aka: second assistant camera, 2nd AC, or clapper loader
The 2nd assistant camera is in charge of the clapper board and slating the beginning of each take. It’s a highly technical role that requires you to work with a team of creative people. If you love cameras and filmmaking, this could be an exciting role with lots of potential for career progress.
Keep reading to learn more about how to become a 2nd assistant camera, including their primary duties, education requirements, career outlook, and more.
What Is a 2nd Assistant Camera?
The main job of the second assistant camera or (2nd AC, for short) is to work the clapper board. They note the scene and the take on the clapper board and stand in front of the camera before the shot. When the camera starts rolling, the 2nd AC calls out the scene and take number before clapping the board.
The clapper board has information that helps the editor piece together shots for a film. The noise the clapper board makes also helps the editor sync the sound recording.
The 2nd assistant camera starts work early, unloading camera equipment. Then they watch the rehearsal and help the director of photography (DOP) and camera operator set up equipment. In addition, they assist the first assistant camera (1st AC) with marking up the shots for the actors.
At the end of each shooting day, they help pack up the equipment, charge batteries, and check inventory. In addition, they label the hard drives or film stock for the editors and dispatch them with notes. It’s worth noting that the 2nd AC works long days, at least 12 hours.
What Does a 2nd Assistant Camera Do?
| Pre-production | – Work with DOP and camera department – Hire camera equipment – Test camera equipment |
| Production | – Unload and set up the equipment – Watch blocking, assist 1st AC – Slate the start of every shot |
| Post-production | – Clean and pack up equipment – Charge camera batteries – Review inventory – Label hard drives and film stock |
How to Become a 2nd Assistant Camera
Essential 2nd assistant camera skills:
- Knowledge of cameras and related equipment
- Technologically savvy
- Well-organized
- Cool and calm under pressure
- Team player
- Stamina and strength
The 2nd assistant camera doesn’t need a degree or higher education. However, if you’re brand new to film or this role, you can learn the basics of working in the camera department by attending a film school or workshops. You can also gain this knowledge by working as a production assistant or camera trainee to start.
As a camera assistant, you should have a passion for cameras and cinema. You should also understand a variety of equipment and feel comfortable setting up cameras. Other skills include staying organized and making clear technical notes for editors.
In addition, the 2nd assistant camera needs to work as part of a team. They take orders from the DOP and give orders to the camera trainees. The job also requires you to work under pressure and with heavy, expensive equipment.
Finding 2nd Assistant Camera Jobs
Second assistant cameras are typically freelancers that work on various film projects, from online videos to major movies. This is not an entry-level role and requires prior experience or training.
The traditional route to this role is to start as a camera trainee. You might be able to find a trainee role with a major studio or film company. In addition to learning the ropes, this will be a great opportunity to start networking and making contacts who might later recommend you for 2nd AC jobs.
Another option when starting out is to work at a camera rental house. Since the role requires extensive knowledge about camera equipment, this work environment would be extremely beneficial.
Once you’ve mastered the 2nd assistant camera role, you might want to set your sights upwards. Many 2nd ACs move onto roles like camera operator, focus puller, or director of photography.
In terms of finding 2nd AC jobs, check out film job sites. Other places where you may find work are career pages of local film companies as well as Facebook groups.
How Much Money Do 2nd ACs Make?
Minimum pay rate for 2nd ACs: $41.17/hour
The 2nd AC gets paid a daily rate, which depends on the film’s overall budget. Your salary is negotiable and may include extra compensation for overtime and expenses as well.
Becoming a film union member can also impact how much you earn. There are camera guilds and unions which can help you understand how much to charge per project and to help you negotiate a fair wage. Learn more abut setting your pay rate on our film production crew rates page.
