the role of a 2nd camera/clapper loader
being that i was only on one of this years live 2 projects (not counting level 6's fmp ) i asked if i could be a part of another project, that being "Poppy's cafe for monsters" as i thought it would be a more creative stimulating project, however the role i was given was different to what i have done. instead of being another camera operator, i would be a 2nd camera loader.
also known as a 2nd AC (assistant camera) or a clapper loader, the 2nd camera loader has an abundance of duties to cover instead of just being a standby camera operator. The loader has the important role of ensuring the camera footage is imported to the editors aswell as formatting the SD cards afterwards so the cards do not become too full to use and be unusable halfway through filming. Because of the changing of technology with cameras using SD cards, the process for the clapper loader is much different. for example the loader would make sure that the film stock the director/producers have requested are delivered in time for filming, making sure that the film is prepped before the film is sent to the lab and maintaining in contact with them and relaying reports from the lab about the rushes to the director of photography.
also like the name implies, the loader is also in charge of using the clapper board, A wooden board with a hinged top that claps. The board also shows the important information that the editors may need, including the scene number, the take and the name of the project. other main roles for the loader can also be a part of the runners role, including maintaining the equipment, leaning the equipment, making sure all props are maintained and even cleaning the set.
But one role that is one of the more important is note taking. as much as is sounds boring but note taking is very important. the notes taken involve continuity issues in case any changes during filming happen, any take that is bad or good or even takes that are unusable.
The role of a 2nd camera assistant isn't the most creative role in the film industry, however, it is a very important role to make sure that the filming process for a project runs smoothly without any issues