About the Book:

Every film or video shoot calls for at least two camera assistants. Camera assistants (or first and second ACs, as they're known) have the important job of maintaining the camera, readying it for use, troubleshooting (such as knowing what to do when a camera drops into the ocean), and preparing it for transport.

The Camera Assistant's Manual by David E. Elkins teaches the complete work-flow in easy-to-understand terms and does not assume prior knowledge. It is a must-have on the set for camera assistants and is loaded with reference material such as camera illustrations, forms, charts, checklists, and equations. Invaluable career advice rounds out the book.

What people say:

"David Elkins, SOC does it again. In this latest edition David covers all of the latest cameras and accessories that have been invented since the last edition. This is truly the 'Bible' for seasoned camera assistants, and an indispensable tool for all veteran and student film makers." — Stan McClain, SOC

"Absolutely everything you need to know as first or second camera assistant is here, of course and all the reference tables, film can labels and camera department reporting forms you are ever likely to see or need are here — along with an associated website that holds even more… The Camera Assistant's Manual is an essential in the ditty bag as gaffer tape and as useful to the DoP's as it is to camera assistants. It makes for a first class learning tool between assignments and my advice to camera assistants is, keep it covered when on the set. There's a whole camera department around you who will want to borrow it." — www.dvuser.co.uk

"The text is supplemented with illustrations that convey Elkins' ideas, and the clarity with which he lays out the chronology of a film shoot is impressive — years of working and teaching have clearly allowed the author to hone his approach with military precision, and it's hard to think of any assistant armed with the book's checklists coming across a problem he or she would be unable to solve." American Cinematographer Magazine

About the Author:

David E. Elkins S.O.C., is a working camera operator and first assistant cameraman with over 15 years of professional experience working on feature films, television series, commercials, music videos and much more. His credits include The Wonder Years, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Gabriel's Fire, commercials for McDonalds, Burger King, and Life Savers, as well as music videos for The Beastie Boys, Coolio and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. In addition to his production experience he has taught various film production classes and workshops throughout the US and is currently a Filmmaker-in-Residence in the Cinematography Department at the North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking. He is an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild and Society of Operating Cameramen.