# Second Assistant Camera

Source: https://storiara.com/roles/second-assistant-camera
Last updated: 2026-09-14
Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara

> The second assistant camera (2nd AC, or clapper loader) supports the 1st AC and keeps the camera department's records. The 2nd AC slates every take, fills out camera reports, lays tape marks for actors, manages the camera cart and truck, brings lenses and accessories to set, and hands recorded media to the DIT or loader. Union 2nd ACs in the Western US work under IATSE Local 600.

## The slate

The most visible part of a 2nd AC's job is the [slate](https://storiara.com/glossary/slate). The script supervisor gives the setup designation, and the 2nd AC writes scene, take, roll or card, camera, lens, and date on the board. On "roll sound" and "roll camera," the 2nd AC holds the slate in frame, reads it aloud ("42B, take three, A mark"), claps it, and gets out of the shot fast and quietly.

A few variations come up every day. On a two-camera shoot, both slates go in and the call is "A and B common mark" if one clap is visible to both cameras, or "A mark" then "B mark" if not. A take without sound is shot [MOS](https://storiara.com/glossary/mos), and the 2nd AC holds the clapper sticks closed with fingers between them so editorial can see there's no sync. If the shot starts somewhere the slate can't reach, the 2nd AC tail slates it: slate upside down, called and clapped at the end, before "cut." When a clap is missed or too fast for the camera, the call is "second sticks" and a second clap.

## Camera reports

Every card or film roll gets a [camera report](https://storiara.com/glossary/camera-report). Whether it's a paper pad or an app, the 2nd AC fills in a line for every take as the day goes on:

| Card | Scene | Take | Lens | T-stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A012 | 42 | 1 | 32mm | T2.8 | |
| A012 | 42 | 2 | 32mm | T2.8 | Circle |
| A012 | 42B | 1 | 75mm | T2 | MOS insert |
| A012 | 42B | 2 | 75mm | T2 | Tail slate, circle |

At a card change, the 2nd AC closes out that report, labels the card (A012), and hands it to the DIT with the report. The DIT offloads it and confirms verified backups before the card is formatted and comes back. On a film shoot, exposed magazines go to the loader for downloading into cans with the same labeling. The circled takes should match the script supervisor's notes; when they don't, the 2nd AC and script supervisor sort it out before the report goes to editorial.

## Marks, lenses, and the cart

During the marking rehearsal the 2nd AC lays tape marks where actors stop, often a different color per actor, and pulls them up or moves them when blocking changes. They keep the lens case, filters, and accessories ready on the camera cart, which they park close to set without blocking anyone, and they bring the next lens the moment the 1st AC calls for it.

The 2nd AC is also the camera truck's organizer: batteries on charge overnight, expendables stocked (camera tape in several colors, Sharpies, lens tissue, compressed air, slate markers), the camera department's inventory updated, and the day's orders placed with the rental house. On many shows they're the camera department's point of contact for time cards and start paperwork.

## A realistic day

| Time | Work |
|---|---|
| 5:30 a.m. | Arrives. Pulls cart and cases from the truck, checks batteries |
| 6:00 a.m. | Crew call. Helps the 1st AC build A camera, preps slates and reports |
| 6:30 a.m. | Marking rehearsal. Lays actor marks |
| 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Slates, reports, lens swaps, card changes with the DIT |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch. Swaps batteries and cards |
| 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Company move to the next set. Moves the cart and camera cases |
| 6:00 p.m. | Camera wrap. Last card to the DIT, closes out reports |
| 7:00 p.m. | Truck loaded, batteries on charge, reports sent to production |

## Who the 2nd AC works with

The 2nd AC works for the [first assistant camera](https://storiara.com/roles/first-assistant-camera). They coordinate with the script supervisor on slate designations and circled takes, the sound mixer on slate calls and timecode, the [DIT](https://storiara.com/roles/digital-imaging-technician) on every media handoff, and the 2nd AD on the camera department's calls and times. On a film show they supervise the [camera loader](https://storiara.com/roles/camera-loader).

## Pay and the union

In Local 600's contract the job is Second Assistant Photographer. On the 2026 to 2027 Western Region rate card, Panel 1 (features and one-hour episodic, studio-local), effective August 2, 2026:

| Schedule | Per hour | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule A-1, daily (1-1/2 after 8 and/or 40) | $62.71 | none |
| Schedule B-1, weekly (43.2-hour week) | $60.62 | $2,715.78 |

The weekly guarantee works the same way as the 1st AC's: 40 straight hours plus 3.2 at time and a half is 44.8 straight-time hours, and 44.8 times $60.62 is $2,715.78.

Union work in Los Angeles and the other Western Region states requires Industry Experience Roster placement through Contract Services: 30 days of union work as a 2nd AC within one year, or 100 days of union or non-union 2nd AC work within three years. After placement, you join Local 600 within 60 days.

## Getting the job and moving up

Many 2nd ACs start as loaders, camera utilities, or camera PAs, or come from film school and non-union shoots where they 2nd AC'd for classmates and indie DPs. The next step is 1st AC, often by pulling focus on B camera or second unit days while still working as a 2nd.

Camera reports and the script supervisor's report both come from the same list of scenes and setups. In Storiara, each scene in the [shot list](https://storiara.com/templates/shot-list) is broken into shots with a name, category, description, and optional reference image, and shots can be dragged into shoot days on the schedule, so the 2nd AC can see the day's planned setups before call.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a tail slate?

A tail slate is a slate recorded at the end of a take instead of the start, usually because the shot began somewhere the slate couldn't go. The 2nd AC holds the slate upside down to show it's a tail, calls it, and claps it before the camera cuts.

### What is the difference between a 1st AC and a 2nd AC?

The 1st AC is responsible for focus and the camera build. The 2nd AC handles everything around that: slates, reports, marks, lenses and accessories to set, the camera cart, and media handoffs. The 2nd AC works for the 1st AC.

### How much does a union 2nd AC make?

On Local 600's Western Region rate card for features and qualifying one-hour series, effective August 2, 2026, a Second Assistant Photographer earns $62.71 an hour as a daily hire or a $2,715.78 weekly guarantee.

### What goes on a camera report?

The production title, date, camera and card or roll number, and a line for each take: scene and take number, lens, stop, filters, frame rate, circled takes, and notes like MOS or tail slate. Copies go to the DIT or lab, editorial, and the production office.

## Sources

- [International Cinematographers Guild Western Region Rate Card 2026 to 2027](https://www.icg600.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/Western-Region-Rate-Card-%282026-2027%29.pdf)
- [Local 600 Industry Experience Roster and Television Commercial Roster requirements](https://www.icg600.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/Roster-Info-Sheet-11-07-23.pdf)