The Camera Assistant's Manual

Excel as a Cameraman in today's evolving film industry with this updated classic. Learn what to do - and what NOT to do - during production and get the job done right the first time. This seventh edition covers the basics of cinematography and provides you with the multi-skill set needed to maintain and transport a camera, troubleshoot common problems on location, prepare for job interviews, and work with both film and digital technologies. Illustrations, checklists, and tables accompany each chapter and highlight the daily workflow of an Assistant Cameraman (AC), with expanded sections on problems and troubleshooting, updated formulas, tables, and checklists, as well as new information on the differences between working in the United States and UK and additional information on working with digital technology. This is a must-have for anyone looking to succeed in this highly technical and ever-changing profession. This book features a comprehensive companion web site that offers plenty of useful resources, including online tutorials that ACs can easily access while on location and supplementary downloadable forms and checklists.

David E. Elkins, S.O.C., has over 30 years of professional experience as a Camera Operator and First Assistant Cameraman, working on feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, educational films, industrial films, and much more. He has also taught classes and workshops on both the East and West Coasts of the United States. He has been an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 since 1989 and the Society of Camera Operators since 1992.

Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1 - Basics of Cinematography Chapter 2 - The Camera Department Chapter 3 - Camera Trainee and Camera Production Assistant (PA) Chapter 4 - Second Assistant Cameraman (2nd AC) and Film Loader Chapter 5 - First Assistant Cameraman (1st AC) Chapter 6 - Film Productions - Problems and Troubleshooting Chapter 7 - Cameras Chapter 8 - Before, During and After the Job Appendix A - Digital Cameras Appendix B - Equipment and Apps Appendix C - Camera Department Checklists, Production Forms and Labels Appendix D - Tools, Accessories and Expendables Appendix E - Tables and Formulas Recommended Reading Glossary