Question 1

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

Sed Lanas · Accepted Answer

“The biggest suggestion for people looking at becoming a 2nd Assistant Camera is to be ready to work hard and always understand the equipment being used. Many people can get lazy through familiarity. However, it only takes one bad job to blow a relationship and not get rehired.
“So many people are looking for opportunities that if a 2nd Assistant Camera drops the ball, there will be someone to take their place. But that isn’t enough. A person needs to remember to be social so when it comes time for a recommendation their name is at the top of the list.”

Question 2

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

Sed Lanas · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake a person can make when working as a 2nd Assistant Cameraperson is to run their mouth. If they try and run the whole show or give ideas when their opinion wasn’t warranted a bad impression will be made.”
“Time is money on a film set and nobody cares about hearing everyone’s ideas, especially if that person is low on the totem pole. It can be easy for someone to work on a couple of sets, watch a lot of movies and think that they know everything.”
“There is a lot of craft that comes from practical experience. Even something as basic as switching lenses can be very complicated, depending on the glass. So, it’s important for a person to not get discouraged, but learn everything they can, and save their great ideas for later in their career when they’ll be more readily heard.”

Question 3

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

Sed Lanas · Accepted Answer

“Do you have any other recommendations for breaking into the business?
“When trying to build a resume it can sometimes be helpful to take free work. If this approach is taken, it’s important for an individual to realize that they are there to build relationships and prove the quality of their work ethic.”
“Therefore, it’s important to make sure that these favors are only granted to people that could potentially provide paid work in the future and to be as respectful as possible. If someone keeps a great attitude after a fourteen-hour day without any pay then a 1st Assistant Director or Director of Photography will definitely remember them for future projects.”

Question 4

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

Sed Lanas · Accepted Answer

It’s important for a 2nd AC to wear the right clothes. Everything they wear should be dark or completely black. If they have on obnoxious or bright colors it could throw the shot off, due to reflections.
“It’s also a very subtle way of saying that a person is there to work. They take this seriously and can be counted on. While this might seem like a minor detail it only takes one mistake to make a bad impression in a business as competitive as this one is.”

Question 5

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

Sed Lanas · Accepted Answer

“Friendly.”

Question 6

What is a 2nd AC?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A 2nd AC, also referred to as the 2nd Assistant Camera or Clapper Loader, is part of the camera department on a film set. Among their various duties, the 2nd AC typically readies the camera magazines, marks the Actors, maintains the camera records, and slates the beginning of each take.

Question 7

What is the 2nd AC responsible for?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The 2nd AC is a vital part of the camera department and provides substantial support for the rest of it. In addition to their common responsibilities of slating each take, marking the Actors, maintaining camera records, and readying the camera magazines, they often help the Camera Operator position the camera and making sure it’s set up for each take. To that end, the 2nd AC will change out batteries, lenses, and other components of the camera.

Question 8

How much do 2nd ACs make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The salary for a 2nd AC is dependent upon a number of factors, including their experience and union status. If they’re working regularly, a 2nd AC can earn an average of just under $51,000 a year. A veteran professional who frequently works on bigger budget projects can earn more, while a novice 2nd AC might earn a fraction of that amount when just starting out.

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