1. Be concise
At only 140 characters per tweet, Twitter forces its users to be concise and make tough decisions on content. Camera assistants should also strive for this kind of control over their language.
Long winded requests or suggestions are often met by confusion and can get lost in language. It is more efficient and easier to say “85mm lens please,” than, “Hey, do you think you could go into the lens case near the staging area and grab me the 85mm lens when you get a chance?”
The little things matter — especially in a time crunch when the pressure’s on.
2. “Retweet” phrases
One of Twitter’s mainstays is the ability “Retweet” what others have said. Usually this is to re-broadcast their tweet to your own followers, but it is also used to show acknowledgment over another’s tweet.
Camera assistants should always be repeating phrases back within their department. If the director of photography (DP) calls out for a filter, the camera assistant should “Retweet” that phrase verbally so the DP knows they heard them. If the 1st AC calls out for a 50mm lens, the 2nd AC should parrot this out loud to confirm it.
This can clear a lot of confusion on set because it forces everyone to do a verbal check.
3. Keep it simple
Twitter, in a way, is a measure of efficiency — how fast can you say what you want in a limited amount of space. In this sense, Twitter can teach an AC a valuable lesson in how to improve on set.
Keep it simple! Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be. This includes focus marks, dolly marks, building the camera and even how you fill out camera reports. Simple is easy to understand and as such: simple = better.
4. Recognize others’ work
Part of the process to gain a large following on Twitter is to give credit where credit is due. This can be through the form of Retweets or a “via @yourname” at the end of a tweet.
Film sets operate best if the ideas from crew are given the appropriate credit. I personally make it an objective to recognize somebody for their good idea. For instance, if my 2nd AC helps me solve a problem and I tell the DP, I make sure that he knows it was the 2nd AC’s idea. This recognition will keep everyone in good spirits and let them know that they’re not there just to lug equipment, but part of a real team.
5. Learn to network
Twitter is a social network (obvious, I know) and a large part of how the site operates is through the process of friendship and making connections.
Most camera assistants will learn early on that networking is a key component of successful freelancing. Whether you start in a rental house, as a PA, or dive straight into AC work, keeping in touch and making new contacts becomes a crucial part of getting more work.
Don’t overlook this simply because everyone says it — it really is important.
6. Watch what you say
Part of what has made Twitter so insanely popular is the openness of the platform. Anybody can follow anybody and you can even access the backlog of a persons Tweets. This is typically a good thing but every so often a tweet is misinterpreted or accidentally sent out and the backlash is strong.
A set operates in the same way. A lot of people hear things and rumors or complaints will spread like wildfire. You should avoid participating in this kind of talk. You’d be surprised how open sets end up being when you think the person 50 feet away is actually only 5 feet away.
7. Communicate openly
On the flip side of this open platform is that Twitter has created a global dialogue unlike anything before.
Take that dialogue and minimize it to the film set. Make sure you are always communicating needs, wants, and concerns throughout the set. I don’t mean tell everybody what’s worrying you, but do talk to whoever could take care of the problem. A responsible professional is able to communicate issues and address them.
Further, communicate openly between departments and be friendly with other crew members. There will be times where your job interferes with theirs or their job interferes with your duties, but having open communication will resolve issues faster with less time spent arguing.
Despite the differences, Twitter is able to shine a new light on old problems for camera assistants. What it comes down to is common sense and an urge to be a professional. Unless you’re trying not to work again or using Twitter to cost you a gig, these 7 tips should go a long way towards a better career.
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