{"id":471,"date":"2019-04-16T08:47:27","date_gmt":"2019-04-16T08:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/?p=471"},"modified":"2022-01-07T08:10:07","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T08:10:07","slug":"clapper-loader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lensnotes.com\/cine\/clapper-loader\/","title":{"rendered":"Clapper Loader"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Clapper
Clapper loader slating the beginning of a take \/ Photo by Joel Muniz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is a clapper loader?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A clapper loader, also called a second assistant camera (2nd AC), is a member of the camera department within a film crew. As the name implies, the clapper loader has two key responsibilities. Clapper comes from operating the clapperboard<\/a> (aka slate<\/em> or just board<\/em>) at the beginning of each take to aid synchronization of sound and image in post-production. Loader stands for loading the unexposed film stock into the camera magazines or handling memory cards on a digital set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, apart from the two namesake functions, there is a whole lot more to the second camera assistant’s job. The clapper loader’s main responsibilities are related to equipment maintenance and supporting the work of the 1st AC<\/a> and the camera operator. Additionally, 2nd ACs usually handle camera department admin and time-keeping, consumables management, equipment transport coordination and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong>: The structure and style of work described here are those of large feature film productions. In small, independent projects crew members might take upon tasks and responsibilities outside the scope of their main job. Very often, a single camera assistant may handle the work of both clapper loader and focus puller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crew structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each camera within a film production is operated by a camera operator and serviced by two technicians – the first and second camera assistants (or respectively focus puller and clapper loader). Together, the operator and assistants comprise a camera unit. A small production may have one camera unit, while a large one can have three, four or more units. All camera units operate under the guidance of the Director of Photography (or DOP). In a small, one camera production it is common for the DOP to be operating the camera personally. Regardless of this, the assistant structure remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clapper loader works directly below the focus puller within a camera unit. On bigger productions, the work of the 2nd assistant camera is sometimes supported by a camera department trainee or a 3rd assistant camera. In a multi-camera production, the 2nd AC generally tends to the tasks related to his\/her camera unit first. Certain general camera department responsibilities are shared between all the 2nd ACs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Clapper loader tasks and responsibilities<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the glamorous duty of being the person that operates the clapboard, the clapper loaders’ job is to ensure the camera department is running as smoothly as possible. This requires concentration, attention to detail and great organizational skills. Equipment in a big production can run up to hundreds of cases, and a vital part of a clapper loader’s job is knowing exactly where each piece of gear is at any given time. This comes in addition to a plethora of other small and large tasks, so let’s take a closer look at what makes a great second assistant camera:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"RED
RED Camera with Cooke Anamorphic Lens on a Steadicam<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>PREP<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A big chunk of a clapper loader’s most important work happens before a single camera rolls. Film and TV productions generally have a prep period of a few days before shooting begins. In this period, camera assistants unpack, test and prepare all the gear for the shoot ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clapper loader is only as good as their tool kit. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you’re missing that one allen key you might hit a dead end. Prep is the time for each assistant to take inventory of their own tools and accessories. Check out our extensive article on second assistant camera tool essentials<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, prep is done in a studio or rental facility that can offer service capabilities. A common practice is to do prep in on-site of the rental facility supplying the equipment. This saves time and money should a piece of equipment need a tune-up or replacement. Prep procedures include (but are not limited to) the following tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n