So that you’ve landed your first gig as a 2nd digicam assistant (aka clapper loader) and also you’re questioning what instruments you will have? In case you are coming from a trainee, a digicam PA or a runner place, chances are high you have already got a reasonably good concept of the instruments and consumables you may be needing. The precise instruments rely closely on the gear you may be working with and the kind of shoot, however there are particular necessities you’ll want nearly each time.
Constructing an AC toolset is a course of that continues for so long as you’re on the job. Digital camera aiding instruments are such a splendidly random combine that it’s onerous to get them abruptly. I imply, the place else will you discover a hairdryer, bathe caps, chalk and allen keys multi function bag? Fret not, for with only a fast Amazon spree you will get all of the necessities to get you began. Listed here are the highest 15 instruments you will have on set:
Bag
An excellent set bag, also called a flooring bag, is extra vital than you assume. The bag is the inspiration of your package. Other than holding your instruments and consumables, additionally it is dwelling to all of the items of substances you’d wish to preserve inside fingers attain through the shoot – batteries, filters, reminiscence playing cards, spare cables, and so forth. There are as many varieties of luggage as there are kinds of working. Chances are high, your first bag won’t be your final. As you acquire expertise and see what works and what doesn’t, you’ll more than likely accumulate a variety of baggage to swimsuit totally different initiatives. A number of the hottest decisions are:
Device Totes
Many digicam assistants begin off with software totes for his or her first set luggage and for a superb cause. These luggage are available varied sizes and shapes and are low cost and durable. They’re made to lug heavy instruments round constructing websites, so that they match proper at dwelling in a busy manufacturing surroundings. They normally have a wide range of small pockets along with a single massive compartment ultimate for bulkier objects like batteries.
Device totes are available inflexible open-top, softer zippable variations and the whole lot in between. Every mannequin has it’s benefits and disadvantages, so it’s important to think about your working model earlier than you get one. Open prime luggage are quicker to entry, however present much less safety from the weather. Zippable luggage will not be as quick, however the possibilities of spilling a bunch of pricy gear from them is smaller.
Devoted AC Luggage
Up the dimensions, now we have devoted digicam assistant luggage just like the Panavision you’re sure to see on any larger movie set. Sturdy and nicely padded, these luggage are purposely constructed for manufacturing. Ridgid sufficient to guard cameras and lenses in transport, these luggage don’t come low cost. As a result of these luggage are inclined to have somewhat massive foremost compartments, you may discover items of kit must nest facet by facet. A Domke wrap or two are excellent for offering low-profile padding in such instances.
Along with Panavision, Arri and Cinebags additionally supply a complete set bag line-up. Each Panavision and Cinebags supply complete programs of dividers and pouches that can assist you arrange your instruments and gear. Extra not too long ago, Form (of handheld handles fame) and O’Connor (sure, tripods-and-heads O’Connor) additionally entered the digicam assistant bag market with some stable fashions.
Onerous Circumstances
Increasingly we’ve been seeing AC choosing onerous plastic instances as flooring luggage. In comparison with the opposite two choices, onerous instances present much more safety for rougher shoots. They’re ultimate if it’s important to ship or fly together with your package. Some digicam assistants even mount a fast launch receptacle (Ronford Baker RBQ for instance) on the lid. This makes the case an excellent place to maintain the digicam when working removed from the carts. A tough case can also be a useful place to sit down in the event you get the prospect.
Alternatively, even empty, the instances are so much heavier than AC luggage or software totes. Add some gear and the burden can get prohibitive. Even in the event you get a case with wheels (which we strongly advocate), you may need a troublesome time lugging the case over tough terrain. Onerous case costs are on par with AC luggage just like the Panavision, so a choice between the 2 is only workflow-based.
The Pelican 1510 is a highly regarded alternative, because of its carry-on dimension. The mobility model proven above builds upon the unique mannequin with beefier wheels, sturdier deal with and a stability-enhancing foot on the backside. For a lighter choice, you may as well have a look at the Air model of the identical case – the Peli 1535, which is 40% lighter than the 1510. An alternative choice is the iM2500 mannequin, previously manufactured by Hardigg, which Peli acquired in 2009. Its largest benefit are the silent press-and-pull latches which let you stealthily open and shut the case whereas the sound is rolling.
Which one? As mentioned above, each one of many choices has its benefits and drawbacks. Should you’re simply beginning out and also you’re undecided of the way in which you may be working, it’s not value investing an entire lot right into a bag simply but. Get a less expensive software tote and go from there. Alternatively, in the event you’ve spent a while as a trainee and have a good suggestion of the setup you need, you may as nicely chunk the bullet and get your dream bag straight away.
