{"id":1590,"date":"2023-02-15T16:58:28","date_gmt":"2023-02-15T16:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/?p=1590"},"modified":"2023-02-15T16:58:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T16:58:29","slug":"15-camera-assistant-kit-must-haves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/cine\/15-camera-assistant-kit-must-haves\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Camera Assistant Kit Must Haves"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Camera
Camera assistant tool kit<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

So you’ve landed your first gig as a 2nd camera assistant (aka clapper loader<\/a>) and you’re wondering what tools you will need? If you are coming from a trainee, a camera PA or a runner position, chances are you already have a pretty good idea of the tools and consumables you will be needing. The right tools depend heavily on the gear you will be working with and the type of shoot, but there are certain essentials you’ll need almost every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building an AC toolset is a process that continues for as long as you are on the job. Camera assisting tools are such a wonderfully random mix that it’s hard to get them all at once. I mean, where else will you find a hairdryer, shower caps, chalk and allen keys all in one bag? Fret not, for with just a quick Amazon spree you can get all the essentials to get you started. Here are the top 15 tools you will need on set:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Bag<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A good set bag, also known as a floor bag, is more important than you think. The bag is the foundation of your kit. Apart from holding your tools and consumables, it is also home to all the pieces of gear you’d like to keep within hands reach during the shoot – batteries, filters, memory cards, spare cables, etc. There are as many types of bags as there are styles of working. Chances are, your first bag will not be your last. As you gain experience and see what works and what doesn’t, you will most likely accumulate a range of bags to suit different projects. Some of the most popular choices are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DeWalt<\/a>
DeWalt Open Top Tool Tote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tool Totes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many camera assistants start off with tool totes for their first set bags and for a good reason. These bags come in various shapes and sizes and are cheap and sturdy. They are made to lug heavy tools around building sites, so they fit right at home in a busy production environment. They usually have a variety of small pockets in addition to a single big compartment ideal for bulkier items like batteries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tool totes come in rigid open-top, softer zippable versions and everything in between. Each model has it’s advantages and drawbacks, so you have to consider your working style before you get one. Open top bags<\/a> are faster to access, but provide less protection from the elements. Zippable bags<\/a> are not as fast, but the chances of spilling a bunch of expensive gear from them is smaller. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/a>
Cinebags CB-11 Mini Production Bag<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dedicated AC Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Up the scale, we have dedicated camera assistant bags like the Panavision<\/a> you are bound to see on any bigger film set. Sturdy and well padded, these bags are purposely built for production. Ridgid enough to protect cameras and lenses in transport, these bags do not come cheap. Because these bags tend to have rather large main compartments, you might find pieces of equipment need to nest side by side. A Domke wrap<\/a> or two are perfect for providing low-profile padding in such cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to Panavision, Arri<\/a> and Cinebags<\/a> also offer a comprehensive set bag line-up. Both Panavision and Cinebags offer comprehensive systems of dividers and pouches to help you organize your tools and equipment. More recently, Shape<\/a> (of handheld handles fame) and O’Connor<\/a> (yes, tripods-and-heads O’Connor) also entered the camera assistant bag market with some solid models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pelican<\/a>
Pelican 1510M Mobility Case<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hard Cases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More and more we’ve been seeing AC opting for hard plastic cases as floor bags. Compared to the other two options, hard cases provide a lot more protection for rougher shoots. They are ideal if you have to ship or fly with your kit. Some camera assistants even mount a quick release receptacle (Ronford Baker RBQ<\/a> for example) on the lid. This makes the case an ideal place to keep the camera when working far from the carts. A hard case is also a handy place to sit if you get a chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, even empty the cases are a lot heavier than AC bags or tool totes. Add some gear and the weight can get prohibitive. Even if you get a case with wheels (which we strongly recommend), you might have a tough time lugging the case over rough terrain. Hard case prices are on par with AC bags like the Panavision, so a decision between the two is purely workflow-based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pelican 1510<\/a> is a very popular choice, due to its carry-on size. The mobility version shown above builds upon the original model with beefier wheels, sturdier handle and a stability-enhancing foot at the bottom. For a lighter option, you can also look at the Air version of the same case – the Peli 1535<\/a>, which is 40% lighter than the 1510. Another option is the iM2500<\/a> model, formerly manufactured by Hardigg, which Peli acquired in 2009. Its biggest advantage are the silent press-and-pull latches which allow you to stealthily open and close the case while the sound is rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which one? <\/strong>As discussed above, every one of the options has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re just starting out and you’re not sure of the way you will be working, it’s not worth investing a whole lot into a bag just yet. Get a cheaper tool tote and go from there. On the other hand, if you’ve spent some time as a trainee and have a good idea of the setup you want, you might as well bite the bullet and get your dream bag right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a pinch?<\/strong> A bag is a bag, so if you don’t have a lot to spend on one specifically for camera assistant work, you can make do with just about anything. For example, an older, larger camera bag is an ideal starter AC bag. Check your garage, attic or the local thrift store. Another option is a sturdier cooler bag, these can be found in any big box store or again, a thrift shop. You will probably have to get creative with padding and dividers, but that’s half of the fun. A third option can be fishing tackle bags, which come prepared to handle the plethora of small bits and bobs that make up an ACs toolkit. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Cinebags<\/a>
Cinebags CB07 AC Pouch XL and Conterra Tool Chest Radio Harness<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>AC Pouch \/ Belt \/ Harness<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An AC pouch is another key item that determines your effectiveness and workflow. It usually lives on a belt around your waist or on a chest harness and contains your most used tools and accessories. As with bags, different camera assistants have different preferences. It’s a matter of experience to land on your optimal setup. Some of the tools in this line up will live in your pouch, others will reside in the bag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which one?<\/strong> There are a plethora of AC pouches on the market, but they are more or less similar in their functionality. We like the Cinebags CB07<\/a>, Panavision’s Loader Pouch and Arri’s Camera Assistant Pouch<\/a>. Another, more budget-friendly option is the SetWear Jumbo AC pouch<\/a>. In addition to a pouch, you will also need a belt to attach it to, pretty much any utility belt<\/a> will do. Your radio, roll of tape and whatever else you deem essential will also reside on the belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An AC belt is always a work in progress, so over time, you will probably change your setup quite a bit. A lot of assistants add clips<\/a> or smaller pouches<\/a> to help spread the weight. A radio pouch<\/a> is a popular addition, since the built-in radio clips are often not reliable enough. Another popular addition to an AC belt is a water bottle holder<\/a>, which can also dub as a compressed air can pouch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of assistants, grips and lighting techs opt for a chest pouch like the Conterra Tool Chest<\/a> instead of a belt. On tight sets, in vehicles or when climbing is involved a chest harness can be much less obtrusive than a belt with bulky pouches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a pinch?<\/strong> Any garden variety fanny pack <\/a>will do for starters. Beware, it’s a tell-tale sign for a newbie AC.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Camera
Camera assistant pen and marker line up<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>Markers & Pens<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that you see when you open any camera assistant’s pouch is a bunch of different pens and markers. As with the other items on the list, there’s a touch of personal preference here too, but here are the basics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n