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

Any experienced focus puller also called 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 worried about all that obsession? What you are looking to is receiving a phone 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 is important 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 the journey leading to an excellent career.

1. Comprehend Digital Procurement and Formats – There are a few 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 will become proficient when operating an electronic camera.

Are you in this game for quite some time? Then dcp may not be the case. There are endless digital camera models that experienced a big change from the grass root level. The reason being these cameras were apply by productions with an unhealthy budget.

As time passed by, the format was adopted a higher amount of prominent Hollywood productions. So, this implies there are several 1st ACs who’ve very little experience with digital. Their experience is almost next to none.

“In theory, there’s hardly any change in the job: Laying marks usually do not change, criticism still seems simple, and pulling focus isn’t smooth. But you need to comprehend a completely different group of technical information. Generally, it is advisable to grasp the fundamentals of how image sensors operate, which cameras shoot the various file formats and a lot more.”

You always should be prepared to cope with any problems (arising out of the blue). Maybe you won’t ever consider the idea of crack opening an electronic camera to fix it during a shoot, it’s important so that you can understand how it functions inside.

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

2. Make a Sound Investment in Digital Specific Gear – The most obvious question people ask is what gear they should have within 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 different than the ones used for a digital camera. Of course, there’s overlap, but you must know that there’s gear that is specific to one format.

Here are some items that focus pullers have within 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 need 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 on your side no matter what. Not merely do rehearsals play a very important role for focus pullers but they’re also essential to film crew. When you practice a shot, it not merely helps you set up a flow but fix mistakes as well. 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’s not a rehearsal anymore.” However the undeniable truth (sounding unfortunate) is that rehearsals have become a priceless entity.

With digital camera models, 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 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 regardless of what you call it.

Final Words

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