ABSTRACT
In most cases, when they first join the camera department, camera assistants will be starting as a Second Assistant Cameraman (Second AC) or Loader. In Britain, Europe, and Australia, the Second AC is most often referred to as the Clapper/Loader. The job responsibilities of the Loader include some of the fundamental job responsibilities of the Second AC. The chapter discusses in detail each of the Second AC’s duties and responsibilities. As the Second AC they will often be the one person who deals with the film lab on a regular basis. Camera assistants will serve as the liaison between the Director of Photography (DP) and the lab personnel. The DP may have very specific guidelines as to how the film should be handled during processing. Often during preproduction, film tests will be shot so that the DP and lab can establish these guidelines and requirements as quickly as possible.
