GREAT 1st AC

[Jase Ryan]

Besides keeping everything in focus, what requirements would you ask of a 1st AC. Also, if they mostly work in HD, where they pull from the Monitor as well as watching the actors, would you ever bring them to film if they haven't pulled focus on a film camera? And, how would their job be any different if they are pulling focus on HD (Say a RED or Phantom) as to film?

[Chris Keth]

Besides keeping everything in focus, what requirements would you ask of a 1st AC. Also, if they mostly work in HD, where they pull from the Monitor as well as watching the actors, would you ever bring them to film if they haven't pulled focus on a film camera? And, how would their job be any different if they are pulling focus on HD (Say a RED or Phantom) as to film?

 

From a DPs or operator's perspective, I think a good 1st is one who allows them to never, ever have to worry about the camera. They should be able to walk up to it and have everything already be right and ready to roll.

 

As for bringing someone to film who has only pulled HD, it would depend on how they work. If they pull focus for HD exactly like they do for film, then they'll do fine. If they only pull off a monitor (which, for reasons I won't get into, I think is a bad idea) and don't really know how to do it "blind" then I would be pretty skeptical of their ability to do it without the assurance of a monitor.