"What should I have in my kit?" "What are the essential tools?" "Do I need to bring gear to set?"
If you're just starting your journey in the camera department, these questions are incredibly important. Understanding the tools of the trade is fundamental to your success as a camera assistant. Knowing you have the right equipment not only allows you to perform your job effectively but also builds confidence on set. But with so much information available, knowing where to begin assembling your toolkit can feel overwhelming.
That's precisely why these questions are so frequently asked.
However, the reality is that every camera assistant develops a unique set of tools tailored to their specific work style and the types of productions they engage in. This personalization is key to efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, examining the toolkits of experienced camera assistants offers invaluable insights.
Drawing from numerous inquiries and my own experience, I'm going to detail the contents of my current toolkit and provide guidance on assembling a kit that will serve you well. Consider this your initial guide to Ac Tools Car Manager – thinking about how to manage and organize your essential gear.
Film Kit vs. Digital Kit: Tailoring Your AC Tools
Just as a carpenter selects different saws for various types of wood, the diverse range of cameras in filmmaking necessitates different tools for their upkeep. The primary distinction lies between digital and film cameras. Film cameras are characterized by intricate internal moving parts, while digital cameras are largely static internally. Film cameras require gate checks, while digital cameras demand sensor cleaning.
These fundamental differences in camera technology dictate distinct maintenance approaches and, consequently, different toolkit requirements.
When initially building your kit, it’s crucial to establish a foundation of general-purpose tools. However, it’s equally important to consider the types of productions you anticipate working on. Will you be primarily involved in commercials using HD cameras? Do you envision assisting local film students shooting on 16mm film? Or are you particularly drawn to working with cameras like the RED?
While the film versus digital divide provides a basic framework, the distinctions become more nuanced when considering specific digital or film camera models and different types of productions, such as commercials versus feature films. Thinking about your ac tools car manager system should start with understanding these different needs.
Early in my career, I predominantly worked with the RED One on feature films. Consequently, my initial toolkit was geared towards that specific workflow. Currently, my work often involves commercials utilizing DSLRs. Many tools acquired for RED cameras are not directly applicable when working with DSLRs. Conversely, many fundamental tools remain essential across both types of productions.
Therefore, before investing heavily in specialized equipment, such as HDMI adapters for DSLR or RED camera work, assess the type of projects you are likely to undertake.
There is no single correct approach, and your optimal toolkit will largely depend on the job market you are entering or currently operating within. Remember, this initial investment is not permanent; you are primarily aiming to make cost-effective choices. If a film project arises, you can always acquire the necessary specialized tools at that time. Your initial toolkit should be based on an informed assumption about the kind of work you will be doing at the outset. This is the first step in effective ac tools car manager practices – planning for your anticipated needs.
1st Assistant Camera vs. 2nd Assistant Camera Kit: Differentiated Needs in AC Tools
The specific camera department role you intend to fill will significantly influence how you build your toolkit. If your first position is as a 1st assistant camera (AC) on a small student film, prioritize acquiring 1st AC tools before investing in 2nd AC-specific items. This might mean purchasing a quality tape measure before acquiring a slate.
However, there’s a crucial caveat when assembling a 1st AC toolkit: you are often expected to possess a comprehensive set of tools, potentially even including those typically used by a 2nd AC. This expectation arises because on smaller productions or when working with less experienced 2nd ACs, the 1st AC often needs to fill in gaps in equipment and knowledge. Thinking about this expectation is part of being a good ac tools car manager – being prepared for different scenarios.
This situation is frequently encountered when training inexperienced 2nd ACs who are unfamiliar with essential on-set equipment. They might not know what tools to bring, let alone what items are useful and necessary to purchase. During my first 2nd AC job, I relied heavily on the 1st AC’s tools and was fortunate that he had such a complete kit.
There’s another critical reason why a 1st AC is expected to have a comprehensive toolkit.
Often, when hired for single-day jobs or small commercials, you might be the sole AC on set. In these scenarios, your tools become the tools available to the production. The last thing you want is to lack a crucial tool needed to resolve a camera issue, especially when facing production pressure. Effective ac tools car manager means being self-sufficient and prepared for solo AC work.
Therefore, if you aim to build a toolkit suitable for potential 1st AC roles, ensure it is at least 90% complete with essential items.
Conversely, if you anticipate working primarily as a 2nd AC or in lower camera department positions, you can build your toolkit more gradually. As mentioned earlier, you can often supplement your own kit with tools from the 1st AC, allowing for a phased approach to acquisition. However, even as a 2nd AC, understanding ac tools car manager principles will help you organize and utilize your resources effectively.
