On-Set Workflow

What does a second assistant camera do?

The second assistant camera, or clapper loader, slates every take, keeps the camera reports, puts down actors' marks, manages camera cards or film stock and batteries, helps move and build the camera, and supports the focus puller. They are the camera department's organiser and its link with sound, script and the DIT.

True-Slate Guides · updated 1 November 2026

Where the 2nd AC fits

The camera department is led by the director of photography. Under them, the camera operator frames the shot, the first assistant camera (focus puller) keeps it sharp and looks after the camera, and the second AC keeps everything running: information, kit and timing. On small shoots one person may cover several of these jobs.

The main duties

• Slating: updating the clapperboard and slating every take, including soft sticks, tail slates and MOS.
• Camera reports: logging every take, the lens and the director's preferred takes (see camera and sound reports).
• Marks: placing tape marks for actors during rehearsals so they hit the same spot every take, which the focus puller relies on.
• Media and power: labelling, swapping and handing over cards to the DIT, tracking what has been backed up, and keeping batteries charged and rotated.
• Kit: building and moving the camera between set-ups with the 1st AC, keeping the camera cart organised and lenses clean and ready.
• Communication: telling the script supervisor and sound about roll changes, and keeping the 1st AC informed about the next set-up.

A typical day

1. Arrive early, help unload and build the camera, check cards are formatted and batteries charged.
2. Jam the slate to the sound recorder's timecode and confirm frame rate.
3. During rehearsals, lay marks. During takes, slate, log and keep the next lens or card ready.
4. Re-jam timecode after lunch. Keep reports up to date.
5. At wrap, hand over the last cards, check backups with the DIT, send reports and pack the kit.

Skills that make a great 2nd AC

• Organisation: knowing where every card, battery and lens is at all times.
• Anticipation: having the next thing ready before anyone asks for it.
• Calm communication: clear, quiet and quick, especially when the set is under pressure.
• Neat handwriting or good digital habits: reports and slates have to be readable by strangers months later.

Tools of the job

A 2nd AC's kit usually includes a slate, coloured camera tape for marks, markers, a tape measure, a torch, lens cloths, a pouch for cards, and a notebook or tablet for reports. A digital slate app can combine the slate and the report: True-Slate runs on an iPad or iPhone, jams to LTC timecode, advances takes automatically and keeps the shot log, which you can export for the DIT and the edit at wrap.

Common questions

Is a clapper loader the same as a second AC?

Yes. Clapper loader is the traditional UK name, from the days of loading film magazines. Second AC or 2nd AC is the common term today.

How do I become a second AC?

Most start as camera trainees on short films, student films or larger productions, learning from experienced ACs. Knowing cameras, reports and set etiquette matters more than formal qualifications.

Does the 2nd AC pull focus?

Not usually. Focus is the 1st AC's job, but the 2nd AC supports it with accurate marks and may pull focus on second units or small shoots.

Related reading

• How do you use a clapperboard on set?
• What is a camera report?
• What information goes on a clapperboard?
• All True-Slate guides