The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • R
  • 
  • ˆ
  • ‰
Be a Faster AC #13: Talk to the DP About the Scene
Creative Commons License Photo: Jai Mansson

Be a Faster AC #13: Talk to the DP About the Scene

If you can steal them away for a few seconds, talking to the director of photography (DP) about what's coming up is a perfect way to save time. You can then start prepping certain rigs, placing equipment on standby, and wrap your head around the best way to approach a certain shot.

by Evan Luzi | Miscellaneous Tips | September 25, 2011 | Comments: 4

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

13. Talk to the DP About the Scene

If you can steal them away for a few seconds, talking to the director of photography (DP) about what’s coming up is a perfect way to save time. You can then start prepping certain rigs, placing equipment on standby, and wrap your head around the best way to approach a certain shot.

Sometimes you may not work directly under the DP, in which case, asking the camera operator is another alternative. Really, whoever is giving you the direction on camera position/setup is whose brain you want to be inside of.

Ask them what’s coming up or what shots are left in the scene and see what they say. Many times they can give you specific camera positions right then, while other times they will shrug their shoulders.

Still, it’s worth a shot to see if you can get any info to help you stay one step ahead. And one step ahead is about as fast as you can hope for.

What type of information do you ask the DP for to help you be quicker?

Related posts:

  1. Be a Faster AC #6: Stage Your Equipment Nearby
  2. Be a Faster AC #5: Use Your Sharpie as an Emergency Mark
  3. Be a Faster AC #1: Use a Camera Cart for Your Gear
  4. Be a Faster AC #2: Cut Down on What You Say When Slating

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

  • Follow Evan on Instagram
  • zVisit Evan’s website

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

Read Next

Be a Faster AC #6: Stage Your Equipment Nearby

Be a Faster AC #6: Stage Your Equipment Nearby

Having to leave set to go to get a piece of gear from your equipment cases is already a huge time waster. Having to leave and walk for more than minute to get it is outright absurd. The next time you walk to get something out of a gear case, ask yourself, "Is this too far away for me to reasonably fly-in equipment?"

  • Be a Faster AC #5: Use Your Sharpie as an Emergency Mark
  • Be a Faster AC #1: Use a Camera Cart for Your Gear
  • Be a Faster AC #2: Cut Down on What You Say When Slating
  • Be a Faster AC #3: Maximize Your Camera Prep
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.

  • How to Clean a Camera Lens Without Damaging the Glass
  • Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How You Can Improve Them
  • 7 G&E Techniques Useful to Camera Assistants
  • How Many Hours Does Your RED One Have?

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)
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