{"id":2690,"date":"2020-10-08T16:06:21","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T16:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/?p=2690"},"modified":"2021-10-14T13:24:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T13:24:50","slug":"the-next-15-things-for-your-camera-assistant-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/cine\/the-next-15-things-for-your-camera-assistant-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"The Next 15 Things for Your Camera Assistant Kit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the second instalment of our popular series on what an assistant camera (or an AC) should have in their kit. If you are here, we take it you’ve already been through the first article – 15 Camera Assistant Kit Must Haves<\/a>. In this one we’ll cover what you might find yourself needing once you’re past your first few days on set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will also be discussing some items like wraps, marks or covers that might be considered consumables<\/a> and therefore supplied by the production. In reality, not every production will get you consumables, and even if they do, you might not get everything you asked for. Nevertheless, these are items that you, as an AC, might be expected to have in camera assistant bag even before you start the project. If you want to hit the ground running, you might consider purchasing some of these yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, every assistant and every set are different, so one man’s (or girl’s) essential may be another’s luxury. Do not hang on these terms, but think about the situations you encounter or hear about from other camera assistants the most. Beware! Your bag might get seriously heavy after this post!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you are looking for a gift for that very special camera assistant in your life, check out our brand new <\/strong><\/em>The Civilian Guide to Camera Assistant Gifts!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\"Man<\/a>
A shower cap may be all the protection you need in light drizzle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Camera covers<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from the obvious rainy scenario, there are multiple occasions on set when you’ll need to cover the camera and\/or your equipment trolley. Every time you step off set, for lunch or private blocking or whatever, it’s best to cover your equipment. You never know just when set dressing might have to spray some patina spray\/dust or if make-up won’t set up shop and go wild with the hairspray right next to your gear. Naturally, most of your crewmates will have better sense than this, but better safe than sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which one?<\/strong> For a camera cover, you might need a few options depending on the situation. For basic dust \/ spray protection over lunch, a simple backpack cover<\/a> will suffice. A bright orange colored one<\/a> will make the camera more conspicuous, reducing the chance it getting knockec over on a dark set. If you want fancier, grab a Harrison Standby Camera Cover, the silver fabric will keep the gear cooler in bright sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To protect the camera while shooting, you will have to get a bit more creative. It’s always best if you can shelter the camera and operator with an umbrella or a tent but that’s not always possible. Even if you do, an errand splash might get under the umbrella and ruin your day, so a cover is recommended even on a sheltered rig. A velcro-attached nylon raincover you made to measure while prep is best against rain. Depending on the conditions, you might get away with just a Cap-it cover<\/a> and some shower caps for the monitor \/ EVF. For steadicam work you’ll need to keep thing light and tight and there are more parts to cover, so have some cling film ready in addition to the camera cover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
A barbeque cart cover fits film trolleys perfectly<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Cart cover<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For your cart, you’ll need a cover big enough to accommodate any and all accessories you’ve attached. This includes tripod brackets, head brackets, throughts and cupholders. Barbeque covers<\/a> are a popular option for this, as they tend to come in suitable shapes and sizes. Another option are motorcycle covers, although their shape is not as suitable as barbeque ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To order the correct size, measure the lenght, width and height of your fully loaded trolley, and then match that to the covers on the market. For example, a Magliner Senior with 24″ shelves is approximately 60 inches long without a head bracket or legs attachment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"TvLogic<\/a>
TvLogic VFM-056W On-board monitor in a gray Domke wrap<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Equipment wraps<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There will be times on set when you’ll need to stuff a bunch of expensive, sensitive devices into a bag and run. For these occasions, the best you can do to provide some lightweight protection for these devices is to wrap them up. Protective equipment wraps are made for this, and are some of the most ubiquitous camera assistant accessories. They come in different sizes and colours, and they can be snugly wrapped around pretty much any piece of gear to protect it while adding almost no weight or bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which one? <\/strong>Domke were the first to make protective wraps of this type, and Domke wraps<\/a> are still the most popular. They are, however, on the thinner side, so if you feel you might need a bit more protection, look into neoprene wraps<\/a>. Op\/tech also offer extra padded protective wraps<\/a> for more sensitive pieces of gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a pinch? <\/strong>On the fly, you can cushion stuff into any bit of soft fabric you have – your camera cover, a chamois rag or that beanie hat. Be careful not to forget the equipment is in there and tumble it out afterwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Panastore<\/a>
Red Panastore shot filled T-mark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>T-Marks \/ Sausage marks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another clapper loader<\/a> staple, T-marks and sausage marks are used to mark actor and\/or camera positions when blocking a scene. As opposed to tape or chalk, these marks are completely safe for sensitive flooring, which can be important when working on location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They come in different shapes, sizes and colors. T-marks are, obviously, shaped as a T, while sausage marks<\/a> are straight and resemble, well, sausages. The most popular ones <\/a>are made out of webbing and filled with sand or birdshot pellets for weight, although there are also rigid metal versions<\/a>. Marks usually have an eyelet through which you can run a tent stake<\/a> to fix their position on soft ground or hang them for storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Colorful
Colorful plastic golf tees<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Golf tees<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The T-mark alternative for grassy and forestry sets, golf tees are a cheap and lightweight addition to a 2nd ACs kit. Unlike a T-mark that can be kicked about by a passing crew member, a tee will stay put once you stick it in. For extra flair you can glue some small artificial flowers of different colors onto the tees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which ones?<\/strong> Plastic tees are more resilient and will not break on you when you try sticking them in rocky soil. Make sure to get a multicolored variety pack<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a pinch?<\/strong> A sharpened stick with some gaff tape<\/a> can get you through a tee-less situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>The Nut’n’Bolt Box<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the most important piece of kit for the advanced camera assistant, a well stocked nut and bolt box can bail you out of pretty much any situation. The box is built as you gain experience and encounter situations, but you need to start from somewhere. Apart from the box itself, which may be any suitably sized organizer box<\/a> with dividers, you may stock up on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n