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.

The Fifth Edition of The Camera Assistant's Manual has been completely updated to reflect the technology of today, providing crucial guidance to student filmmakers as they prepare to enter the professional world and work as camera assistants. David Elkins has the technical know-how to provide students with easy to follow advice about how to act on set, what a camera assistant is expected to do, and all the tips and tricks that will make a first or second camera assistant ready to advance to the next level. Readers will learn how the skill sets of a 1st or 2nd AC (Camera Assistant) in film and digital (HD) intertwine, how they differ, and all they need to know to do both jobs well. The advancements in HD and digital video are only adding to an already demanding job, and this fifth edition of The Camera Assistant's Manual provides Camera Assistant novices and experienced ACs alike with valuable knowledge that they need to work in both formats. This nuts and bolts guide covers the basics of cinematography, how to maintain a camera, how to transport a camera, how to troubleshoot common problems that arise on set, and even advice about interviewing for the job. The new edition has also been updated to include new forms, checklists, tables, and illustrations that will be essential to the success of any camera assistant. Using problem solving skills, readers will hone proficiency both on the set and off, and they will find a vital tool for their toolkits in this book.

A handbook

Every film or video shoot calls for at least two camera assistants. Camera assistants (or first and second ACs, as they're known) have the important job of maintaining the camera, readying it for use, troubleshooting (such as knowing what to do when a camera drops into the ocean), and preparing it for transport. The Camera Assistant's Manual teaches the complete workflow in easy-to-understand terms and does not assume prior knowledge. It is a must-have on the set for camera assistants and is loaded with reference material such as camera illustrations, forms, charts, checklists, and equations. Invaluable career advice rounds out the book.

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.

The Panaflex Users' Manual, Second Edition, provides detailed instructions and illustrations on how to use Panaflex motion picture camera equipment. Developed in cooperation with Panavision, this easy-to-follow manual provides current information and illustrations for all aspects of the most widely used camera system for major motion pictures. A new Primo-L Lens Data section provides previously unpublished optical information, including entrance pupil position, which is of special interest to those shooting special effects and film for digital postproduction. This edition also includes new depth-of-field tables for all Panavision Primo-L prime and zoom lenses, as well as subject size/camera distance information for all 35mm film formats. The text is divided into special sections that highlight the relevance of the equipment to all who use it, including film producers, film directors, directors of photography, camera operators, and camera assistants. Additionally, there are special sections for the sound recordist and production manager, as well as an extensive discussion of Panaflex and Panastar camera accessories.