What if we told you that the continuing future of filmmaking came in bits and bytes? It really does! That’s the reason why some follow focus pullers could find it hard to survive the continuing future of the digital cinematography.
Any experienced focus puller also known as First Assistant Camera or 1st AC, won’t hold an opposing view of the fact that DSLRs already outweigh the pros of film camera on the production lines. And the admiration with which they’re released as well as adopted is simply unbelievable.
Are you really concerned about all that obsession? What you are looking to is receiving a telephone call from the producer, grab the gig, ensure it is to the set promptly, and there you go – do what you’re proficient at – pulling focus. It hardly makes a difference what camera you decide to showcase your great talent.
You can find three creative ways when adapted, make focus pullers survive in the digital cinema they’re so fond of. Well, these adaptations might seem like taking a walk in the park for you personally, but don’t you forget all of them will play their respective role in your path leading to a great career.
1. Comprehend Digital Procurement and Formats – There are several focus pullers who’re embarking on their journey leading to the planet of the digital cinematography at this moment. It creates suddenly so clear that they can undergo the right training. Moreover, they’ll become proficient when operating an electronic camera.
Are what is dcp in this game for quite some time? Then it will not be the case. You can find endless digital camera models that experienced a change from the grass root level. This is because these cameras were apply by productions with a poor budget.
As time passed by, the format was adopted a higher number of prominent Hollywood productions. So, this implies that there are several 1st ACs who’ve not much experience with digital. Their experience is almost next to none.
“In theory, there’s almost no change in the work: Laying marks do not change, criticism still seems simple, and pulling focus isn’t smooth. But you have to comprehend a completely different set of technical information. Generally, you should grasp the fundamentals of how image sensors operate, which cameras shoot the various file formats and much more.”
You always need to be prepared to cope with any problems (arising out of nowhere). Maybe you won’t consider the idea of crack opening a digital camera to fix it during a shoot, it’s important that you understand how it functions inside.
A focus puller must be the (go-to) technical person for several things pertaining to the camera.
2. Create a Sound Investment in Digital Specific Gear – The most obvious question people ask is what gear they ought to have in their toolkit. Well, it depends on which kind of a camera an individual uses to shoot on.
P.S – The tools that are used for a film camera seem unique of the ones being used for a digital camera. Of course, there’s overlap, but you got to know that there’s gear that is specific to one format.
Here are some items that focus pullers have in their bags which are stringently used in digital productions:
Audio Cables and Adapters
USB Lens Light
MEMORY Readers (SD and CF)
Well, it’s good to know information that none of the above-listed items are crucial on a film set, but they’re good stuff to have (just in case).
Looking to continue steadily to work in this industry? Then you’ll have to make investments in the forms of tools you need which you can use for digital cameras specifically.
3. No Need to Work with More Rehearsal Time – More likely to criticize me because of this one? Remember that I’m on your side no matter what. Not merely do rehearsals play a very important role for focus pullers but they’re also crucial to film crew. When you practice a shot, it not only helps you set up a flow but fix mistakes aswell. Not only that, it’ll also help you shorten the time actually spent when shooting.
Ed Colman, an exceedingly talented cinematographer, once said: “If you are told to ‘shoot the rehearsal’ it isn’t a rehearsal anymore.” But the undeniable truth (sounding unfortunate) is that rehearsals are becoming a priceless entity.
With digital cameras, both directors and assistant directors feel there is no harm with regards to rolling on the rehearsals. Even producers think alike. And when the rehearsals are increasingly being rolled on by these experts, they want to record it.
Gets the footage been thrown in for being shot? Gets the slate been clapped? Well, you’re pretty much taking a plunge straight into Take One whatever you call it.
Final Words
Want to sustain your existence in this industry for long? You then have to ensure that you pick up all you need. You should even discover how to cope with the added pressure without rehearsals. However, you will see a constant dependence on rehearsals for several shots. And there will be times when you can have one.