An edition of The camera assistant's manual
(2013)
The camera assistant's manual
Sixth Edition.
by David E. Elkins
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"Excel as a Camera Assistant (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. The new edition has been updated to include: - All new sample reports and forms including AC time cards, resume templates, a digital camera report, and a non-prep disclaimer - A fresh chapter on the entry level camera positions of Camera Trainee/Production Assistant - Instruction and custom forms to help freelance filmmakers keep track of daily expenses for tax purposes - 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)"--
Publish Date
2013
Publisher
Focal Press, Taylor & Francis Group,
Focal Press
Language
English
Pages
592
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The camera assistant's manual
2013, Focal Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Focal Press
in English
- Sixth Edition.
0240818687 9780240818689
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Book Details
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Basics Of Cinematography:
Film formats:
Single perf or double perf
Videotape and digital shooting
Aspect ratios
Shots and composition
Film stock:
Emulsion
Base
Anti-halation backing
Types of film:
Negative film
Reversal film
Film speed
Sync speed
Exposure time
Exposure meters
Color temperature and color balance
Camera:
Gate:
Intermittent movement:
Pull down claw
Registration pin
Aperture plate
Pressure plate
Shutter:
Shutter angle
Inching knob
Viewing system:
Diopter adjustment
Lens:
Primes and zooms
F-stops and T-stops
Magazines
Motor
Batteries
Additional camera components
Sync and MOS
Filters:
Conversion filters:
85 Filter
80 A Filter
Neutral density filters
Polarizing filters
Combination filters
Optical flat
Diffusion filters
Fog and double fog filters
Low-contrast filters
Soft-contrast filters
Ultra-contrast filters
Coral filters
Enhancing filters
Graduated filters
Diopters
Filter manufacturers
Camera mounts:
Tripods and spreader
High hat/low hat
Tripod heads:
Fluid head
Gear head
Steadicam
Dolly
Chapter 2: Camera Department:
Film productions:
Director of photography:
Preproduction
Production
Postproduction
Camera operator:
Preproduction
Production
First and second assistant cameramen
First assistant cameraman (1st AC or focus puller):
Preproduction
Production
Postproduction
Second assistant cameraman (2nd AC or clapper/loader):
Preproduction
Production
Postproduction
Film loader:
Preproduction
Production
Digital productions:
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)
Video controller
Camera utility
Digital utility
Digital loader/data manager
Chapter 3: Camera Trainee And Camera Production Assistant (PA):
Preproduction:
Working with the film laboratory:
Obtaining laboratory supplies
Choosing and ordering expendables
Preparation of camera equipment
Preparation of camera truck
Production:
Start-of-the-day procedures
Camera reports
Recording shot information
Marking actors
Slates and slating
Changing lenses, filters, magazines, and accessories
Using a video tap and monitor
Record keeping and filing of paperwork
Packing equipment
Tools and accessories
Camera trainee and PA tips
Chapter 4: Second Assistant Cameraman (2nd AC) And Film Loader:
Preproduction:
Working with the film laboratory
Obtaining laboratory supplies
Choosing and ordering expendables
Preparation of camera equipment
Preparation of camera truck
Preparation of darkroom
Production:
Start-of-the-day procedures
Setting up the camera
Organizing equipment
Film stocks:
Film stock packaging sizes
Camera reports
Recording shot information
Magazines:
Loading magazines
Unloading magazines
Using a changing bag or changing tent
Marking actors and camera positions
Slates
Slating procedures
Changing lenses, filters, and magazines
Using a video tap and monitor
Preparing exposed film for delivery to the lab
Shipping film (exposed and unexposed)
Film, x-rays, and carrying film on planes
Ordering additional film stock
Using short ends and recans
Storage and care of motion picture film:
Unexposed film
Exposed film
Film inventory and record of film shot
Completing film inventory forms
Distribution of reports
Record keeping and filing of paperwork
Performing the duties of first assistant cameraman
Packing equipment
Tools and accessories
2nd AC/loader tips
Resources
Postproduction:
Wrapping equipment
Working in digital video:
Preproduction
Production:
Setting up the camera
Camera reports
Magazines
Marking actors
Slates and slating procedures
Moving the camera and setting up the video monitor
Preparing media cards and hard drives
Ordering additional media cards
Storage and care of media cards
Videotapes, x-rays, and magnetic fields
Tools and accessories
Postproduction:
Wrapping equipment
