What if we told you that the future of filmmaking came in bits and bytes? It surely does! This is why why some follow focus pullers may find it hard to survive the future of the digital cinema tography.

Any experienced focus puller also known as First Assistant Camera or 1st AC, won’t hold an opposing view to the fact that DSLRs already outweigh the pros of film camera on the production lines. And the admiration with which they’re released and also 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, make it to the set promptly, and there you go – do what you’re good at – pulling focus. It hardly makes a difference what camera you decide to showcase your great talent.

There are three creative ways when adapted, make focus pullers survive in the digital cinema they’re so fond of. Well, these adaptations might seem like going for a walk in the park for you, but don’t you forget each of them will play their respective role in your way 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 world of the digital cinematography currently. It makes suddenly so clear that they will undergo the right training. Moreover, they’ll become proficient when operating a digital camera.

Have you been in this game for quite some time? Then it might not be the case. You can find endless digital camera models that experienced a change from the grass root level. It is because these cameras were apply by productions with a poor budget.

As time passed by, the format was adopted a higher amount of prominent Hollywood productions. So, it indicates that there are several 1st ACs who have very little experience with digital. Their experience is nearly next to none.

“In theory, there’s almost no change in the work: Laying marks usually do not change, criticism still seems simple, and pulling focus is not smooth. But you need to comprehend a completely different set of technical information. Generally, you should grasp the basics of how image sensors operate, which cameras shoot the various file formats and much more.”

You always must be prepared to deal with any problems (arising out of nowhere). Maybe you won’t ever consider the idea of crack opening an electronic camera to fix it throughout a shoot, it’s important so you might understand how it functions inside.

A focus puller must be the (go-to) technical person for all things regarding the camera.

2. Make a Sound Investment in Digital Specific Gear – Decreasing question people ask is what gear they should have in their toolkit. Well, it depends on what kind of a camera an individual uses to shoot on.

P.S – The tools that are used for a film camera seem different than the ones used for a digital camera. Needless to say, there’s overlap, but you got to know that there’s gear which 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 Card Readers (SD and CF)

Well, it’s good to know information that none of the above-listed items are essential 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 types of tools you need which you can use for digital cameras specifically.

3. No Need to Use More Rehearsal Time – Likely to criticize me because of this one? Remember that I’m working for you no matter what. Not merely do rehearsals play a very important role for focus pullers but they’re also imperative to film crew. Once you practice a shot, it not only helps you set up a flow but fix mistakes aswell. Not just that, it’ll also assist you to shorten the time actually spent when shooting.

Ed Colman, an exceptionally talented cinematographer, once said: “While you are told to ‘shoot the rehearsal’ it isn’t a rehearsal anymore.” However the undeniable truth (sounding unfortunate) is that rehearsals have become a priceless entity.

With digital cameras, both directors and assistant directors feel there’s no harm with regards to rolling on the rehearsals. Even producers think alike. And when the rehearsals are being rolled on by these experts, they would like to record it.

Has the footage been thrown set for being shot? Gets the slate been clapped? Well, you’re virtually taking a plunge directly into Take One regardless of what you call it.

Final Words

Want to maintain your existence in this industry for long? Then you have to make sure that you pick up all you need. You should even discover how to cope with the added pressure without rehearsals. However, you will have a constant dependence on rehearsals for certain shots. And you will have times when you’ll be able to have one.