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2nd AC (Clapper Loader)

Slates, media management, camera reports and support for the focus puller on UK film/TV drama.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Clapper/slate
• Media management to DIT
• Camera reports
• Marks and paperwork

Reports to

1st AC (Focus Puller)

Works with

1st AC, DIT, Script Supervisor, Video Assist, Camera Trainee

Career path

Camera Trainee → 2nd AC → 1st AC

Day to day

Prep mags/media; slate clearly; keep camera reports; manage paperwork to DIT; lens/kit fetches; board for Script Supervisor; keep carts tidy.

Call times

Camera call is frequently earlier than general unit for build and prep. Focus/loader/trainees often pre-call. Check camera call, lunch and estimated wrap on the sheet; split days and nights are common on features.

What to wear

Matte blacks on set; quiet soft soles preferred; weather layers for UK exteriors; personal harness/support kit for Steadicam ops as needed.

Tools & kit

Slate, sharpies, spare media pouches, camera reports (paper/iPad).

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• ShotPut Pro / Hedge (handoff to DIT)
• Google Sheets for reports
• Scriptation (if dual role)
• QTAKE / video village tools
• ShotPut Pro / Hedge / Silverstack (DIT workflows)
• Pomfort Livegrade / LUT tools
• Frame.io / PIX for dailies as issued
• ChatGPT for quick lens/DoF notes (verify with DoP)

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

1st AC (Focus Puller), DIT

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