Job Profiles
The First Camera Assistant – 1st AC or Focus Puller – is responsible for the technical and organizational support of the camera, creates camera equipment lists, or assembles the camera assistant team; during shooting, the focus of the job is on precisely adjusting and tracking the image focus according to instructions from DoP and director.
The second camera assistant — 2nd AC or clapper/loader — supports the 1st AC with all tasks on set and in preparation; is responsible for the logistics and maintenance of camera equipment, operates the clapperboard, and handles batteries and storage media. With analogue film, 2nd AC's have the task of loading and unloading film stock into / from the magazines.
A DIT is responsible for the digital image workflow on set; develops the technical workflow with the DoP and post-production teams, tests camera setups, handles quality control, performs color adjustments (live grading), and secures the recorded data, including backups. The goal is a smooth, high-quality transition from set to post-production.
Data Wrangler handle data management for digital film productions; they back up and verify the original data with checksums, create data reports, and ultimately deliver the storage media to production. Image editing and camera settings are not part of this line of work.
A VAO ensures stable transmission and recording of the camera image to external monitors on set, handles live broadcasts, playback, initial rough cuts, and the technical setup of the Video Village. This includes signal distribution via cable or wireless, configuration of recorders, and other special requirements such as split screens or color keys.
A VPO ensures the video connection between camera and monitors, as well as the wireless transmission of the signal to the set; sets up the Video Village, configures wireless and cable connections, and operates the recorders for independent recordings during rehearsals and filming. This role can be performed in addition to a VAO or independently.
A camera operator works closely with the DoP and the director, directs the camera movement during filming, implements creative and technical specifications in the desired visual language and in coordination with the acting choreography, but without responsibility for lighting design.
A camera trainee — known as "Filmaushilfskraft" in the Austrian Collective Agreement — supports the camera team on set, performing simple tasks, and is deployed flexibly wherever help is needed. These support activities train a camera trainee in the camera department and facilitate their entry into the film industry.
This guideline serves as an aid for selecting the personnel needed for filming with digital film cameras (in German only).
© G. Riesenhuber, R. Holzer,
T. Adlung – AAC 2019