldn't do this. I think you have to be a certain amount of crazy to do this job because of all of the sacrifices, and.. well , stress. But it's SOO. SOO. worth it. You'll have stories most won't even believe. And the feeling you'll get looking back on the friends you've made from shows, and the crazy things you've done... Love the game man. Live for it.

I hope this helps. PM me if you'd like more advice, or would like to kick it via phone. I also have a lot of PDF ebooks I could hook you up with if you're interested.


Sharp wit, and sharper focus celluoid brother.

Godspeed

-JL



PS,


MORE THAN ANYTHING. REMEMBER SET- DEFENSE. ;)


http://vimeo.com/30812693
 
Francesco Bonomo said:
Pretty awesome post, Joshua! Full of great advice, wisdom, and truth.
Click to expand...


Thanks Francesco!! :D


PS, Italy is beautiful. I lived and worked in Bosnia & Hercezgovina for a few years and almost AC'd for a cruise line commercial there. Passed the job onto a buddy, and totally regretted it. SOOO amazing, and I sort of regret it to this day. Soak it up! I bet it's remarkable!!!! :D
 
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