What is the Essential Role Played by a Focus Puller on a Film Set?

If you were to ask me the essential role played by a professional focus puller, also known as 1st AC or Camera Assistant, I’d probably be fall short of words. Well, I do have my own set of thoughts what it takes to be an outstanding remote focus puller. I’ll shed some light on the most crucial role played by the focus puller we proceed with the article.

If someone claims that being a professional focus puller seems more like taking a walk in the park, I’d have to beg to differ with the statement above. With this job comes more responsibilities than a majority of people may not even think about and what worse it can do even if a slightest mistake pops up.

What if I told you that this person whom we know as a Camera Assistant, focus puller, or 1st AC was usually carrying out his obligations religiously, including working, loading magazines, organizing the camera equipment for the upcoming set-up? Yeah….it’s true that this experienced person with a high level of competency can be seen doing all that he’s entitled to doing justice to their job while everyone else is having a great time enjoying their tea break.

A focus puller generally oversees care for the camera package with the assistance of the 2nd AC.

A professional focus puller can deemed to be an invaluable asset. And they’re the ones that have to be skilled and adept at both — the technical set up of the camera AND pulling focus.

What’s the vital role played by a focus puller?

The focus puller is a member of the crew who’s acts as in charge of the camera department. During a shoot, the Camera Assistant is responsible for keeping and maintaining the camera of focus. That’s how we got the name “focus puller”.

These are the people who take the complete responsibility and not to mention, care of each camera. During pre-production, they will go to rental houses for the sake of testing gear. That’s not all! They will ensure everything’s ready on schedule.

On a film set, the focus puller will not only build the camera and swap lenses, but they will make sure they move the camera from shot to shot. Adding to it, they’re also liable for updating the dope sheet. This sheet is a camera report that includes all those scenes that have already been shot.

The focus puller is an innovative contributor!!!

A focus puller is the manager as well as a camera technician. During the preparation of the camera, these professional people pave the way for camera bodies, lenses and all of the needed accessories that the project requires. However, there are some focus pullers who give importance to hiring the 2nd AC or Second Assistant Camera. If there are numerous cameras, they will make a list of potential crew members for the DP (Director of Photography) for their approval or comment.

If the DP does not have an opinion to make, the First Assistant will proceed with the hiring. These young members of the crew are imparted the right practices as well as traditions of the camera department. And if you’re thinking that it’s just about the camera, you’re mistaken. There are etiquette as well as do’s and don’ts that help them maintain a lasting association with each department there is.

Do focus pullers also do a script breakdown?

Derived from the script, remote focus pullers carry a special equipment calendar during the course of the movie. They will examine the script for any possible shot they think may require equipment that’s generally done on a daily basis.

A Director of Photography (DP) will have each of these scenes discussed. They will even the creative approach they’re likely to take. There are times when special equipment is needed by the focus puller. Or, every now and then the approach is facilitated or even the shot is left out.

First Camera Assistants or Focus Pullers give extensive hands-on support not only to camera operators but DPs as well. They estimate the accurate focus settings for all shots and prepare the camera. Then the camera’s being adjusted so as to keep specific parts of the shot in focus.

Final Words

1st ACs extensively count on their experience and instinct for each focal adjustment they’re likely to make. Because re-shooting scenes can cost arm and a leg and actors may not be able to give a new look to their best take, it’s extremely important for the Camera Assistant to be exceptionally trustworthy and skilled at their work. They should even be able to hold their own effectively in nerve-racking situations.