Camera Assistant's Toolkit: A Walkthrough Guide

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A career in the film industry in one of the trades requires a significant investment in the tools to do the job. However, every camera assistant will have different tools depending on how they work.
That's why it is also important, if you have some experience under your belt, to peak into what other camera assistants have to offer.
In this video, I go through each and every tool in my kit and describe why I have it and what's used for.
www.theblackand...

[@TheAfrochef]

Thank you for this video. I’m a lighting technician switching to camera and doing my first AC day this weekend. This is MORE than helpful. Thank you for being thorough and also for being the kind of AC that knows to carry your own cube-tap. Lol!

[@JordanCrowderFilms]

I have found that tactical/range/duty bags, like those used in police work and military are more affordable and more durable. Plus they all use the universal molle attachment system allowing you to add compartments and customize them any way you want. The Velcro patches also allow you label each compartment. This same molle system works for tool belts and tool pouches, it’s pretty sweet!

[@MSFlipdascript]

Thank you for this video! I'm a Script Supervisor and training to "train" a friend to be a 2nd AC. This video is great for him to see what is used and why.

[@SalilSundresh]

Thanks for the look into your kit. I've found it works well mounting a laser pointer using a sturdy noga arm and 2 nano clamps. Film Tools also has an adapter for a mini cardelini to accomplish this but i've found the noga arm a little more flexible. Be careful about mounting a laser pointer to the camera since the distance will of course change when the camera tilts (unless that's what you want to happen). In the heat of things, it's easy to forget this...I almost made this mistake once.

[@peppervideoproductions4803]

Absolutely fascinating insight into your job. Even for an amateur film maker like my self, this is invaluable information, particularly if you are just starting out. The length of your video is testament to the experience you have have, and I was amazed how much you actually carry with you. It was like Pandora's Box, ha! So thank you for taking the time to post this, as I have learnt much!

[@rockazar5436]

These videos are gold.

[@toysaredamngood]

Great video. I've been doing photography for 7 years and I've directed a few shoots, but I'd like to get into the camera department by starting as a 2nd AC. Helpful vid! Thanks.

[@navalvarghese]

I am currently studying to become a film maker on a hnd, and now we are getting into serious technicalities of filming, I am realising how much goes into filming. This video is honestly one of the best videos that I have seen that will help me till I retire so thanks a ton! Especially because I am shooting on the red scarlet and Sony fs700 for the next 2 years. Any tips you can give me would be amazing thanks, message me on facebook if you can, its Naval Varghese. From UK Gloucestershire

[@GreyPatternMedia]

Great tips, I'm just about to buy my first set of gear but I'm from the UK so I need to find alternative suppliers. Best wishes, Dan

[@Theblackandblue]

Haha! Wow it does sound way too close to that for comfort. Glad you took the time to figure out what I was actually saying though :)

[@ChantiqueNewsChannel]

Wowww..after watched your awesome kit as AC, I don't know if I could be an AC too since those bag will be so heavy to bring around...hmmm but AC is a really interesting job though...

[@yourdadisunreal]

Super detailed man thanks for sharing!

[@amishjim]

My first job was as an ART PA on a Ballistol informercial with Joyce Dewitt from 3s Company, ha. I still have cans of it. It is good stuff and you can drink it, totally safe.

[@SteadicamCologne]

like the setup. i still have a bunch of medication with my. aspirin and stuff like that, always helpful, and you make a lot of friends with that .... i thought it was quite funny with the ear piece, i woul have laughed like hell, if he would ve picked up an arri 435 behind the desk and said ... well i didnt mean to steel it, but noone called me , so .....its mine =P

[@alex-bohorquez-jimenez]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@SteadicamCologne]

if i can make a suggestion. in stead of using wd 40, use gun oil. in germany its called ballistol.... its much more effective than wd 40, not so synthetic .... i would tell you take give it a try .... it usually doesnt cost more than wd 40, and is muuuuuuuch more effective

[@Theblackandblue]

Great tips, thanks!

[@allenachterberg3037]

no Labeler?

[@Bestow12345]

Thank you sooooooo much for that very helpful!

[@oExZiTe]

is that a CB01 cinebag?

[@MSFlipdascript]

Sorry about my typo. "Trying to train a friend..."

[@lAzEnY1]

Im not sure what the tag board use is, and the filter tag. Can you explain it?

[@TheMrtateful]

As an AC myself the main use for the board itself is for quick access to those colour tapes he has as well as the filter tags which you will attach to a mattebox for easier display of filter choice by the DOP

[@PracticalAIVictor]

where is your follow focus?

[@SilasJohnEgan]

Whatever focus system you are using will likely come as a part of your camera package.

[@jurgenboontje7579]

the set says enough