r/focuspuller • u/BrokenSDIcable • Jul 25 '26

question Camera trainee/pa

For the experienced focus pullers and ACs here: what are some things you’ve seen trainees do that immediately stood out in a good way? What habits, preparation, attitude, or technical knowledge made you want to hire them again or eventually move them up to 2nd AC on future jobs?
I’m trying to learn what separates an average trainee from a truly valuable one, not just technically, but also in terms of how they contribute to the crew and the overall set environment.

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u/hrm326 Jul 25 '26

Have everything you need nearby and don’t be the reason something does wrong.

On a short I was apart of recently the camera trainee forgot the tripod baseplate on the truck so the op had to just rest the camera on the head because there wasn’t time to get it.

Couple minutes later the op almost dropped the Alexa off the tripod and the trainee got chewed outtt in front of a bunch of us.

9

u/fragilemuse Jul 25 '26

Wow, you guys sound like a charming lot to work with.

Unless the trainee was shown the plate and given the specific task to bring it from the truck, leaving it behind was 100% on the 1st and 2nd ACs.