The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Camera Guides
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Pocket Guides
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • U
  • 
  • R
  • @
  • Q
  • ˆ
  • ‰
×
Be a Faster AC #4: Ask Questions for Clarification
Creative Commons License Photo: Veronique Debord

Be a Faster AC #4: Ask Questions for Clarification

Asking questions is critical, especially when you're working lower in the department as a 2nd assistant camera (AC) or loader. Without asking for clarification, you may not know exactly what to do, where to go, or what is expected.

by Evan LuziMiscellaneous Tips

  • 8

From our ongoing exploration of ways to become a faster and more efficient camera assistant, today’s tip is:

4. Ask Questions for Clarification

Asking questions is critical, especially when you’re working lower in the department as a 2nd assistant camera (AC) or loader. Without asking for clarification, you may not know exactly what to do, where to go, or what is expected.

Let’s look at a few possible scenarios of one example:

Scenario 1: The 1st AC asks you to go get their hard tape out of their toolbag. “Absolutely,” you say then head to their bag. You don’t know where it is so you spend a few minutes rustling around before finding it. You come back and it’s not needed anymore.

Scenario 2: The 1st AC asks you to go get their hard tape out of their toolbag. “Absolutely,” you say then realize on the way there you have no idea what the hard tape is. You come back with their soft tape and, frustrated, they go get the hard tape themselves.

Scenario 3: The 1st AC  asks you to go get their hard tape out of their toolbag. “Sure, what is it and where is it again?” you ask. They explain it to you briefly and you go snatch it up right where they said it was.

Now which scenario do you think wasted time and which saved time?

Always ask questions, especially if you don’t know something! And if you need clarification, don’t be afraid to ask questions either. The important thing is you remember the answer.

A lot of time is wasted on set because of communication breakdowns. By simply asking for more details, you have a better chance of doing whatever it is right the first time — and that’s the definition of efficiency.

What types of questions do you make sure to ask so you don’t waste time?

Evan Luzi

  • U
  • 
  • z

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator. Available for work: Contact Evan here. Learn more about Evan here.

An Essential Resource for Digital Cinema Filmmakers

Get the Complete Library of 30 Digital Cinema Pocket Guides

  • Canon C500 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Blackmagic Cinema Camera Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Nikon D800 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Canon 5D Mark II Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony FS700 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony F65 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Phantom Miro 320s Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • RED Epic Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
Click Here to Learn More

Read Next

Deciphering the Film Slate Mural

Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 3): Twelve Examples of a Completed Slate

I find looking at other slates to be extremely helpful. When I was first starting out as a 2nd AC, it was useful to see how others applied the principles I had learned about slating. So let's take a look at twelve completed clapperboards.

  • Fight Club as a Film and Novel: A Copy of A Copy of A Copy
  • Why Your 2nd Job is More Important than Your First
  • Shooting with RED Epic #4: Use the LED Status Indicators to Save Time
  • The A to Z Guide to Film Set Etiquette

Happy Labor Day: The Film Industry Should Treat Crew Better

Today is Labor Day in the United States and, as we recognize this national holiday dedicated to the achievements of the American workforce, it's important to acknowledge that the crew in the film industry – the labor – hold more skill, talent, and power than is being recognized and rewarded.

  • 'The Gift of Room Tone' featuring Martin Scorsese, Roger Deakins, Cristopher Walken, and More
  • Focus Puller Chris Silano on Using the Preston Light Ranger
  • Tom Cruise Isn't Messing Around with COVID Safety
  • 20 Holiday Gifts for Camera Assistants (That Your Family Can Actually Afford)
  • Most Popular
  • Most Recent
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 The Black and Blue, LLC