Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Derek Plough · Accepted Answer

“It’s best to just start finding gigs, even off Craigslist. You’ll be much better off when you don’t have college debt racking up,” Plough says.
(This is a practical position that doesn’t necessarily take a four-year degree to do well. Working as a 1st Assistant Camera is a job that requires hands-on experience and an understanding of the latest camera systems. With every year comes a new line of cameras so it’s a constant learning curve. The best way to learn the job is from working professionals — by shadowing them and picking up their tricks.)

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Derek Plough · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake many 1st Assistant Camerapeople make is getting too comfortable in a working environment. Often Cinematographers will hire the same 1st Assistant Cameraperson over and over. That can result in a familiarity where the 1st Assistant Cameraperson feels like they’re always going to get hired. They slack off.
“They forget how many 1st Assistant Camerapeople are working in the industry. Every time a 1st Assistant Cameraperson works they are essentially interviewing for their next job with the Cinematographer, whether it feels like that or not.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Derek Plough · Accepted Answer

“What is the working relationship between the 1st Assistant and 2nd Assistant Camerapeople?
“People rarely inquire about the working relationship between 1st Assistant Camera and 2nd Assistant Camerapeople. How a 1st Assistant Camera works with a Cinematographer is just as important as how they work with their 2nd Assistant Cameraperson. They need to constantly be on the same page for what gear is needed, where marks are and the organization of equipment.
“It’s very easy for the camera department to eat up time if they’re not functioning properly. If someone gets a chance to become a 1st Assistant Camera then it’s important for them to bring on a strong 2nd Assistant Cameraperson to make sure the work flows smoothly. Otherwise, it will make them look bad as a 1st Assistant Camera.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Derek Plough · Accepted Answer

“Why do some 1st Assistant Camerapeople have bad attitudes on set?
“Working as a 1st Assistant Camera is simple to think of in theory but the reality of it can be quite difficult. Many people look at the position as a stepping stone to one day becoming a Cinematographer, which can result in bad attitudes on set or in not taking the job seriously. They think it’s beneath them and don’t appreciate the technical knowledge required to be a professional.
“Nothing is worse than having a bad 1st Assistant Cameraperson on set who is constantly missing their marks, fiddling with the camera menu and eating up extra time with their setups.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Derek Plough · Accepted Answer

“Competence.”

Question 6

What is a First AC?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The First AC or 1st AC on a film works in the camera department. This individual is positioned next to the camera and operates the focusing ring for it.

Question 7

What are the duties of a First AC?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

On lower budget or indie projects, a First AC may be tasked with multiple duties. However, their primary responsibility on any set is to maintain camera focus via the manipulation of the focus ring on the camera.

Question 8

How much does a First AC in film get paid?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

With union status, experience, and the opportunity to work on bigger budget films, a First AC can make a lucrative annual salary in the range of $70,000 to $250,000. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that many First ACs – or 1st ACs – who do not have union status or the ability to work on more mainstream projects will almost certainly earn less than that amount.

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