In a pinch? A bag is a bag, so in the event you don’t have so much to spend on one particularly for digicam assistant work, you may make do with absolutely anything. For instance, an older, bigger digicam bag is a perfect starter AC bag. Test your storage, attic or the native thrift retailer. An alternative choice is a sturdier cooler bag, these might be present in any massive field retailer or once more, a thrift store. You’ll most likely need to get inventive with padding and dividers, however that’s half of the enjoyable. A 3rd choice might be fishing sort out luggage, which come ready to deal with the plethora of small fine details that make up an ACs toolkit.
AC Pouch / Belt / Harness
An AC pouch is one other key merchandise that determines your effectiveness and workflow. It normally lives on a belt round your waist or on a chest harness and accommodates your most used instruments and equipment. As with luggage, totally different digicam assistants have totally different preferences. It’s a matter of expertise to land in your optimum setup. A number of the instruments on this line up will dwell in your pouch, others will reside within the bag.
Which one? There are a plethora of AC pouches in the marketplace, however they’re roughly comparable of their performance. We just like the Cinebags CB07, Panavision’s Loader Pouch and Arri’s Digital camera Assistant Pouch. One other, extra budget-friendly choice is the SetWear Jumbo AC pouch. Along with a pouch, additionally, you will want a belt to connect it to, just about any utility belt will do. Your radio, roll of tape and no matter else you deem important may even reside on the belt.
An AC belt is all the time a piece in progress, so over time, you’ll most likely change your setup fairly a bit. Numerous assistants add clips or smaller pouches to assist unfold the burden. A radio pouch is a well-liked addition, because the built-in radio clips are sometimes not dependable sufficient. One other fashionable addition to an AC belt is a water bottle holder, which may additionally dub as a compressed air can pouch.
Numerous assistants, grips and lighting techs go for a chest pouch just like the Conterra Device Chest as an alternative of a belt. On tight units, in automobiles or when climbing is concerned a chest harness might be a lot much less obtrusive than a belt with cumbersome pouches.
In a pinch? Any backyard selection fanny pack will do for starters. Beware, it’s a tell-tale signal for a beginner AC, but it surely’s nonetheless higher than nothing.
Markers & Pens
The very first thing that you simply see while you open any digicam assistant’s pouch is a bunch of various pens and markers. As with the opposite objects on the listing, there’s a contact of private choice right here too, however listed below are the fundamentals:
- Sharpies – fairly self-explanatory why you want these, the dual tip ones are nicer
- Dry-erase markers – for marking the slate. Be sure to get multiple, there’s nothing worse than discovering your whiteboard marker lacking simply as you hear “Roll sound!” Avery’s Marks-a-lot is the perfect we’ve used. Get some erasers too, to make your life simpler, when you are at it.
- Common pen – for filling out paperwork – deal memos, extra time sheets, digicam experiences, and so forth. Once more, have a number of as you’re sure to lend it to somebody and by no means see it once more. Digital camera assistants are the primary individuals anybody on set goes to for pens and markers. A pleasant, easy rolling pen will earn you further brownie factors with a script superviser or an AD in misery.
- Pencil – For when all else fails! If it’s important to fill in digicam experiences the old fashioned approach, doing it in pencil means you’ll be able to simply return and alter stuff you mess up (except you’re coping with a carbon-copy pad during which case you’re screwed).
- Highlighter – makes going over gear and transport lists that a lot simpler.
- Chinagraphs – largely utilized by 1st ACs for making focus marks on lens barrels, it’s helpful to maintain these useful. As lens barrels are nearly all the time black (except, you understand, Hawk) you’ll be needing lighter colors.
Allen & Torx Keys
The overwhelming majority of fasteners discovered on digicam and grip gear are allen key (hexagonal socket) and torx (star) headed bolts. Notable exceptions are snap-plate screws, that are normally massive slotted screws. As digicam gear is manufactured everywhere in the world, you’ll encounter each metric and imperial fasteners. Some producers are extra standardized than others. For instance, Arri’s cameras and periphery make the most of 3 and 4mm head screws nearly completely.
Which of them? With a view to be ready for any piece of substances you may need to work with, it’s finest to get a complete set of each imperial and metric keys. Our favourite is the color-coded Bondhus set pictured above. The colour coding enormously improves velocity as you get to affiliate the bolts to the keys. Along with these, you must get a torx set just like the Bondhus 8-key one. Some digicam assistants go for folding key units. They’re cheaper and lighter, however we’ve discovered them a bit much less handy to work with, and should not work with all cages/rigs you could come throughout. They’re good for backups although, as they’re compact and straightforward to stash.
