Wow, I never expected such a large response to this post. Thank you all for your input, and let me take a moment to address a few things.
First off, I have been out of town for a while without internet, which is why I haven't had a chance to check back on this post and respond to the questions and queries put forth.
Secondly, I need to correct my original post. It turns out that I had misunderstood the job and I will in fact be working as the 2nd AC, not the first AC, which, although quite fine, does change things up a bit.
Now, there seem to be a lot of questions going through about whether I've worked as an AC before, and I should have clarified that this is my first PAID AC job. I am still in film school and as such I have worked on at least 7 or 8 short films and other projects ranging from the student level to semi professional as both a 1st AC and a 2nd AC. I do know how to pull focus without killing a shot :P I learned the hard way a couple of times with some bad pulls, but for the most part, I like to think that I have a pretty OK grasp on the mechanics behind it, and while I am obviously still working on my craft, I do have confidence that I would be able to pull this job off without too much of a hitch.
Also, this is a documentary, and the portions of the doc that will be shooting in 35mm are actually re-enactments of a sort in order to demonstrate certain aspects of cinematography for students and as such, the pulling will be much more akin to a feature than run and gun. The actors will have marks and there will be repeated takes, things of that nature.
Now, regarding my original request. I have a kit that I use when I work as an AC. What I was asking for was anything that someone might suggest that I had not thought of previously, some item that you had found particularly useful in situations as a 2nd or 1st AC. I always get the feeling that I'm missing something out of my kit and I just wanted to sort of double check with more experienced people to make sure that I had indeed included the necessary items. This particular job is paying fairly well, considering, and I just want to make sure that I am fully prepared.
One last thing. This particular project is being directed by one of my professors and is directed at students. Its an educational documentary and one of the things that he insisted on in the beginning is that it also be populated by students, in order to create a learning environment on set as well as in the film itself. As such, he knows full well the level of experience that he is getting and I have not at any point tried to overstate my abilities. I really appreciate the concern and suggestions to always be honest and forthright in ones professional dealings and I am always very conscious of how I am representing myself to any potential employer. As you said, people in this industry have long memories and it is one of my more important priorities to maintain good working relationships with as many people as I can. I always like a good challenge, but its good to be aware of your own limitations as well.
Now
That aside.
Do you guys have any good suggestions on any little pieces of equipment that I could use in my 2ND AC kit that I hadn't already mentioned or anything weird piece that you have found useful over the years?
Thanks for all the help
Drew Dale