First Assistant Camera

Definition

The First Assistant Camera (1st AC, German: 1. Kameraassistent or Schärfeassistent) is responsible for focus pulling during the shot. They are also the technical "guardian" of the camera, handling setup, maintenance, and lens changes.

Main Responsibilities

1. Focus Pulling

• Precisely maintaining focus during the take
• Focus transitions between subjects
• Marking focus positions
• Anticipating movement

2. Camera Management

• Camera assembly and disassembly
• Lens changes
• Filter handling
• Technical checks (sensor, viewfinder)

3. Coordination

• Communication with Operator/DoP
• Coordination with 2nd AC
• Collaboration with actors (marks)

Focus Pulling in Practice

The Typical Workflow

1. Blocking: Understanding actor's movements
2. Setting Marks: Marking critical points on the floor
3. Measuring: Distance from camera to subject with tape measure
4. Marks on Lens: Marking the focus ring
5. Rehearsal: Running through with actors
6. Take: Pulling focus, maintaining timing

Tools

• Wireless Follow Focus: Wireless Follow Focus (Preston, Arri)
• Tape Measure: For measuring distance
• Focus Marks: Stickers for the lens
• Monitor: For observation (often with peaking/zoom)
• Cine Tape: Ultrasonic distance measurer

The Challenge

Why is it so difficult?

• Shallow depth of field at wide apertures
• Moving subjects
• No autofocus used in cinema
• Often multiple focus planes in one take

Example Difficulty

Scene: Dialogue between two people
Camera: 50mm at T1.4, Full Frame
Depth of Field: approx. 3-5 cm

→ Every millimeter on the focus ring counts!

Camera Department Hierarchy

Director of Photography
 │
 Camera Operator
 │
 FIRST AC ← You are here
 │
 Second AC
 │
 Loader/DIT

Training and Career Path

Typical Path

1. Internship/Runner
2. Camera Trainee
3. 2nd AC (Clapper/Loader)
4. 1st AC (Focus Puller)
5. Camera Operator
6. DoP

Essential Skills

• Technical understanding (optics, camera)
• Hand-eye coordination
• Anticipation skills
• Calmness under pressure
• Communication

1st AC vs. 2nd AC

Rate Orientation (Germany)

• Low-Budget: €250-350/day
• TV Production: €350-450/day
• Feature Film: €400-550/day

See Also

• Focus Puller – Synonym
• Second AC – Second Assistant
• Focus – Sharpness in the image
• Depth of Field – Depth of field