5 Useful Tips to Consider for Becoming a Better Focus Puller

Got yourself a gleaming new follow focus? Encouraged to give a shot to your focus pulling and take it to the next level? The only problem you’re facing is pulling focus isn’t as easy as it seems. If you really find pulling focus a job which cannot be achieved in the blink of an eye, know that you are not the only one. Well, the physical act is uncomplicated, but there’s a tremendous mental pressure. Even if you’re an experienced focus puller, refining the skill is an ongoing battle that may never come to an end.

1st Assistant CameraThe 1st AC holds the responsibility for focus, other than building the camera, changing lenses, fine-tuning settings, adapting camera configurations for the operator, and usually keeping a close watch on care for the camera package with the assistance given by the 2nd AC.

Here we’ve put together a list of 5 useful tips for honing your focus pulling game:

1.Get the Game StartedIt’s time you initiate the game called "Guess the Distance." A precise and effective focus puller is exceptionally skilled at judging distanced by eye. You should make every effort to become a human measuring tape.

So, you ought to choose an object, presume how far it is and measure the same. Whoever gets is right is granted the winner. It is as simple as that!

During downtime on set is the best time to play the game without human intervention, or your other ACs, PAs whosoever is down.

Don’t you stop there? You ought to get in the habit of sizing up familiar objects and guessing distances everywhere you head out to.

2.Use a DOF Started and/or CalculatorWell, there are many ACs who have DOF apps on their own, but these apps are never used. What do you think that ACs don’t use DOF apps? The answer is simple. They have absolutely no idea why they need these apps, and if the DP (Director of Photography) never poses a question what his or her DOF is, they somehow make a decision that using the app would be of no use. The DOF calculator is for you and it’ll be advantageous to you. Focus is your job, isn’t it?

Let’s say, if a character moves 5’ toward you in the scene, from 10’ to 5’, and you’re able to find a focal distance where the DOF consists of the area from 4.5’ – 10.5’, then you can easily set the focus to that distance in lieu of following the actor during the shot in motion.

Other than allowing you to carry out a small work, make sure that a limited number of hands touching the camera makes the operation go with the flow and, in case the lens breathes at all, there’s no need for you to go for needless breathing.

Combining your focus pull skills can be beneficial for you, especially if you happen to pull focus in an action scene. Or, maybe one of those meticulously choreographed, roaming, steadicam shots shifting attention between many people at multiple distances.

3.Make Sure You’re InvolvedWaiting for the AD to get everybody together for your first rehearsal won’t do you any good, so no point waiting. You can, however, choose to rehearse by yourself.

Is the camera moving? If so you can ask the dolly grip and camera op if you can get a little practice without talent. In case it’s steadicam shot, either walk the move yourself, as you keep practicing focus pulling on the RC unit, or ask the op to help you walk through the move while you rehearse.

Note – Always try to watch the blocking and do listen to the director and DP when they’re having a brief discussion over the scene.

4.Pay Attention to the Story!What? Do I really have to pay attention to logistical preparations, technical details, the calculations and execution? Yes indeed! Keep in mind that your instincts will make you stand out from other remote focus pullers.

You’re directly telling the viewer where to look! It’s all depends on you!

In addition, make sure you’re in sync with both story and style that the director and DP have worked upon so you’re ready to react to an improvisation, or you will know what you should do at the end of a shot.

Every now and then the shot dies at the word "cut", but you don’t have to worry as there’s an opportunity for you at the end of a take for a stolen moment, or a changeover, either of which could count on the follow focus puller to pay attention. Don’t forget that everything is based on your observations and theatrical instincts.

5.Don’t Act NegligentIts all depends on you.

Practice and practice until you succeed. You know that your job seems a little unusual. If you’re doing your job the way it should be, no one will take notice of you in the moment. But if you make a mistake, it becomes apparent to everyone right away.

It’s understandable that it is really a tough job, but you must keep a cool head and higher standards for your work. That’s the reason why you chose to be a camera assistant. With the intense pressure we all have, you learn how to succeed.

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