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
  • ‰
×
If You've Got a Problem, You Need Time
Creative Commons License Photo: CarbonNYC

If You’ve Got a Problem, You Need Time

It's your worst nightmare on set: you're about to roll camera when suddenly it shuts off. The first thing you should do is inform the assistant director that you need time.

by Evan LuziMiscellaneous Tips

  • 15

It’s your worst nightmare on set: you’re about to roll camera when suddenly it shuts off.

You press the power button, you check the cables, and you even try cursing at the thing, but nothing is working. Before you know it, you’re desperate — mashing all the buttons on the side, blowing in crevasses like it’s a nintendo cartridge, and even petting the thing to make it purr, but no dice.

You look towards the sky and the sun is setting and that magic hour is quickly condensing into a magic 10 minute deadline.

So what do you do?

You need to ask for time to address the problem.

The first thing you should do is inform the assistant director that you need time.

If you’re lucky, they can shift some things around and buy you a few minutes which will help you approach the problem in a more methodical way.

Even if there is no time, you need to ask for it.

What this does is create an expectation that there will be lost time — because there probably will be. If you ask for a minute and are told “we don’t have that minute!” at least now you’ve informed someone that, well, it’s just not going to be fixed now.

And with that sobering news, they can start executing their backup plan.

And you can start working your magic.

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

What to Write on a Film Slate Clapperboard

Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 1): What to Write on a Clapperboard

All of the advantages of the slate in post-production start in the camera department with the camera assistants who step in front of the lens with the clapperboard. And it's crucial you fill it out properly to prevent bottlenecks in post-production. Once you grasp what each section means, it makes it easier to leverage the slate into the useful cinematic tool that it is.

  • Slating the Alphabet from Apple to X-Ray
  • RED ONE Camera Reports Download
  • How to Do Your Taxes as a Freelance Filmmaker (Series)
  • 5 Rules to Help You Dress for Success On Film Sets

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 © 2023 The Black and Blue, LLC