Who typically operates the follow focus device?

Who typically operates the follow focus device?

• A. Director of Photography
• B. Camera Assistant
• C. Cameraperson
• D. Dolly Grip

Answer: (B)

The follow focus device is primarily operated by the camera assistant, often referred to as the 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC). This role is vital on a film set because the camera assistant is tasked with controlling the focus of the camera while shooting, especially during scenes where the subject is moving or when the depth of field is shallow. The follow focus allows for precise adjustments to the focus without the camera operator having to take their eyes off the viewfinder, enabling smooth and consistent focus changes that are crucial for professional filmmaking. The director of photography, while they oversee the visual aspects of the film, do not typically handle the technical operation of the focus during shoots. The cameraperson, often the director of photography or cinematographer, focuses more on the overall composition and camera movement rather than the intricate focus adjustments made during a take. The dolly grip is responsible for the camera's movement along a track but does not engage directly with the follow focus device itself. Therefore, the camera assistant's dedicated role in fine-tuning focus during filming makes them the correct choice for operating the follow focus device.

The follow focus device is primarily operated by the camera assistant, often referred to as the 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC). This role is vital on a film set because the camera assistant is tasked with controlling the focus of the camera while shooting, especially during scenes where the subject is moving or when the depth of field is shallow. The follow focus allows for precise adjustments to the focus without the camera operator having to take their eyes off the viewfinder, enabling smooth and consistent focus changes that are crucial for professional filmmaking.

The director of photography, while they oversee the visual aspects of the film, do not typically handle the technical operation of the focus during shoots. The cameraperson, often the director of photography or cinematographer, focuses more on the overall composition and camera movement rather than the intricate focus adjustments made during a take. The dolly grip is responsible for the camera's movement along a track but does not engage directly with the follow focus device itself. Therefore, the camera assistant's dedicated role in fine-tuning focus during filming makes them the correct choice for operating the follow focus device.