Maintain and provide supplies of camera equipment and materials
Overview
This standard is about maintaining and providing supplies of camera equipment and materials for shoots. This can apply to digital or film cameras. This could apply to any type of production including feature films, TV dramas, commercials, documentaries, sports coverage, outside broadcast and live or stage events.
It includes maintaining adequate supplies, storing equipment and materials, providing equipment and materials in use-ready condition, keeping daily records of equipment and supply use, returning equipment which is no longer required and circulating paperwork to production.
This Standard is relevant to those responsible for maintaining and providing camera supplies including those working as 2nd Assistants or Clapper loaders.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- maintain adequate supplies of camera equipment and materials required for shoots
- handle equipment and materials in ways that maintain their condition
- store camera equipment and materials in safe and secure locations
- keep legible and accurate records of all camera department consumables
- confirm availability of required camera equipment with appropriate suppliers and hirers
- liaise with appropriate people in production about costs and delivery arrangements
- confirm timings with appropriate people to ensure an adequate supply of camera equipment and materials to meet production requirements
- provide sufficient supplies of camera equipment and materials when they are required
- provide camera equipment and materials that are ready for use
- keep legible and accurate daily records of all camera equipment and materials used, received and dispatched
- organise the return of any camera equipment that is no longer required in line with production procedures
- complete and copy all required paperwork to appropriate people in production
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- camera handling techniques and the implications of damage to cameras
- supplies of equipment and materials including cameras, lenses and accessories, digital camera memory cards, film stock, film camera magazines and digi-slates
- how to set up and use a colour-coded system for film stock and loaded magazine boxes
- actions to take to ensure equipment is ready for use including checking that it is clean, has been maintained and that digital memory cards are formatted
- cleaning and maintenance procedures and products for the camera equipment in use including cleanliness of all glass surfaces
- how to set up and equip a clean and completely dark dark-room and loading area
- why it is important to maintain good working relationships with camera equipment suppliers and hirers
- the role of others involved and when to liaise with them including camera operators, and 1st camera assistants or focus pullers
- how to store cameras and lenses safely and securely
- any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of equipment when left unattended
- relevant manufacturers' instructions for the equipment in use
- the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures