The Camera Assistant's Manual: Edition 4

David E. Elkins, SOC

Jan 2005 · CRC Press

About this ebook

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.

About the author

David E. Elkins is a working camera operator and first assistant cameraman with more than 25 years of professional experience working on feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, educational films, industrial films and much more. In addition to his production experience, he has taught numerous film production classes and workshops on both the east and west coasts of the United States. He is an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 and Society of Camera Operators (SOC).