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Reviews
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"A very well done book on
cameras and assisting and for any budding cinematographer or
assistant."
-Ron Dexter, ASC
"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 (Past President) Filmtools-President
"I bought this book when I was hired to AC for a project on equipment I had
never worked with before. For one of those, "Holly crap! I agreed to do a
job I only know how to do part of!" moments, this book is great. Every
question I could think of was answered thoroughly and I mean THOROUGHLY. If
you want to learn exactly what the responsibilities of an Assistant Camera
Person are and how best to execute them read this book! If you are a working
AC and want an easy to read, text-book style reference this is it."
- J. Wolfsberger
"Nothing comes close to David Elkins' book. It's
that simple. This is the best, most complete book on the job of the camera
assistant. PERIOD. If you are new to the job of the camera assistant, this
book is an absolute must have. If you are a seasoned "vet" who has years of
experience working on motion picture sets, again, this book is an absolute
must have. Elkins' total description of every aspect of the AC's job is so
consise, it's like a classroom in a book. Loaded with every conceivable
diagram and chart, and covering every motion picture camera currently being
used, this book goes well beyond your typical "job description" type tome.
The bonus materials alone make this book invaluable. Along with the
companion website, the reader has vast amounts of precious material
available for when the job calls for it...label templates, charts,
manufacturer links and contacts, the list goes on and on and on. The best
part is the writing style is clear and informative, almost like Elkins
himself is teaching you as you go. Look no further than this book. It's all
here."
- Leon
Sanginiti
"David Elkins's The Camera Assistant's
Manual, Fourth Edition is the best technical book around, and one of the
best books on movies, period. Dave manages to cover every aspect of an
assistant's job, no matter how obscure or infrequently encountered. But the
completeness is only one aspect which recommends it to any aspiring or
working cinematographer. Written in a clear, conversational manner,
Dave manages to demystify both the jargon and the sometimes strange job of
an assistant. His accounts of procedure for both first and second assistants
clarify what we in the business call "industry standard": the accepted,
professional way of conducting yourself and doing a job. Outside of a job on
a Hollywood set, it is nearly impossible to learn these classic, time-saving
routines. And unless you've been a pro in the business, you're not going to
know about such things as the relative merits of Magliner and Rubbermaid
carts for hauling equipment. The book covers the general characteristics of
film, cameras, and lenses in such a way as to give a general technical
education. Dave also gives a valuable overview of the camera department and
its place in film production overall. What many readers will find most
useful are the sections on troubleshooting, the diagrams and threading
patterns of every currently used camera, and the wealth of forms and lists
to organize the on-set work. I've tried to give a good idea of what the book
covers, but it contains much, much more. I've been using The Camera
Assistant's Manual since the first edition. This is the biggest and the best
version. I only wish that, when I started as a camera assistant, I had had
access to such a clear, helpful book."
- Jack Anderson, Director of Photography
"The 4th Edition of the Camera Assistant's
Manual by focal press author David Elkins is a must have for the beginner as
well as the seasoned pro. From how to set up a darkroom, to threading
diagrams on all "in use" cameras, to lifelong useful tables and charts, this
edition has it all."
- Timothy A. Roarke
"The Camera Assistant's Manual is a must have
reference book for both beginners and experienced professionals in the
camera department. If you are a beginner, this manual will teach you all of
the basics as well as the advanced details of camera assisting. Although not
a substitute for actual experience, author David Elkins also coaches you on
how to act efficiently and professionally on a set. This can save you
countless embarrassing blunders on your "first barbeque." But before
learning all of the AC's duties, the reader is introduced to the basics of
cinematography and a complete overview of the camera department. This is
extremely helpful - allowing the beginner to understand the "big picture"
first. If you are an experienced professional, Elkins gives you hundreds of
tips and suggestions that will add to your knowledge base and help your job
go smoothly. This 4th edition contains the most complete and up to date
camera diagrams, tables, and formulas of any single reference source.
Imagine your relief when you have to load and thread a new camera for the
first time. The Camera Assistant's Manual is worth it's weight in gold."
- Randolph Sellars, Director of Photography
"The Camera Assistant's Manual, 4th edition is
packed with a wealth of valuable tips, tricks, explanations, illustrations,
and suggestions for the modern-day camera assistant. This is a good book to
have, an excellent reference for a working professional camera assistant and
a great teaching tool for film students and people new to the camera
department. The companion website offers a collection of links and forms, a
superb resource that is always accessible.
- Matthew Petrosky
"Having been trained by David Elkins from the
original manuscript of this book, I was eager to read the second addition.
This book is the perfect primer for the beginning Assistant Cameraperson.
The details of the camera department, each department broken down into
chapters, gives not only an overview, but a detailed step by step
description of the tasks and duties of an Assistant Camera. This has been an
invaluable text book for my beginning Film Students."
- Michael J. Hanly, II |
| Description
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The Fifth Edition of The Camera
Assistant's Manual has been completely updated to reflect
the technology of today, providing crucial guidance to
student filmmakers as they prepare to enter the professional
world and work as camera assistants.
David Elkins has the technical know-how to provide students
with easy to follow advice about how to act on set, what a
camera assistant is expected to do, and all the tips and
tricks that will make a first or second camera assistant
ready to advance to the next level. Readers will learn how
the skill
sets of a 1st or 2nd AC (Camera Assistant) in film and
digital (HD) intertwine, how they differ, and all they need
to know to do both jobs well. The advancements in HD and
digital video are only adding to an already demanding job,
and this fifth edition of The Camera Assistant's Manual
provides Camera Assistant novices and experienced ACs alike
with valuable knowledge that they need to work in both
formats.
This nuts and bolts guide covers the basics of
cinematography, how to maintain a camera, how to transport a
camera, how to troubleshoot common problems that arise on
set, and even advice about interviewing for the job. The new
edition has also been updated to include new forms,
checklists, tables, and illustrations that will be essential
to the success of any camera assistant. Using problem
solving skills, readers will hone proficiency both on the
set and off, and they will find a vital tool for their
toolkits in this book. |
