Excel as an Assistant Cameraman (AC) 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. The Camera Assistant’s Manual, Sixth 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 the latest film and video technologies. Illustrations, checklists, and tables accompany each chapter and highlight the daily workflow of an AC. This new edition has been updated to include: A fresh chapter on the entry level camera positions of Camera Trainee/Production Assistant Coverage of emerging iPhone apps that are used by filmmakers and ACs on set An updated companion website offering online tutorials, clips, and techniques that ACs can easily access while on location (www.cameraassistantmanual.com) All new sample reports and forms including AC time cards, resumé templates, a digital camera report, and a non-prep disclaimer Instruction and custom forms to help freelance filmmakers keep track of daily expenses for tax purposes The Camera Assistant’s Manual, Sixth Edition is an AC's bible for success and a must-have for anyone looking to prosper in this highly technical and ever-changing profession.

Veteran camera assistant Doug Hart describes in this comprehensive technical guide all of the important facets and duties of the first and second camera assistants' jobs. Whether it is feature films, episodic television, documentaries, commercials, or music videos, The Camera Assistant: A Complete Professional Handbook explains both the practice and theory behind it with a concentration on technique rather than equipment. In addition, personal anecdotes from the author's years behind and beside the camera provide insight into this demanding field. Key topics include film formats and aspect ratios, testing lenses and camera equipment, focus theory, film loading and labeling, scene blocking, marking actors, shooting tips, slating, paperwork, equipment maintenance, set etiquette, and finding work. This is not a camera equipment handbook; it is a comprehensive procedures manual which describes and explains the most important responsibilities of the camera assistant on the set, the theory behind the practice, and the methods that get the job done properly and keep the assistant frequently employed. Douglas C. Hart has been a freelance first-camera assistant on feature films, documentaries, television shows, and commercials for more than 20 years, including 10 years (and 10 films) as first-camera assistant to Gordon Willis, ASC, as well as work in 42 states and 26 foreign countries. His work includes Presumed Innocent, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Cosby Mysteries, and CBS's Central Park West. He is a member and former president of the International Photographers Local 644, IATSE, and teaches the Camera Assistant Workshops at the International Film and Television Workshops in Rockport, Maine.

A handbook

Once camera assistants have learned and practiced the rules of their job, they can then begin to explore and test their limits. Stressing theory as well as hands-on experience, Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants melds technical knowledge and skills with technique and attitude to provide key information on one of the most vital parts of a camera assistant's job: focus. Assistants will learn how to make themselves invaluable on the set by being able to apply theoretical approaches to problem solving, allowing them to extrapolate from theory to any practical situation, as opposed to following cook-book style solutions. The book also stresses enhanced techniques for greater speed and precision in routine equipment-handling procedures. In addition to covering such important topics as diagnostic optics for use in the field, fundamental and advanced estimating and focus techniques, and depth of field, Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants also offers essential information on how best to be mentally and physically prepared for the job. Fritz Hershey has been a freelance camera assistant for more than 15 years, working principally on commercials. His feature film credits include Year of the Dragon.

It’s a whole new world for cinematographers, camera assistants, and postproduction artists. New equipment, new methods, and new technologies have to be learned and mastered. New roles such as that of the DIT (Digital Imaging Technician), Digital Loader, and Data Manager are integral to today’s motion picture production process. Take your mastery of these new tools, techniques, and roles to the next level with this cutting-edge roadmap from esteemed author and filmmaker Blain Brown. The Filmmaker’s Guide to Digital Imaging covers both the theory and the practice, featuring full-color, in-depth coverage of essential terminology, technology, and industry-standard best-practices. Brown covers new industry-wide production standards such as ASC-CDL and the ACES workflow. Interviews with professional cinematographers and DITs working on Hollywood productions equip you with knowledge that is essential if you want to work in today’s motion picture industry, whether as a cinematographer, DIT, Digital Loader, Data Manager, camera assistant, editor, or VFX artist. Topics include: Digital sensors and cameras The structure of digital images Waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and test charts Using linear, gamma, and log encoded video files Exposure techniques for HD and UltraHD Understanding digital color Codecs and file formats The DIT cart Downloading, ingesting, and managing video files Workflow from camera to DIT cart to post Using metadata and timecode The companion website (www.focalpress.com/cw/brown) features additional material, including demonstrations and interviews with experienced DITs and cinematographers.

This new edition of an all-time best-seller is completely revised and updated and details the components and step-by-step use of over forty of the most widely used film cameras. Significant new topics include time code and time code slates, video assist, and the Steadicam film stabilizing system. Among a few of the new camera systems are the Aaton 16mm; Arriflex 535, 35-3, 35-BL3 and -BL4, and 16BL; Fries 35R3; and the all new Panavision Panaflex 35mm and 16mm. The book teaches basic film camera procedures and troubleshooting techniques. It also looks at all the components, accessories (including lenses), and support systems.

While the technology of filmmaking has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, the basics of effective studio gripping are the same-a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety, and tools remains the foundation for success. A heavily illustrated reference and learning tool, Uva's Basic Grip Book provides grounding in basic grip equipment, techniques, and safety issues. It distills the most beginner-friendly information offered in Uva's original Grip Book into a handy reference and guide prepared especially for the beginning professional. Updated with the latest studio grip equipment, the book also offers a complete list of personal grip tools that every grip should have, more than 100 tricks of the trade, and a review test designed to affirm new knowledge. Uva's Basic Grip Book also offers safety tips for gripping, detailed descriptions of positions within the grip department, and advice designed to help land that first job and get established in this very competitive industry. A fully updated and expanded glossary completes the book. Uva's Basic Grip Book covers beginners' most frequently asked questions and helps them to acquire basic skills. It also looks at the different positions within the grip department and offers helpful advice in getting that first job. Like its predecessor, Uva's Basic Grip Book is filled throughout with Tricks of the Trade, as well as tips on common practice and safety. An improved and expanded glossary completes the book.