1st AC tips and tricks???

[Warbird]

Quit before your nerves get shot, become an alcoholic and get divorced.

Fine a nice quiet job, mary a good woman and settle down somewhere along the coast, listening to classical music and taking quiet strolls along the beach.

I've been ac'ing for 20+ years...think I'm gonna move to Oregon and be a gas jockey.

Oh, and gl with your movie.
If you survive the first day, you might make the week. If you survive the first week you might make the show. Remember, movies only happen 1 take at a time, don't let it overwhelm you. And my biggest piece of advice, should you decide to stay in the business, there's no right way to do it, figure out what's needed for the shot you're working on and do that. Don't worry about the whole day, week, show, or what anyone else thinks.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

If all else fails and you get fired, grab some cans of exposed film on the way out and hold it for ransom.

-Ryan

[Miguel]

Wow! Everything emretufekci said. Very comprehensive. Remember the four rules....so true!

And to add my 2 cents worth would be to try and anticipate what is happening and get things ready before you're asked. Time is money on set. If you hear the director asking about a wider angle or closer feel try and have appropriate lens ready to go on the camera when the DP turns to you. Do whatever you can to save time.

Great opportunity.

[finchy]

Personally, i think an AC is ONE OF the few roles on set where research and planning can really make your life easier and make you look really good....

I was lucky enough to get to do 7 days as a 2nd AC on an ALEXA feature last month... My first decent drama work.
I have done a fare bit of factual camera work and a bit of small drama AC'ing on 5D's etc but nothing like this so i was kind of in at the deep end in terms of having to slate the shots and look after the camera... especially as i was taking over from someone else...

As Miguel mention said, anticipating the DP/Directors next move is one of the best ways to impress them in my experience... I'd stand and listen to their conversations about where to move the camera, how wide to go with the lens etc and i tried as best as i could to be half way there before they have even finished discussing it...(moving battery blocks, getting lenses,powering down the camera etc) The DP really noticed it i think and did mention that he liked how i worked (after he had a few drinks... ha) for example, how i would bring the full case of lenses to the camera before doing a lens change instead of walking to the Magliner, picking a lens out of the case and then carrying it back across set to the camera like the previous and experienced 1st AC's had done (Which could have involved tripping/dropping etc)

It really is the small things that people notice... There were a fare few occasion where i did things slightly wrong or just could have done them differently... but the camera crew didn't seem to mind too much as they knew i was new on set/learning but at the same time, keen and helpful.

Preparation really does help. The night before, i went though the ALEXA's menu online, printed it out to take with me etc and this meant that my first time with the camera wasn't totally daunting and stressful!
Knowing all of the kit is vital but you will quickly pick it up after the first day! Even if it is things like how long to charge batteries for so you can be as efficient as possible.


P.S i got the call to come in as an AC whilst in the bar at 10pm and the call time was 6:30am the next morning!... Not alot of time haha
Tom.

[finchy]

Also, some additional kit that i have learnt off since my first post...
Alot of these may/will be provided by a 2nd AC but they are handy to have yourself... Just incase.

-A selection BNC adapters
-Filter labels if you want to be posh
-Manuals + Menu maps for the camera you are using
-Star keys (Allen keys but star shaped, fit the Alexa viewfinder arm)
-A pair of sturdy gloves
-Wet weather clothing is a must
-Plastic sheeting to cover the camera in freak rain storms (A must in my experience!)
-Your own floor bag for it all

T

[polfilmblog]

"Number (4) doesn’t apply to asking questions of your superiors on the camera crew at appropriate times."

"He's not my 'superior.' He's my boss." -Michael Caine, Deathtrap (1982)

Good thread otherwise.

[Jewlz the director]

Great post,love the detailed info on everyones experiences on set,keep deliveriving the goods gentlemen!!!

[Paul Hudson]

1st AC = hardest, most thankless job on the set. Do your job perfectly and you are never noticed - screw up one time and everyone knows. Be prepared, have nerves of steel and all the best!

[Vettcross]

Awesome info! Thanks

[Schwingy]

This thread is wonderfully informative!
Thanks!