In a pinch? Most {hardware} shops inventory allen keys, so that you shouldn’t have an excessive amount of hassle discovering some. Should you can’t discover all of the sizes you’re searching for, one in every of these massive screwdriver bit units is probably going going to have all of them. Beware that you simply won’t have the ability to attain some recessed screws with these, so double examine earlier than you get in hassle.
Precision Screwdrivers
Though a lot of the digicam {hardware} makes use of hex socket screws, you’ll nonetheless encounter loads of common slotted and Phillips head screws. These are largely discovered on monitor display protectors, battery covers and such. As well as, there are increasingly more small torx fasteners used on all types of equipment. Subsequently, it’s a good suggestion to have a set of excellent high quality precision screwdrivers readily available.
Which of them? We like this set by Hama, it’s compact, good high quality and has essentially the most used sizes. In case you are feeling fancy, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with a Wiha set. You too can choose for a bigger set with extra bits like this one.
In a pinch? Most {hardware} shops could have some type of a precision screwdriver set. Even the most cost effective ones will most likely have essentially the most vital bits, though it’s normally value spending a bit extra.
T-handle Slot Screwdriver
Just about all digicam packages you may be working with use some type of quick-release system. As a rule, the short launch plates are hooked up to the digicam with massive slotted 3/8″ screws. It’s important for security that these screws are nicely tightened. To do that correctly, you want a big slotted T-handle screwdriver. We’ve seen numerous mangled snap plate screws which were tightened or loosened with improper instruments. Massive slotted screwdrivers are additionally indispensable when putting in and eradicating 1/4″ to three/8″ insert adapters.
Which one? The de-facto business requirements are the Facom 8×100 and the PB Swiss. Some Leatherman fashions just like the Surge additionally include appropriate instruments, however once more, they could not show essentially the most comfy choice. Smallrig and Victorinox additionally make mixed instruments that function flat screwdrivers.
In a pinch? You possibly can strive an everyday vast slotted screwdriver, most {hardware} shops inventory them. They’re normally ridiculously lengthy, making them far much less handy to work with. Nonetheless higher than none. Be sure to get one with skinny sufficient blade as some bolt and adaptor slots are actually slender.
Adjustable Spanner Wrench
An adjustable spanner is one other key software that you simply want to have the ability to assemble a protected and environment friendly digicam rig. You want a spanner to tighten issues like magic arms, tripod leg adjusters, thread converters and sure cable connectors. Technically, you are able to do that with a set of fastened spanners, however a superb high quality adjustable one is that rather more versatile. As you may be moving into some tight areas, get a smaller wrench with the slimmest jaws you will discover.
Which one? The Channellock pictured above is an effective choice, because it goes to 1 1/2 inches (38mm) vast with jaws simply 3/16 in. (4.76mm) thick. A superb different to adjustable spanner wrenches is the Knipex collection of plier wrenches. For digicam assistant work, the 5 inch mannequin excels with 7/8 in. (23mm) jaws simply over 0.1 in (3mm) thick. Along with wrench obligation, the Knipex are amazingly helpful as normal pliers.
In a pinch? Common small dimension ironmongery shop adjustable spanner will work for many issues. You most likely have one kicking across the toolbox at dwelling. An alternative choice is to search out out which sizes you’ll be needing and get the suitable spanners for them.
Knife & Scissors
In the end you’ll want to chop one thing on set. Whether or not you may be designing rain covers out of plastic sheeting or establishing sunglasses out of correx, you will have sharp exact reducing instruments. A snap blade utility knife is a sensible software to have in your package. As for scissors, you will have a small, sharp pair able to shearing by a number of layers of digicam tape, velcro or plastic.
Which one? A sturdy, snap blade utility knife just like the Olfa MXP-L above is an effective alternative for heavy-duty reducing. If you wish to go lighter the Olfa SVR-2 9mm knife is a wonderful alternative for exact, delicate work. Don’t forget to buy the suitable spare blades for the knife you choose, Olfa blades are second to none when it comes to sharpness and sturdiness.
The Fiskars Stitcher Scissors (No. 5) is our private favourite. You possibly can change each of those (and extra) with a Leatherman, however nothing beats a devoted software for the job.
