Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Focus Puller / 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC)

🎯 Role Definition

The Focus Puller, more formally known as the 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC), is a senior technician within the camera department and the primary assistant to the Director of Photography (DP). This role is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the sharpness and clarity of the image by controlling the focus of the lens during a take. Beyond this critical task, the 1st AC manages the entire camera package, ensuring all equipment is prepared, maintained, and functions flawlessly throughout the production. Your precision, technical expertise, and foresight are instrumental in translating the DP's cinematic vision to the screen, making you an indispensable guardian of image quality on set.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) / Clapper Loader
Camera Trainee
Production Assistant (with a focus on the camera department)

Advancement To:

Camera Operator
Director of Photography (DP)
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)

Lateral Moves:

Steadicam Operator
Specialty Camera Operator (e.g., Drone, Underwater)
Camera Rental House Technician or Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously maintain and manage the entire camera package, including camera bodies, lenses, filters, and support systems, ensuring all equipment is in perfect working order before and during the shoot.
Execute precise and seamless focus pulls during takes, smoothly shifting the plane of focus to follow actors' movements or direct the audience's attention according to the Director of Photography's creative intent.
Build and break down the camera system daily, configuring it with necessary accessories such as matte boxes, follow focus units, wireless video transmitters, and monitors for each specific shot.
Accurately measure and mark distances for actors' blocking and camera positions, using a tape measure and establishing clear focus marks on the lens or follow focus for repeatable, sharp takes.
Collaborate closely with the Director of Photography (DP) to understand the desired look and feel of each shot, contributing to lens selection, filtration, and camera placement decisions.
Manage the full lens inventory, performing and overseeing lens changes quickly and efficiently between setups to minimize downtime and keep the production on schedule.
Generate and maintain detailed camera reports and log sheets, meticulously documenting lens usage, focal lengths, T-stops, filter info, and any technical issues for post-production and editorial reference.
Troubleshoot any technical problems with the camera equipment on set, performing immediate field repairs or coordinating with rental houses for replacements to avoid production delays.
Set and adjust critical camera settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, ISO, and white balance under the direction of the DP or Digital Imaging Technician (DIT).
Prepare the camera for specialized shooting scenarios, including high-speed, underwater, aerial (drone/helicopter), or vehicle-mounted shots, ensuring all safety and technical protocols are followed.
Pull focus remotely using sophisticated wireless follow focus systems (e.g., Preston, Arri WCU-4, Teradek RT), demonstrating exceptional hand-eye coordination and the ability to adapt to unpredictable subject movement.
Maintain the absolute cleanliness of all optical elements, including lenses and filters, throughout the shooting day to ensure the captured image is free from dust, smudges, or debris.
Work in tandem with the 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) to manage media, batteries, and the overall efficient workflow of the camera department.
Calibrate and check lenses for accurate focus breathing, back focus, and tracking before the start of a production and as needed throughout the shoot.
Communicate effectively and non-verbally with the Camera Operator and Dolly Grip to coordinate complex camera movements with dynamic focus adjustments.
Anticipate the needs of the Director of Photography and the requirements of upcoming shots, proactively preparing equipment and accessories to facilitate a smooth and rapid workflow.
Take full responsibility for the safe transport and storage of all camera equipment, ensuring it is secure during company moves and properly wrapped at the end of the day.
Stay current with the latest advancements in camera technology, digital cinema formats, lenses, and on-set accessories to provide informed recommendations and maintain a competitive skillset.
Set up and maintain the video village and on-set monitor feeds for the Director, DP, Script Supervisor, and other key personnel, ensuring a reliable and high-quality image feed.
During prep days, meticulously check in the complete camera package from the rental house, running full diagnostics to identify and resolve any potential issues before the shoot begins.
Create and organize a dedicated camera truck or workspace, ensuring all equipment is logically laid out, accessible, and secure for efficient on-set operation.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) with workflow management, color pipeline questions, and data handoffs when required.
Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Camera Trainees or Production Assistants assigned to the camera department.
Collaborate with the visual effects (VFX) department by providing accurate camera data, such as lens information, focal length, sensor height, and camera position for seamless integration.
Participate in pre-production meetings, location scouts, and camera tests to help establish the technical and creative approach for the project.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert knowledge of professional digital cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI, RED, Sony, Panavision) and a working knowledge of 16mm/35mm film cameras.
Proficiency with a wide range of cinema lenses (prime, zoom, anamorphic, vintage) and their distinct optical characteristics and mechanics.
Mastery of manual and wireless follow focus systems (e.g., Preston, ARRI, Teradek RT), including setup, calibration, and operation.
Deep understanding of camera support systems, including tripods, fluid heads, dollies, cranes, Steadicam, and gimbals (e.g., MōVI, Ronin).
Ability to perform advanced technical camera setup, maintenance, and time-sensitive on-set troubleshooting and repairs.
Skilled in using light meters, color charts, and waveform monitors to assess exposure and maintain image consistency.
Precise distance-judging ability and exceptional hand-eye coordination, both by eye and with tools like a laser tape measure.
Understanding of cinematography principles, including depth of field, composition, T-stops vs F-stops, and the exposure triangle.
Familiarity with video signal flow, wireless video transmission systems (e.g., Teradek), and on-set monitoring solutions.
Knowledge of on-set data management workflows and the requirements for a clean handoff to the DIT or data wrangler.

Soft Skills

Exceptional focus and unwavering concentration, especially during long, high-pressure, and repetitive takes.
Clear, concise, and professional communication skills for collaborating effectively with the entire cast and crew.
Proactive problem-solving and the ability to think critically and quickly to resolve issues on the fly.
Meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational skills for managing complex equipment packages.
Grace under pressure and a consistently calm and positive demeanor in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
Physical stamina and resilience, with the ability to work long hours in diverse and often challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain).
An anticipatory mindset, always thinking one step ahead of the Director of Photography and the production's needs.
Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate changing creative decisions, technical requirements, and shooting schedules.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Hands-on experience, on-set training, and a strong technical aptitude are prioritized over formal degrees.

Preferred Education:

Certificate, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree from a film school or vocational program specializing in cinematography.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film and Television Production
Cinematography
Photography

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of progressive on-set experience within the camera department, including substantial time served as a 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) on professional productions.

Preferred:

A strong portfolio and reel demonstrating proficiency on a variety of productions, including feature films, episodic television, and high-end commercials. A comprehensive list of credits and strong industry references are essential. Experience with both digital and film formats is a significant plus. Membership in a relevant union (e.g., IATSE Local 600) may be required for certain projects.