Taking Inventory of Your Tools: Leveraging Existing Resources for AC Work
Tools are inherently versatile, and many instruments used for general repairs are equally applicable to camera maintenance. It’s likely you already possess a significant portion of a basic toolkit in your home garage or closet. While not every household tool is relevant to filmmaking, the most fundamental ones can prove surprisingly useful.
The reason common household tools are adaptable to camera work is their inherent practicality. Pliers, for instance, have diverse applications beyond their intended purpose. Basic tools are versatile and can be adapted to various on-set situations, particularly when improvisation is required. Having these adaptable tools in your bag is crucial for unexpected situations – they will be used frequently. Thinking about versatility is key to ac tools car manager – maximizing the use of each tool.
Examples of common tools that are valuable in my kit include:
- Screwdrivers: Phillips & Flat Head
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Work gloves
- Zip Ties
- Tape Measures
These represent just a fraction of the items you might already own.
Conducting an inventory of your existing tools is a smart approach when building your kit to avoid unnecessary expenses. Tools, even small ones, can accumulate significant costs when filling an entire bag. Integrating tools you already own into your set bag incurs no additional cost. This is smart ac tools car manager – starting with what you already have.
Of course, if these tools belong to family members or roommates, investing in your own set is a considerate and practical step.
Essential Tools for Your Kit: The Must-Haves for Every AC
Not all tools are equally important. Some are undeniably more critical than others.
Consider this: when was the last time you actually used a laser pointer throughout an entire shoot? Or that homemade hoodman you constructed during a lunch break last week?
The reality is that we don’t require every tool on every job, at all times. Certain tools are consistently more important and used almost universally. These are essential for AC work, and performing the job competently without them would be challenging. Identifying these essentials is a core part of ac tools car manager – knowing what you absolutely must have.
Here is a list of tools I consider “Must-haves” before stepping onto a set:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flat-head)
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Wrench
- Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches
- Sharpies
- Dry Erase Marker
- Flashlight
- Measuring Tape (Soft, Hard, or Laser)
- Grease Pencil or Marking Pen
- Camera Tape
- Velcro
- Compressed Air or Blower
- Lens Tissue
- Lens Cleaning Fluid
- Pen
- Pencil
- Advil
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a solid starting foundation. Remember, this is just a basic, bare-bones kit at this stage. If this list represents the entirety of your toolkit, you might be underprepared in specific situations, but you will be equipped for most common scenarios. Regularly reviewing and refining this essential list is part of effective ac tools car manager.
Thoroughly review this list and customize it based on the type of work you anticipate doing, the jobs you expect to secure, and your budget. If you can afford to acquire more tools—such as a slate—it is advisable to do so.
You will also need a toolbag to organize and carry everything. For a professional-grade kit bag, I recommend the Cinebag CB-01 Production Bag. I have found it to be exceptionally reliable. However, if that option exceeds your budget, explore hardware stores for suitable alternatives. Choosing the right bag is also part of ac tools car manager – efficient organization is crucial.
I have also written an article discussing the benefits of owning two toolbags, which you might find insightful.
Customization and Do-It-Yourself Gear: Personalizing Your AC Tools
Don’t limit yourself to the conventional applications of tools. Some of the most effective tools are either homemade or repurposed from other functions.
If you discover a way to use a wrench to hold camera tape more efficiently, implement it. Experiment to see what enhances your workflow; if it proves beneficial, you’ve added a valuable technique to your repertoire. DIY and customization are advanced ac tools car manager techniques – making your tools work best for you.
Seek inspiration from other camera assistants and crew members for ideas on customizing your gear. This is how I learned about the slate tagboard, among other helpful modifications.
It seems illogical not to explore your toolkit for opportunities to optimize tool usage. If something is causing frustration, look for a workaround. They are your tools—adapt them to work best for you.
A significant advantage of DIY projects is the ability to tailor tools to your personal working preferences. This customization ultimately increases your speed and efficiency on set. For inspiration, explore resources on DIY projects specifically for camera assistants. Personalization is the ultimate form of ac tools car manager – creating a truly optimized system.
Rounding Out Your Tool Selection: Expanding and Refining Your AC Kit
Once you’ve made the initial investment in your essential toolkit, you can start expanding it with advanced tools and gadgets like a laser distance measuring device or a smartphone loaded with cinematography-specific apps.
