Why Do You Need a Follow Focus Puller on a Film Set?

In this article, we’ll shed some light on the importance of a follow focus puller on a film set.

The First Assistant Camera, also known as focus puller, 1st AC, Assistant Camera , or B Camera, is an integral part of the camera department. During a film shoot, these exceptionally talented people shoulder their responsibility to keep the camera in focus. 

I’m fond of my camera assistant…I really am! This is what you’ll hear from the Director of Photography (DOP) - someone who overlooks the camera department, lighting department, electrical, and grips. These people are deemed to be the chief of the camera crew.

Do you really need a follow focus puller during a film shoot?

Well, you don’t seem to be the only one who expresses his great concern about exploiting the finest skills possessed by the 1st AC. I’m fully aware of the fact that being a professional follow focus puller can be the toughest job on the crew. This job is the one that comes literally loaded with endless responsibilities than you could possibly think. There’s a lot of stuff these people do on a film set. In short, I’d consider an experienced focus puller to be the backbone of the camera crew.

Being one of the challenging jobs on the crew (even though I consider it to be the only hardest job), the Camera Assistant has the responsibility of taking care of not only human bit mechanical counterparts as well. If you ask me, these personnel need to be not just one, but innumerable steps ahead of the game. Not only should they have the capability to predict the diverse needs of the camera crew, they should be able to offer necessary solutions whenever asked upon.

A focus puller should always “Come Prepared”.

If you were to define the job of the 1st AC, you’d probably fall short of words. These highly trained technicians extend necessary support to camera operators when it comes to setting up gear. Wait….there’s more coming your way! They even keep the sensitive equipment in the best shape.

What are duties of a follow focus puller?

The follow focus puller has to make sure that the picture remains sharp, because doing so is their prime responsibility. They work in close accordance with the camera operator (who’s under the direction of the DOP) for measuring the distance between the lens and the actual subject. They work their way out when it comes to maintaining proper focal distance during movements of the camera.

The first AC has to collaborate with the camera operator and the dolly grip for tracking shots and crane movements to make sure the focus is consistent. This would definitely need a focus puller to have a keen eye and a sound judgment of distance.

Focus pullers are accountable for both focusing and refocusing the camera lens as subjects move within the frame of each shot. Well, they avoid looking through the lens to perform this activity but consider pulling focus according to intricate marks which are placed on the set, floor and other vital things when a rehearsal is in progress.

Their job does not end with what’s all mentioned above. They take care of camera equipment, including lenses, filters and matt boxes. They assemble the camera as well as its accessories for capturing contrasting shots.

Do you know camera assistant make it to the set or in the studio before it’s time for the Director, Director of Photography and Camera Operator to arrive on a film set? When these people reach they make sure that the camera and all lenses are prepared for the shoot to be held during the day

What if the Director or DP wants to give a try to a specific lens? The follow focus puller will assemble the camera so that it becomes easy for them to look through the eyepiece to evaluate the given shot.

When the shooting day comes to an end, the Camera Assistant will not only clean the equipment but have the same packed up for the next day. In case there’s a problem with the rushes (a scratch on a film), they will initiate talking terms with the film lab so that any faults can be taken care of with the camera.

The First Assistant Camera is tasked with judging the distance between the camera and a subject. They even manipulate the lens physically on the camera so that they can keep the required subject in focus. Even though it may sound easy, doing so is one of the difficult jobs on a film set. The job is full of pressure. Need we say more?

The Director of Photography (DOP) or the Camera Operator usually asks for the follow focus puller. Their work hours are long and their work can be physically challenging as they have to deal with a plethora of things on a film set.

Experienced and talented focus pullers have an endless number of tricks for pulling focus in hard situations or when precise measurement seems next to impossible. 

What skills are necessary for the camera assistant?

The camera assistant or the follow focus puller you’re likely to hire for the said job must be trained in the proper setup and camera equipment. Not only that, they should have a sound knowledge of film handling and diverse photography techniques. It’s important for a good camera assistant to comprehend concepts of color, light, and exposure as well. 

The International Associate of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE in short provides training programs on a selective basis. Classes or experience in still photography can be useful.

It’s important for a professional focus puller to:

Have outstanding knowledge of cameras, lenses and other necessary equipment

Have excellent eyesight

Pay accurate attention to detail

Have quickness as well as speed

Keep abreast of latest techniques and equipment

Meticulously measure distances

Be able to work together

Be tactful and responsive when working with camera crew and other artists

Have the right knowledge of photo-chemical and digital film processing

Know about health and safety legislation and policies

What are the top 10 must have tools for every focus puller?

Well, there are some tools that are very crucial and used almost 100% of the time on a film set. A camera assistant will have a hard time to complete his work without the use of these efficient tools.

Screwdrivers

Wrench

Scissors

Pliers

Flashlight

Camera Tape

Lens Tissue

Lens Cleaning Fluid

Dry Erase Marker

Measuring Tape (Soft, Hard, or Laser)

Pen

Pencil

Grease Pencil or Marking Pen

Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches

Velcro

Compressed Air or Blower

Sharpies

It’s very important for a follow focus puller to get his own toolkit. This is because you’ll find it hard to get started as a 1st AC. You’re expected to have the right gear so that you can get the most out of it on a film set. This may seem expansive in the beginning but it’s good to have your own gear instead of borrowing someone else’s. Don’t you forget having your own toolkit will leave a positive impression on your superiors?

Besides, a camera assistant has to learn as much as he can not only about camera gear but lighting as well. 1st ACs have to know their stuff and be aware of the up-to-the-minute gear available on the market. They should even know technical updates as well (if any). A professional focus puller would never want to lose the confidence of camera departments in him.

Final Thoughts

A follow focus puller is not only in charge of the maintenance but take good care of each camera. The Camera Assistant, during pre-production, will visit rental houses just for the sake of testing the necessary gear and ensuring everything is right on schedule. Being a first assistant camera is not a job that can be achieved in the blink of an eye.