The Focus Puller (1st AC) ensures sharp shots, manages camera equipment, sets up lenses, troubleshoots issues, and is crucial for avoiding costly re-shoots by maintaining focus accuracy.
Videos on the Web
- Focus Puller- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
The Focus Puller (Also known as 1st Assistant Camera) is widely regarded as one of the most skilled jobs on set, the focus puller needs to be exceptionally reliable and good at their job, as re-shooting scenes after rushes viewing is extremely expensive and time-consuming.
Role and Responsibilities
- Responsible for all of the camera equipment.
- Ensure that that all shots are sharp and in focus.
- Be the first member of the camera department to arrive on set to set up camera equipment and lenses.
- Identify and troubleshoot any problems with focus and be able to communicate clearly on these issues with director, DOP, and post-production.
Works with
- Director
- Director of Photography
- All of the Camera Department
- Script Supervisor
Qualities - Focus Puller
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of cameras, lenses, and other camera equipment.
Experienced in focus-pulling solutions for hundreds of different shooting scenarios.
Great technical camera skills and be up to date with new camera technology.
Excellent eyesight, great attention to detail.
Great experience and judgement in accurately judging distances.
Vigilance on-set to make sure everything is set up correctly and on correct format for the recording.
Strong communication skills to make sure important information is clearly conveyed within the camera department and to other departments and actors.
Interests - Focus Puller
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Focus Puller
Education Route: A degree in Film Studies or Photography can provide a good grounding. Having a showreel and work-based learning are crucial.
Career Path to Focus Puller: There are no usual career paths for the Focus Puller. A Focus Puller often will have worked their way through the camera department, starting as a trainee.
Career Path from Focus Puller: Camera Operator, Steadicam Operator, 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC).
