First Assistant Operator

Role and tasks of the first assistant operator

He is the only person authorized to handle this equipment, and works directly under the orders of the cameraman and cinematographer. He gets help from the machinery team to place the camera stand, and ensures the stability and safety of the camera and its accessories during special shoots (dollies, cranes, Loumas or steadycam...).

He needs to know how to repair equipment in the event of minor damage, and to keep a constant eye on equipment storage and maintenance during filming.

Role and tasks of the first assistant operator

During the shoot, he is responsible for focusing the lens, and changing it as the actors move in relation to the camera.

He uses a decameter or rangefinder (in difficult cases) to measure his focus distances precisely (High Definition, like 35 mm, does not tolerate error...) and must have a good sense of rhythm to make his focus changes in perfect sync with camera movements or the movement of actors.

The first assistant operator is also responsible for testing cameras and lenses at the rental company just before shooting.