This stage involves investing in tools that not only meet basic needs but also enhance your efficiency and capabilities. Consider features like automatic torque screwdrivers, more durable tape measures, or USB lens lights to facilitate focus pulling in low-light conditions. This is about strategic ac tools car manager – investing in tools that provide significant returns in efficiency.
There’s always something more to add to your toolbag (trust me). A quick visit to your local hardware store and a walk through the aisles will quickly reveal numerous gadgets that could simplify life on set.
Examples of non-essential but highly useful tools include a Brother P-Touch label maker for slates, a Leatherman multi-tool, a high-quality slate, sandbag T-marks, and countless others.
While these tools offer tangible benefits on set, they are not strictly indispensable, at least initially. While some might disagree, it’s possible to manage without a Leatherman or a high-end slate for the first few months.
This doesn’t imply that you should never acquire these tools, but rather that you can prioritize their purchase until you are financially more stable. Strategic purchasing is a key aspect of responsible ac tools car manager.
Expanding your kit might also involve incorporating tools that extend slightly beyond traditional camera assistant responsibilities. For instance, on digital shoots, I often bring my Macbook Pro, a card reader, and necessary cables for footage transfer. While not always required by productions, I prefer to have them as a backup. Thinking beyond the basic toolkit is part of comprehensive ac tools car manager.
After gaining experience on a few jobs and working with your kit, you will start to identify gaps. Pay attention to these moments and make a mental, digital, or written note to add those missing items to your kit. Ideally, address these needs promptly, perhaps reinvesting your paycheck soon after a shoot. Continuous improvement and adaptation are hallmarks of effective ac tools car manager.
So, What’s in My Toolbag? A Glimpse into a Working AC Kit
People are often curious about the contents of my toolbag. I’ve generally avoided this question because it is packed with a vast array of items – so many that I created a detailed video showcasing everything inside and explaining its purpose. If you are genuinely interested in a comprehensive overview of my toolkit and the rationale behind each item, I recommend watching the video. This video offers a real-world example of ac tools car manager in practice.
However, if you prefer a written inventory, I have meticulously listed each tool below, along with a link to purchase it.
Please note that this list also includes my basic data management kit, which is not featured in the video. Also, remember that my kit is not necessarily a definitive “complete” kit—there are numerous items that other camera assistants commonly use that I may not include. Every AC’s ac tools car manager system will be slightly different.
The Toolbag Money Pit: The Ongoing Investment in AC Tools
Every time I open my Cinebag, I discover something else I could potentially need. Even years after my initial substantial purchase from FilmTools, I still perceive my toolbag as somewhat incomplete.
It has become what I can only describe as a money pit: money goes in, and it seems to disappear.
Consider expendables, which increasingly, productions expect ACs to provide at their own expense. Then there are the numerous small items that get misplaced or damaged on set, accumulating costs over time. And, of course, there are significant investments like laser tape measures. Managing these ongoing costs is part of ac tools car manager – budgeting for continuous needs.
Coupled with the constant emergence of new tools and improvements, it seems like all available funds are perpetually drawn into the seemingly bottomless pit of film production supplies.
The essential point is that you will never have a truly “complete” kit.
There will always be items to replace, add, or refine. Tools get lost, damaged, or worn out. More often, they are superseded by improved versions. Accepting this continuous evolution is crucial to a healthy approach to ac tools car manager.
Whether you choose to build your kit gradually, in one comprehensive purchase, or by utilizing tools you already own, I wish you success. From this point forward, it is an ongoing journey of refining and adapting your tools to enhance your efficiency and effectiveness. Embrace the journey of continuous ac tools car manager improvement.
Is there a particular tool that you find indispensable? Please share its name and how you use it in the comments below!
Alt: Camera assistant’s ac tools car manager kit laid out, showcasing essential equipment for organized workflow.
Alt: Side-by-side comparison highlighting film and digital camera ac tools car manager needs, illustrating different maintenance requirements.
Alt: Close-up of ac tools car manager bag interior, emphasizing organization and accessibility of essential camera assistant equipment.
Alt: Top-down view of essential ac tools car manager items, showcasing must-have equipment for camera assistants on set.
Alt: Example of DIY ac tools car manager modifications, demonstrating customized solutions for enhanced camera assistant efficiency.
Alt: Metaphorical representation of ac tools car manager as an ongoing investment, illustrating the continuous need for camera assistant equipment upgrades.
