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
  • ‰
×
  • yYoutube
  • |
  • Small Player
  • Large Player
  • GRead & Watch
  • gRead & Watch
  • MCinema View

Jennifer Garner to 1st AC’s: “I Miss You Guys”

Actress Jennifer Garner talks about the "dance" that takes place between her, the camera operator, the focus puller, and the boom operator – and how it's one of the things she misses most right now.

by Evan LuziCamera Assisting

  • 0

From the new focuspulleratwork.com, comes this wonderfully sweet video of actress Jennifer Garner sharing what she misses about being in front of a camera while waiting for Coronavirus to let her return to work:

You can still feel the 1st AC right there with you; and you still have them on your shoulder, or in the back of your mind; as you start to make a sudden movement, you can imagine them catching up with you and anticipating you doing it. Just… dancing. And letting you lead, always.

I wish every actor and actress felt as passionate as she did about the process (and considered each of their movements when we’re pulling focus). Then again, when you strive to be invisible in your work, it’s a compliment to remain in the shadows. Still, it’s nice to have recognition from someone with a career as well established as Jennifer Garner.

So, thank you, Ms. Garner, for the kind words. I speak on behalf of the other camera assistants who’re reading this in saying: we miss it, too!


Also, thank you to E Gunnar Mortensen and the team at Focus Puller at Work for sharing the video. Their new site is already full of awesome blog posts from camera assistant’s that I know personally and/or have seen online floating around in forums. It’s truly a great group of folks and their new site is full of promise and passion – I’m looking forward to more already.

So make sure to check out focuspulleratwork.com for more awesome camera assisting knowledge!

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

Be a Faster AC #4: Ask Questions for Clarification

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.

  • What "Deadliest Catch" Can Teach You About Persistence
  • Arri Alexa 2.1 Software Update Released
  • What to Do After Your Focus Goes Soft
  • Five Ways a 2nd AC Can Impress Their 1st AC Beyond Belief

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