First assistant camera (AC) operators or focus pullers apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They are responsible for focusing and refocusing the camera lens as actors move within the frame of each shot. They do not look though the lens to do this, but pull focus according to a set of complex marks (which are placed on the set, on the floor, on props, etc.) and by using their instincts and experience of judging focal lengths. The context for focus pulling is mainly on single-camera or multi-camera shoots where film cameras are used, e.g. feature films, documentaries, television dramas. However, the principles of focus pulling are relevant to both film and digital cameras, e.g. focal length, focus points and the attributes of different lenses. First ACs tend to work on a freelance basis and are usually selected by directors of photography (DOPs), with whom they work closely during shoots. |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Prepare to pull focus | 1. Liaise with relevant production personnel and interpret and confirm appropriate focus requirements for particular shots 2. Contribute to discussions about finding the most effective way of achieving creative outcomes required of shots 3. Mount equipment according to specifications and requirements of relevant production personnel 4. Ensure equipment is compatible and positioned to avoid interference with camera operations at locations |
Calculate focus points | 5. Accurately measure and clearly mark focus points to plot the focus pull 6. Verify points using tape measure or eye and ensure split focus covers the depth of field requirements 7. Set and change focus to meet production requirements in consultation with relevant production personnel |
Pull focus during productions | 8. Liaise with relevant production personnel throughout shots 9. Check equipment is calibrated correctly and ensure camera is not disturbed while pulling focus during production 10. Maintain focus throughout shots by operating follow focus unit to predetermined points and within required timing of shots 11. Estimate and execute necessary adjustments to predetermined focus points to achieve the required image. 12. Provide feedback to relevant production personnel on completion of shots, noting problems 13. Relay information to continuity according to enterprise procedures |
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Required skills |
communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to: work collaboratively as a member of a production team understand and carry out instructions and creative directions as required interpret and complete production documentation technical skills sufficient to assemble a range of cameras and lenses to meet specific shot requirements problem solving skills in the context of: anticipating and addressing equipment set-up problems responding quickly to changes as required or directed accurately judging distances in the context of marking focus points self-management skills sufficient to: prioritise work tasks and work under pressure meet deadlines seek expert assistance when problems arise initiative and enterprise in the context of making creative contributions to the process of devising camera coverage numeracy skills sufficient to make basic mathematical calculations, e.g. focal length calculation |
Required knowledge |
industry knowledge, including: roles and responsibilities of film/television crew members cinematographic language and terminology issues and challenges that arise in the context of pulling focus features of a range of cameras and accessories, e.g. focus follow unit framing techniques and shot composition lens theory and application, including range and characteristics of lenses concepts and techniques and understanding compatibility issues with a range of equipment sound understanding of photographic principles, such as: exposure focus tonal relationships light sources sensitivity and balancing camera interpretation of colour colour correction techniques colour temperature and compensation and how this determines the selection of gels and filters duty of care to colleagues and general public, especially on location OHS procedures, particularly as they relate to shooting on location sound understanding of the Recommended Safety Code for Film and Television |
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the following is essential: ability to pull focus on a range of camera equipment and accessories to achieve required shots collaborative approach to work knowledge and application of photographic principles. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to a range of equipment listed in the range statement opportunity to demonstrate facility with focal calculations in varied shooting situations access to productions that require focus pulling access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance evaluation of a range of screen content shot by the candidate to determine whether correct focusing and refocusing of the camera has occurred observation of the candidate marking focus points on location written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process CUFCAM401A Shoot a wide range of television content CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis. |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Production personnel may include: | camera operator client continuity crane crew director director of photography floor manager gaffer grips head of department lighting personnel other specialist staff other technical staff performers supervisor technical director. |
Focus may include: | focus point rack focus split focus, e.g.: circle of confusion format lens focal length aperture. |
Shots may include: | establishing or master shot extreme close-up eye-level shot hand-held high-angle long shot low-angle mid shot pan point-of-view shot static tilt track wide shot zoom in zoom out. |
Equipment may include: | cameras camera supports, e.g.: mounts cranes dollies track tripods spreaders fluid heads filters follow focus unit lenses, e.g.: fixed zoom lights special effects equipment speed aperture unit varied speed unit. |
Locations may include: | day exterior interior night outside broadcast studio. |
Production requirements may include: | artistic shot requirements, e.g.: composition continuity shot type framing aesthetics movement timing duration camera position camera height and distance from subject technical. |
Production may include: | animated productions commercials documentaries feature films short films. |
Feedback may include: | footage lens size marks reports for continuity stop. |
Problems may include: | failing light film breaks position of lights position of performers position of props position of scenery scratches soft focus. |
Unit sector |
Media and entertainment production - Camera/cinematography |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.