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Be a Faster AC #1: Use a Camera Cart for Your Gear
Creative Commons License Photo: John Brawley & John Bowring

Be a Faster AC #1: Use a Camera Cart for Your Gear

Some camera packages contain an abundance of cases that slow you down when you have to move them. Even simply turning around in a scene is a hassle as you move each case one-by-one until the whole lot is out of the shot. With a camera cart, you can simply wheel everything away all at once in an instant.

by Evan Luzi | Toolkit | September 13, 2011 | Comments: 10

Yesterday I asked you what you could do to save time, be faster, and improve your efficiency as a camera assistant (AC). I want to keep exploring that topic the next two weeks by sharing one tip per day that will help you become a quicker camera assistant. Today’s tip is:

1. Use a Camera Cart to Transport Gear & Equipment

Some camera packages contain an abundance of cases that slow you down when you have to move them. Even simply turning around in a scene is a hassle as you move each case one-by-one until the whole lot is out of the shot.

Meanwhile, with a camera cart, you can simply wheel everything away all at once in an instant.

No matter the situation — from expansive locations to a confined studio — having your equipment on a cart drastically reduces time between scene changes and setups. Best of all, using a camera cart is physically easier, making it less likely that you’ll run out of fumes at the end of a long day.

Most rental houses have camera carts available, but many camera assistants end up buying their own. A quality cart made specifically for ACs can be expensive, so if your budget is limited look into cheaper alternatives such as this Rubbermaid cart.

Now over to you: do you use camera carts for your gear?

Related posts:

  1. Be a Faster AC #5: Use Your Sharpie as an Emergency Mark
  2. Be a Faster AC #13: Talk to the DP About the Scene
  3. 5 Situations That You’ll Want to Hire a Pro Camera Assistant
  4. Interview with 2nd AC Sterling Wiggins from MakingOf

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.

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Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

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