How to Build Your Cinema Camera Like a Professional Camera Assistant
1st Key Camera Assistant Derek Edwards shows you how to handle the gear and equipment and then how to design the camera to suit the needs of the production.
DESIGN THE CAMERA:
After you’ve checked all your cases, the next part is when you design your camera.
By this point, you should have learned the following from your DP:
- What kind of production is it?
- How many cameras will you have?
- Does the design need to allow us to rip it apart for different scenarios?
- Will you need a Studio Camera?
- Will you need a Handheld Camera?
Build your camera based on these factors to make it ideal for when you get on set because anything can happen. While building the camera, Derek wants the least amount of work in order to save time in between when making it ready for the next shot.
Let’s consult this portion of our camera prep checklist. (*The full checklist is available in the complete Camera Assistant Prep course.)
▢ When Configuring Your Camera Always Think Of Other Dept. When Building – The Operator, DP & DIT
Derek places the wireless video transmitter on the camera, mounting it high to avoid complaints from his DIT. He tries to build the camera in a way that works for everybody.
▢ Spend 80% Of Prep On Designing Your Camera(s)
Derek spends 80% of his prep designing the camera. If he has a DIT, he tells them to dial in all the settings, meaning that they both talked to production, talked to post, and know what settings they want.
| PRO TIP: Factory reset your camera and go through all the menus and submenus so that it’s all dialed in by the DIT or yourself. |
▢ Talk With Post/DP To Get All The Settings For The Camera, So You Or The DIT Can Dial In The Correct Settings
Find out what settings they want (i.e. 4K) along with the ratio so that you can ingest it all into the camera and have it ready for the shoot day.
Camera Assistant Prep
Learn how to prep a camera like a pro!
- 5 Lessons
- 40 minutes of instructional videos
Starting from before you walk through the door of the camera rental house all the way until the last case is snapped shut. 1st Assistant Camera Derek Edwards guides you through the process, highlighting AC etiquette, and sharing useful pro tips. Then, he shows you what to check for in the prep to mitigate issues before they hit the set.
In Camera Assistant Prep, discover how to communicate with your DP, expectations of the 2nd AC, how to build your camera from the ground up, effectively troubleshoot faulty tech, and make sure that every piece of gear is in working order before you walk out the door.
- Detailed Written Breakdowns
- English Subtitles
ABOUT FILMMAKERS ACADEMY MENTOR SHANE HURLBUT, ASC
Derek Edwards is Shane Hurlbut’s trusted 1st AC of over 20 years working on Hollywood productions. He continuously expands his vast knowledge of camera systems and methodology to remain at the forefront of the latest technology and complement the pioneering spirit worthy of an ASC cinematographer. Derek is a member of the Guild/Local 600.
