Consider these 20 Tips to Become an Excellent Focus Puller
A focus puller, also known as 1st assistant camera, is an important member of the camera department of a film crew. They’re responsible for maintaining image sharpness on any subject or action’s being filmed at the time.
When we talk about “pulling focus” or “rack focusing”, it refers to the act of changing the focus distance setting of the lens in equivalence to the physical distance of the moving subject from the focal plane.
Is being a professional camera assistant the most challenging job on the crew?
Well, it can be the hardest job on the crew. Those who’ve already been a focus puller would not hold an opposing view to the fact that being a camera assistant is the most strenuous job ever. This is because this job (supposedly performed to the best of the focus puller’s ability) carries a lot more responsibility than most people think. It can even be worse!
While most people are enjoying their coffee, the 1st Assistant Camera generally seems to be carrying out several vital chores to get the best shot. These include working, loading magazines, filling out Camera Report Sheets etc. One of the jobs they lay emphasize on the most is organizing the camera for the upcoming set-up.
Every experienced camera crew working their respective ways out at the top end of the film and TV industry include Cinematographers, Focus Pullers and Camera Operators. All these are proficient people who have gladly done their time as Camera Assistants.
Focus pullers are generally the first people to commence their work and the last people to end. The work load that Camera Assistants are loaded with most of the time is immense, which is why you could mistakenly presume that rest of the members of the crew seem lethargic in every sense of the word.
Anyway! Here are 20 useful tips that will help you become an excellent focus puller:
1.Being punctual always pays a lot at every step of the way. Always respect time and show up at most 15 minutes before you’re expected to begin your work for the day. Don’t forget the general rule of thumb: “If you are on time — you are late!”
2.Leave no stone unturned when it comes to being organized and effective. Don’t lose track leading straight to your goal i.e., becoming an excellent focus puller or Camera Assistant. (Make sure you don’t settle for averageness, as it won’t do you any good eventually)
3.Awfully hot weather conditions? Make sure you safeguard your camera from direct sun by shading it with an umbrella. (Use a Magic Arm which is great for holding an umbrella to a lighting stand or a tripod)
4.On a shoot? Always give a try listening in on the conversations between the Director and the Cinematographer or Camera Operator. That way you’ll be able to grasp and expect what will be needed next. (A big part played by focus puller is anticipating and being ready beforehand)
5.Make sure you have camera batteries charged always. They can be needed at any given time.
6.Working on film? Load Magazines immediately. And always have a loaded ‘Mag’ ready.
7.Camera not in use? Ensure that it’s kept low in the tripod or rather keep it on a secure place on the ground. Don’t you forget to place the camera on a groundsheet and keep it protected from dust or moisture with the rain cover?
8.Follow the system. Never get into making up your own rules and ways of carrying out certain things. When you’re working with skilled and experienced film and TV professionals you will be expected to abide by the set rules. An experienced crew is fully aware of the correct and incorrect way of doing things so you must avoid reinventing the wheel, as it’ll be of no use.
9.Being friendly to everyone (including the soundman) is a great way to display your skills.
10.Ensure that all camera Rushes are secure. You’re the only one who’s solely responsible for taking care of Rushes.
11.Whenever there’s an opportunity clean the body of the camera as well as accessories busily.
12.Having the Rain Cover ready will be beneficial for you, even if you’re working in sunny Los Angeles.
13.Don’t have a rain cover handy? No problem! You can use your jacket to shield the camera.
14.Clean lenses and filters and protect them all the time.
15.Camera not on the tripod? Under no circumstances you should lift the camera and tripod using the grab handle. Keep in mind that this handle’s designed to take the camera weight. It’s not designed to take the weight of the tripod.
16.Make sure you keep track of all the equipment particularly on Night Shoots. There are chances that equipment can go off track and get lost.
17.It’s not acceptable fooling around while filming. Or, anytime you’re working on set. Don’t forget that there’s a time as well as place for everything. Well, you can work hard and play even harder, but avoid mixing the two.
18.If possible, it’ll be better if you can work different types of cameras. That way it will be easy for you to switch from one job to another without hassles. You ought to have a great knowledge of different camera types available.
19.Be accurate! Keep abreast of the latest camera technology. Learn as much as you can about your skills.
20.When you’re carrying the camera, make sure you protect the same from all the possible complications. Be careful of lighting stands, door frames or anything else that would cause damage.
A good focus puller is the one who will have the great knowledge of cinematographic as well as optical theory. A focus puller is a person who works in conjunction with the camera operator on video productions so they can keep the focus of a camera’s lens in control.
Conclusion
The role of the First Assistant Camera (1st Assistant Camera, 1st AC, or the focus puller) seems one of the most competent jobs on the crew. Focus pullers play a very crucial role because these experts are responsible not only for focusing but refocusing the camera lens as Actors move within the frame of each shot. They must be reliable and adept at what they do. Also, they should be able to cope effectually in demanding situations.