Gunnar Mortensen

I have and read that==> followed by Doug Harts great book==>then the Panavision book; I am looking to continue my search. I know learn by doing, but call me obsessive with this free time I can cram in some more theory.

Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants, Art, Science and Zen by Fritz Hershey. This has been out of print for a while, but I am actively looking for it. Has anyone read and recommend me to continue my search? Lets just say I have some unexpected free time that I would at least like to imagine that I am working. Anyone in LA want to go out and guess distances? only fun for AC's and about all I can afford to do for now.

I went to the colorado film school. What I liked about it was that the classes were very hands on. Meaning that I was handed a camera in my 1st class and made a movie. Another great thing is that it doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money to go. I have friends that spent a lot more money on school and are trying to hustle but with almost 200k in student loans. I work in LA as a camera assistant and though film school was fun you don't walk out as a dp; so be prepared to PA and move to a real city asap. I wasted 2 years trying to make it in Denver. wish you the best of luck, Erik Gunnar Mortensen Camera Assistant LA CA

I spent the more money and bought the tr04 backstage collapsible senior cart. It was about $300 more but breaks down and can slip everything inside to be self contained and ready to ship around the world. Something that the magliner cannot offer. I also talked to some ac's that the magliner gets loose after a few years. Erik G Mortensen LA CA AC

My income has dropped 2/3 since the strike and missed my goal of joining the local 600 by the end of the year. Since I was working non union I wasn't sure how it was going to effect me; but that damn trickle effect is oozing my off of jobs. All the idle union camera assistants are "slumming it" with my indie features and bumping me down to making nickels and dimes. Hopefully my presence is presents enough because I am buying 0 Christmas gifts this year.:( Erik Gunnar Mortensen Camera Assistant Hollywood CA

I shot for the 1st time in a helicopter yesterday and I was pins and needles the whole time. The helicopter was really cramped with two people and a F900 but shooting 3,500 feet off the ground, going 90 mph, chasing a plane flying by and diving; at the same time not leaning out too far so the wind didn't drag the camera or lean back too far so I hit the pilot with the butt of the camera was definately a thrill. Needless to say the footage looked great and for best results hand holding shoot wide to med on the focal length. I didn't realize how much a gust of wind moves that whirly bird around!! I don't know if this helps but that was probably one of the most fun I ever had shooting and am still smiling ear to ear, just wanted to share this with someone. Erik Gunnar Mortensen Camera Assistant/Op LA

I am getting a lot of various gear in my kit and trying to find a reasonable amount to charge production. I have over $1,200 worth of marks, charts, tools, bags and measurement equipment. I have been charging $100 a week, but I wonder if I can get more. Is there a ratio to figure it out? I am about to buy a cart and want to know how much that will add to my kit rental. In short how much do you all charge for your kit rental both daily and weekly? And what does that get production i.e. Basic kit, cart, filters, and the like. Thanks, Erik Gunnar Mortensen Mostly 2nd AC and Sometimes 1st LA, CA

When i first started I asked the 1st AC the same question and he told me- "walking on another set is one of the biggest fau pau's in the industry. Also hanging out at rental houses and trying to get work from other AC's prepping camera packages." Needless to say I have never tested it and just took his word on the matter.

you have to work on enough features to be recognized in the 1st place, mind you these are usually big studio features. Then after having a good track record you have to be nominated by 3 members and then they'll just call you randomly and ask if you want to join. Pretty much you just keep making movies until you are invited. or you can be an associate member which is the same but in the support dept like working high up at Panavision. erik gunnar mortensen