Second Assistant Camera

Career Guide

A Second Assistant Camera supports the camera team on film, television, and commercial sets by managing camera paperwork, handling equipment logistics, and helping keep the camera department organized so the shoot runs smoothly.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and manage camera reports and daily paperwork
Label and organize camera media and related documents
Coordinate camera equipment movement and readiness with the camera team
Support lens and accessory changes as directed by the camera team
Maintain camera department organization at the camera cart and staging areas
Track batteries, media, and essential camera supplies throughout the day
Communicate camera needs to production and other departments
Help with camera setup and breakdown during company moves
Assist with managing daily call sheet details that affect the camera workflow
Follow set safety practices while working around moving equipment and people

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Clear Communication

Teamwork

On Set Professionalism

Problem Solving

Camera Paperwork

Media Management

Equipment Organization

Basic Camera Equipment Knowledge

Set Safety Awareness

Production Workflow Knowledge

Career Progression

Can Lead To

First Assistant Camera

Camera Operator

Digital Imaging Technician

Camera Department Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Production Coordinator

Location Assistant

Post Production Assistant

Equipment Rental Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Camera Report AccuracyMedia Labeling ConsistencySet Communication EtiquetteEquipment TroubleshootingWorkflow Understanding Across DepartmentsConfidence Under Time Pressure

Development SuggestionsBuild repeatable checklists for camera paperwork and media handling, practice clear callouts and confirmation habits, and ask to shadow a First Assistant Camera to learn how decisions are made under pressure. Spend time with a rental house to strengthen equipment familiarity and troubleshooting basics.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 250 to 400 per day

Mid LevelUSD 400 to 650 per day

Senior LevelUSD 650 to 900 per day

Growth Trend

Steady demand that closely follows production volume. Hiring is strongest in major production hubs and for crew who are reliable, organized, and fast under pressure.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

NetflixAmazon MGM StudiosWarner Bros. DiscoveryDisneyNBCUniversalParamountApple TV PlusA24LionsgateBBC Studios

Industry Sectors

Film ProductionTelevision ProductionCommercial ProductionStreaming Content ProductionSports Broadcast ProductionNews Broadcast ProductionEquipment Rental Services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a simple camera paperwork template and practice filling it out from sample scenes

Volunteer on short films to build set hours and references

Ask to shadow a First Assistant Camera during prep days to learn expectations

Get familiar with common camera accessories and how they are stored and checked

Build a one page resume focused on reliability, organization, and set experience

Join local crew networks and job boards in your production hub

Keep a log of productions, dates, duties, and supervisors for future hiring checks