In a pinch? Undergo your desk, kitchen drawer and toolbox. Chances are high you have already got at the least one utility knife and doubtless some type of small scissors. If not, hit the native stationery retailer for a fast repair.
Pliers / Multitool
You’d be hard-pressed to stroll on set and discover a member of the digicam, grip or lighting departments with out a type of on their belt. Though we consider that having the right software for every job is finally finest, having one in every of these round is definitely helpful. Even in the event you usually work with separate instruments, a multitool can get you out of hassle must you lose your T-handle or scissors. It doesn’t damage that the pliers are top-notch, too.
Which one? Leathermans are the preferred alternative, however Victorinox makes a really succesful contender. SOG’s fashions are additionally very extremely rated and a bit simpler on the price range, though tougher to come back by. In case you are set on getting separate pliers, Knipex is the way in which to go, for instance, the 125mm Cobra.
In a pinch? Should you’ve already received the separate instruments a multitool is only a luxurious merchandise. Any half-decent ironmongery shop pliers will do the trick. Search for ones with slimmer jaws, you’ll not be making use of large forces (or shouldn’t need to), however you may be moving into some tight spots.
Flashlight / Headlamp
Should you’ve ever set foot on a studio set you understand that it doesn’t take an evening shoot to get you at nighttime. From rummaging by your flooring bag to lighting the slate, a flashlight is a necessary digicam assistant software.
Which one? The kind of flashlight you’d wish to work with is a private alternative. Chances are high you gained’t be needing something exceedingly shiny. Actually, when lighting a slate you don’t need a very shiny mild as it’ll simply find yourself as a washed-out sq. within the body. Should you get an adjustable energy flashlight, be sure you know easy methods to function it quick. There’s nothing worse than fumbling with a blinking mess of a flashlight in entrance of rolling cameras.
An excellent high quality headlamp is healthier than an everyday flashlight, because it leaves your fingers free to work. It’s higher to get one with replaceable batteries so that you simply’re not caught at nighttime ready for it to cost. Sustainability is vital too, so do use rechargeable batteries.
In a pinch? Your smartphone’s mild can get you by, but it surely’s usually not a good suggestion to hold round set with a cellphone in your hand on a regular basis.
Digital camera Tape
Coming to the consumables finish, we begin with the one factor everybody associates the digicam division with – gaffer tape. Other than its 1000’s of legendary functions, gaffer tape is principally used to mark actors’ positions and label gear.
The tape is normally equipped by the manufacturing along with different consumables reminiscent of batteries, canned air and lens cleansing provides. Nonetheless, not each manufacturing does so, and each digicam assistant is kind of anticipated to have some tape on them. Should you’re simply beginning out, you may wish to purchase a few rolls in for peace of thoughts. If you understand the main target puller or different ACs you’ll be working with, it may be value checking with them to see if they’ve a roll to spare.
Which one? Professional Gaff has probably the most in depth line-ups. Scapa, MagTape and ShurTape are additionally fashionable choices. In case you are shopping for or ordering some, know that tape shade is vital on set. It normally goes like this: A digicam and equipment are marked with pink, B cam – blue, C cam – yellow, D cam – inexperienced and so forth. And respectively, when marking actors you additionally usually comply with the identical order – foremost actor – pink, supporting – blue and so forth. In fact, this can be a tough place to begin. Test with the crew you may be working with to see who prefers what, however be sure you are all on the identical web page.
Some ACs want to make use of coloured paper tape for sure duties, because of it’s decrease tack adhesives and environmental affect. Key amongst these is the black paper Shurtape Photograph Tape. It’s normally placed on the mattebox as a form of masks to dam on-axis mild that french flags don’t reduce. It can be utilized in all types of light-blocking functions, like taping over digicam lights displaying in reflections and so forth. Keep in mind that paper tape doesn’t fare nicely in moist climate.
Other than these, there are a few extra kind of tape you may discover helpful on set. Scotch Magic Tape is a will need to have for 1st ACs, it’s the proper tape to cowl these distant comply with focus rings to stop your marks from sticking round longer than meant. A roll of Gorilla tape can also be good to have for extra critical taping endevors.
In a pinch? Hit the native artwork outlets or {hardware} shops and search for coloured masking tape. On the very least, they’ll have white and blue, perhaps another colours. Not ultimate, however it’ll largely get the job executed whilst you await the actual deal.
For more information on easy methods to make a kick-ass consumables listing on your subsequent mission take a look at our model new Digital camera Assistant Information to Important Consumables!