Review checklist for second assistant cameraman (2nd AC or clapper/loader)
Preproduction
Production
Postproduction
Review checklist for film loader (loader):
Preproduction
Production
Chapter 5: First Assistant Cameraman (1st AC):
Preproduction:
Choosing camera equipment
Choosing and ordering expendables
Preparation of camera equipment:
Rental house
Camera prep checklist
Production:
Start-of-the-day procedures
Loading and unloading film in the camera
Keeping the camera clean
Oiling and lubricating the camera
Setting the viewfinder eyepiece
Lenses:
Prime lenses and zoom lenses
Checking for lens flares
Depth of field
F-stops and T-stops
Changing lenses, filters, and accessories
Focus measurements and following focus:
Getting your marks
Focusing tips
Zoom lens moves
Shooting the shot
Footage readings
Checking the gate
Moving the camera
Performing the duties of second assistant cameraman
End-of-the-day procedures:
Packing equipment
Walkaway
Tools and accessories
Using computers and technology
1st AC/focus puller tips
Resources
Postproduction:
Wrapping equipment
Working in digital video:
Preproduction:
Choosing and ordering expendables
Rental house and preparation of camera equipment
Production:
Setting up the camera
Loading and unloading media cards into the digital camera
Swapping hard drives
Lenses (primes and zooms)
Checking for lens flares
Focusing and depth of field
Moving the camera
White balancing
Tools and accessories
Postproduction:
Wrapping equipment
Review checklist for first assistant cameraman (1st AC or focus puller)
Preproduction
Production
Postproduction
Chapter 6: Problems And Troubleshooting:
Camera problems:
Camera will not run
Camera does not stop when switched to "off"
Camera starts and stops intermittently
Camera stops while filming
Camera is noisy
Shutter does not spin (no flicker seen through the viewfinder)
Unable to thread film into the gate area
Camera door does not close
Film jams in camera
Film rips or has torn perforations
Film loses loop
Camera does not run at sync speed
Viewing system is blacked out
Fuse blows when connecting electrical accessories
When shooting a television monitor or computer screen, a roll bar moves through the screen
Magazine problems:
Film cones when removing from magazine
Film does not take up
Magazine is noisy
There are scratches on the film
Lens-related problems:
Lens will not focus
Image is fogged when looking through viewfinder
Zoom lens motor runs erratically
Zoom lens does not zoom throughout its entire range of focal lengths
Lens flares are seen when looking through the viewfinder
Unable to adjust F-stop/T-stop
Battery problems:
Battery loses power
Battery will not hold charge
Video assist problems:
Image on video monitor is out of focus or is tilted to the side
There is no image on video monitor
Tripod and head problems:
Tripod head does not pan or tilt
Tripod legs do not slide up or down
Weather and environmental-related problems:
Shooting in extreme cold weather
Shooting in extreme heat
Filming in or around salt water and camera and magazine fall into the water
Color balance/filter problems:
Filters don't fit in matte box
Shooting outside using tungsten-balanced film without an 85 filter
Shooting inside with tungsten light using daylight-balanced film without an 80A filter
Developed image problems:
Projected image is shaky or unsteady
Projected image is out of focus
Projected image contains spots or lines
Image is not aligned during the video transfer
Shooting in foreign countries:
Shooting in countries using a different electrical system
Troubleshooting tips
Chapter 7: Film Cameras:
Aaton A-Minima
Aaton Xtera and XTR-Prod
Aaton 35-III
Aaton Penelope
Arriflex 16 SR1, 16 SR2, and 16 SR3
Arriflex 416
Arriflex Arricam Lite (LT)
Arriflex Arricam Studio (ST)
Arriflex 235
Arriflex 535A and 535B
Arriflex 435
Arriflex 35BL3 and 35BL4
Arriflex 35-3
Arriflex 765
Moviecam Compact and Moviecam Super America
Moviecam SL
Panavision Panaflex 16
Panavision Panaflex Gold and GII
Panavision Panaflex Millennium and Millennium XL
Panavision Panaflex Platinum
Panavision Panastar II
Panavision Panaflex 65
Panavision 65 mm High Speed
Panavision 65 mm Handheld
Photo-Sonics Actionmaster 500
Photo-Sonics 1VN
Photo-Sonics 35-4B/4C
Photo-Sonics 35-4E/ER
Photo-Sonics 35-4ML
Chapter 8: Before, During, And After The Job:
Union or non-union:
IATSE and Local 600
Joining the union
Before the job
Resume and business cards
Email and web sites
Job interview:
Deal memo
During the job:
On-set etiquette
After the job:
Invoicing and time cards
Next job
Networking
Freelance filmmaker and taxes
Appendix A: Film Stock
Appendix B: Equipment, Software, 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
Index.
Edition Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Classifications
The Physical Object
Edition Identifiers
Work Identifiers
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