ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

1St Assistant Camera Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$104K - $141K/yr

Just a year and a half after founding Rylo, we shipped our first camera on time and with a team of ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Just a year and a half after founding Rylo, we shipped our first camera on time and with a team of ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Caa Executive Search

Creators - Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Centers the agency's digital, technology, and social-first monetization expertise, focusing on the ... Representing on-camera and off-camera talent, CAA works with the next generation of storytellers ...

Rylo

Embedded Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Just a year and a half after founding Rylo, we shipped our first camera on time and with a team of ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Rylo

Software Engineer, C

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Just a year and a half after founding Rylo, we shipped our first camera on time and with a team of ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

City of Paramount

Recreation Assistant

Paramount, CA

$26.89 - $32.69/hr

Description The City reserves the right to limit the applications considered to the first 100 ... Will serve as an on-camera content creator for City events and programs; acquire and maintain ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Camera Jobs1St Assistant Camera Jobs1St Assistant Camera Jobs in California

1St Assistant Camera information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$30

How much do 1st assistant camera jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st assistant camera in California is $19.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 1st assistant camera do?

A 1st Assistant Camera, often called a focus puller, is responsible for maintaining sharp focus on the subject during filming. They work closely with the Director of Photography and camera operator to ensure the camera is correctly set up and that all shots are in focus. The 1st AC also manages camera equipment, changes lenses, marks actors' positions, and keeps the camera clean and functioning. Their role is vital to the technical quality of a film or television production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st assistant camera?

To thrive as a 1st Assistant Camera, you need a solid understanding of camera systems, lens mechanics, and focus pulling, often gained through hands-on experience or film courses. Familiarity with digital cinema cameras, wireless follow focus systems, and video assist technology is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise focus, smooth workflow, and successful collaboration with the camera team, which are critical for producing high-quality visual content.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st assistant camera on set, and how can they be managed?

A 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) often faces challenges such as maintaining precise focus during complex shots, adapting quickly to changes in lighting or blocking, and effectively communicating with the camera team and other departments. To manage these challenges, strong technical skills, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving are essential. Building a good rapport with the Director of Photography and Camera Operator can also help ensure smooth workflow and address any issues swiftly on set.

What is the difference between 1St Assistant Camera vs 2Nd Assistant Camera?

Aspect1St Assistant Camera2Nd Assistant Camera
CredentialsExperience in camera operation, certifications often preferredLess experience required, training provided
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with the Director of Photography, manages camera equipmentAssists the 1st AC, handles clapperboard and loading film or media
ResponsibilitiesFocus pulling, equipment maintenance, setupLoading media, slate operation, assisting with equipment

The 1st Assistant Camera and 2nd Assistant Camera roles are both essential in film production. The 1st AC primarily manages camera focus, equipment, and technical setup, requiring more experience and certifications. The 2nd AC supports the 1st AC by handling media loading and slate operations. Both roles work in similar environments and are crucial for smooth camera operations on set.

What are popular job titles related to 1St Assistant Camera jobs in California?

For 1St Assistant Camera jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Assistant Camera jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Assistant Camera jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 1St Assistant Camera jobs?

Cities in California with the most 1St Assistant Camera job openings:

1St Assistant Camera jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Camera job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,630 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD)

Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$68 - $114/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Seeking an experienced First Assistant AD to support the creation and development of LSS Universal originals for television and streaming platforms. Business Line: Television Production Production Type: Films | Show Series Position: Freelance Project Hire: Production Specific

The First (1st) Assistant Director (AD) role ensures that the cast and crew are working on a schedule. They plan for that daily schedule, as well as the overall production timeline. As such, the 1st AD must have enough knowledge about each department on a film set in order to ensure effective communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The AD must be able to:

Storyboards. The 1st AD first breaks the script down into storyboards that reflect how each scene will be shot.

Shooting schedule. Once the director signs off on the storyboards, the first AD creates an overall shooting schedule. The 1st AD clears the shooting schedule with the production manager, line producer, and crew department heads. The AD must ensure that all scenes are appropriately scheduled for when the applicable location, props, and cast are available.

Call sheets. Before each day of shooting, a call sheet is drawn up by the second AD in conjunction with the first AD. During production, it's the first AD's job to make sure that everyone is making their call times and the filming is progressing on schedule.

Calling the roll. During filming, one of the first assistant director's primary responsibilities is what's known as "calling the roll". Calling the roll is when the 1st AD cues the various department heads (including camera operator , key grip , and sound mixer ) to prepare for filming to start.

Liaise with the crew. The 1st AD serves as the go-between for the director and the rest of the crew. If something needs to be communicated in either direction, it generally goes through the first AD.

On-set diplomat. The first AD is also responsible for controlling discipline on the set. If someone is not doing their job effectively or there are conflicts on set, it is the first AD's job to resolve the situation. This may require taking disciplinary action or changing personnel when appropriate.

Safety. Safety is a priority on any film set and the first AD must also ensure that all health and safety standards are met. Each department has different precautions to ensure that cast and crew members aren't in danger. The first AD oversees each department and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that each department head is maintaining a safe workspace.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience as production assistants or runners

5+ years working in the video production/film industry as a cinematographer.

Ability to multi-task and delegate

Good sense for organization and planning

Strong attention to detail

Basic knowledge and understanding of all the various departments found on a film set.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply