Focus Puller (1st AC)

The Focus Puller (also known as 1st AC — 1st Assistant Camera) manages focus pulls during takes. Pulls focus on every shot involving moving subjects + moving cameras. One of the most technically demanding roles in Camera — small focus errors are visible to the audience.

What the role does

• Measures + marks focus distances for each shot
• Pulls focus during takes — manually or via remote follow-focus
• Selects + maintains camera lenses + filtration
• Coordinates with Camera Operator on focus marks + lens swaps
• Supervises Clapper Loader (2nd AC)

Position

Reports to Camera Operator / Director of Photography (DoP / DP). Supervises Clapper Loader (2nd AC) + Camera Trainee.

Career progression

Path: Camera Trainee → Clapper Loader (2nd AC) → Focus Puller → Camera Operator → Director of Photography (DoP / DP).

Related guild / professional body

• GBCT + ISC