Author: gfarlie

Ah, the film clapperboard, the prized possession of the 2nd AC and an iconic image associated with the industry. When someone imagines a film shoot, they undoubtedly picture things like a huge camera, a boom mic, and a clapperboard; these are the things that tell the general public that movie magic is happening. But what… Continue reading All about Clapperboards – ie. How to Slate like a Pro!

If you work in film, or you’ve at least told people you want to work in film, then the chances are pretty high that someone has asked you about myriad job titles they’ve seen during some end credits.  The most common questions are about Grips, or Best Boys, or maybe they want to know the… Continue reading Clapper Loaders – What even is a 2nd AC?

Now let’s face it, though we use electricity every day, we forget it can be extremely dangerous, fatally so, in the wrong hands…So it needs to be treated with respect. Even cables themselves can become pretty dangerous trip hazards on staircases and in darker areas if not laid and secured in a sensible way – … Continue reading An Introduction to Power Distribution for Film Lighting

Long maligned as being an incomprehensible piece of film crew jargon, “Grips” and the kit they use simply refers to any support equipment for the camera, all the way from a simple sandbag, to the most complex motion-controlled robot arm. (Strictly speaking you do get lighting grips as well who rig the support equipment for,… Continue reading An introduction to Camera Grip Equipment for Film

In the real world there are inevitably multiple obstacles that light passes-through and bounces-off that disperse, colour and diffuse it in organic and natural ways. If you want to take your skills to the next level, always be thinking about how you can break it up – here’s 10 ways that i’ve come accross –… Continue reading 10 more innovative ways to shape and control light using transmissive modifiers

Cinematography, the art of storytelling with moving pictures, really encompasses two disciplines; Camera and Lighting – The latter of which we’ll be discussing today. Whether you’re aspiring to be the next Roger Deakins or just enjoy the camaraderie of working in a close-knit team, it is essential to know the tools available to you and… Continue reading 10 Lighting Fixture Types You Should Know About

Lights, Camera, Action… its that simple right? But what sort of light do we want, or rather what will best tell the story… where do we put it? …what colour is it?  …what shape will create the right mood and serve the needs of the shot we are trying to accomplish? Other than just achieving… Continue reading 10 ways to Shape and Control Light using Modifiers

One light stand is as good as the next – they’re all the same right? Well try putting a 5K fresnel onto lightweight stand and you’ll quickly realise that having the right tools for the job is essential. Like with a lot of this kit there is a fair amount of crossover, so that there… Continue reading 10 Common Light Stands for Film and TV

There certainly are more advanced/niche items that you may find you need to pick up as you’re career progresses e.g. Disposable eyepiece covers …but this list should cover everything needed to get you prepared for your first professional gig. As members of one of the most “technical” departments, the camera team have a myriad of… Continue reading 10 Essential Kitbag Items for Camera Assistants & Trainees

Though these items may seem obvious, and it may feel like you’re packing to go off on a camping trip, as a film crew you need to be totally self sufficient and you’d be surprised how often the need for the simplest things comes up. These needs will of course vary between specific departments, but… Continue reading 10 Essential Items for all Newbie (and Oldie) Film Crew Members