Chalk
Chalk is used to mark actors’ positions outdoors the place tape is impractical. We’re not going to go within the particulars of marking right here, because it’s an artwork of itself. Suffice to say that having a few chalk sticks in your pouch is a good suggestion. Tip! Put them in a small ziplock bag to keep away from coating the whole lot else in there in chalk mud. If you wish to be fancy, seize some chalk holders. Do think about getting some T-marks too!
Canned Air & Blower
Canned air or a rocket blower is used to clear mud of delicate surfaces just like the lens components, filters, digicam sensors and shows. Air is used to blow the lint off after cleansing a lens with a wipe, as merely blowing together with your mouth is usually not a good suggestion. Excessive-pressure air can also be used to clear the digicam’s warmth sink and varied nooks and crannies after capturing in a dusty surroundings. Ensure that to show the digicam off earlier than blowing towards any followers, as they could be broken in any other case.
Canned air is one other consumable usually equipped by the manufacturing. Once more, it’s anticipated of a seasoned digicam assistant to have some even when not equipped. Fortunately, for essentially the most half you will get by with a rubber blower just like the Giottos above. Utilizing the blower is just not solely extra environmentally and budget-friendly, but additionally safer for much less skilled ACs.
Should you tilt or shake a can of compressed air (which accommodates, in truth, something however air) throughout use it could spit liquid propellant on no matter it’s you’re cleansing. The propellant then goes on to supercool the floor it’s on, which might be catastrophic for a fragile lens or a sensor. The rocket blower is probably not as efficient as canned air for clearing dusty heatsinks, but it surely’s ok for just about the rest. Even when you have canned air, it’s a good suggestion to maintain the rocket blower shut by.
Which one? DustOff is a well-liked alternative within the US, whereas the UK business largely runs on KenAir. Other than nozzle designs, there’s not a lot distinction. As for blowers, the Giottos Rocket Blower is among the commonest fashions.
In a pinch? Each digicam retailer or larger electronics outfit ought to have a blower in inventory, some even inventory compressed air cans. Failing that, and in the event you don’t thoughts some awkward seems, you’ll be able to hit the pharmacy and search for a hygienic douche, it’s recognized to work simply as nicely.
Lens Wipes & Cleansing Fluid
Final however not least on the consumable facet of issues come lens cleansing provides. Lens cleansing is a considerably controversial subject amongst digicam assistants, and everybody’s received their very own course of. We’re not going to get into the small print right here, because it’s a subject that warrants it’s personal article. The one overarching golden rule is: Much less is extra. Solely moist clear a lens if it’s important to. More often than not, these few specs of mud will blow proper off.
Nonetheless, the time you do need to moist clear a lens (or a filter) will come, so you must be ready. On many units, that is solely executed by the focus puller, and they’re going to normally have their very own provides, but it surely’s anticipated {that a} 2nd AC is ready too. At least, you want some lens tissue and a few cleansing fluid.
Which of them? Kimtech Delicate Process Wipers and Pancro Skilled Lens Cleaner is the business customary combo. Rosco additionally makes advantageous lens tissues and cleansing fluid. Pre-packed single-use moist wipes just like the Zeiss ones are additionally an important choice.
In a pinch? Native opticians or pharmacies will certainly have some lens cleansing fluid and tissues or pre-packed spectacle wipes.
Viewfinder Covers
A little bit of a extra unique consumable, viewfinder cushions (aka teddy bear assholes) will not be as essential however definitely good to have. They go over the rubber cushion of the digicam’s viewfinder, making trying by it each extra nice and sanitary for the digicam operator. The cushions should be modified commonly, particularly in scorching climate. An operator with a watch an infection might be catastrophic for a movie manufacturing, and viewfinder covers assist stop that.
Should you shoot makes use of a lens finder kind director’s viewfinder, don’t forget to slap a canopy on that too. Moreover, a director’s viewfinder’s cowl may want altering much more typically than the cameras’. In comparison with a digicam, the lens finders are typically dealt with and utilized by extra individuals, so protecting correct hygene is much more vital.
Which of them? Rubber viewfinder cushions are formed in a different way on totally different cameras. ARRI Alexas have oval cushions, whereas RED and Sony use spherical. It is advisable get viewfinder covers that match the digicam you may be working with.
In a pinch? Viewfinder covers are a somewhat area of interest merchandise, so discovering a civilian substitute is unlikely. Failing to get the right factor, the one factor you are able to do is to try to preserve the rubber viewfinder cushion as clear as potential. It may be a good suggestion to provide it a wipe with some sanitizer from time to time.
