Second Assistant Camera
Career GuideKey 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
1
Create a simple camera paperwork template and practice filling it out from sample scenes2
Volunteer on short films to build set hours and references3
Ask to shadow a First Assistant Camera during prep days to learn expectations4
Get familiar with common camera accessories and how they are stored and checked5
Build a one page resume focused on reliability, organization, and set experience6
Join local crew networks and job boards in your production hub7
Keep a log of productions, dates, duties, and supervisors for future hiring checks