On a professional film set, the 1st Assistant Camera (AC) manages focus, lens changes, camera prep, and technical settings so the cinematographer can focus on creative decisions. When you’re working solo or with a tiny crew, apps can fill part of that role.

What a 1st AC Does

  • Pulls focus — Keeps the subject sharp during takes
  • Manages lenses — Tracks which lenses are on which cameras
  • Camera prep — Sets up camera, checks settings, ensures everything is ready
  • Marks distances — Measures subject distances for focus marks
  • Maintains camera reports — Logs takes, lenses, settings per shot

Apps That Replicate AC Functions

Camera Coaching & Settings

FrameCoach — Acts as a camera coaching assistant, guiding you through settings decisions that an AC would normally handle. Particularly valuable for solo filmmakers who don’t have a dedicated camera department.

Focus Assistance

Depth of field calculators (free) — Enter sensor size, focal length, aperture, and subject distance to see your focus range. This is what ACs do mentally on professional sets.

Camera autofocus with face detection — Modern cameras have reliable face-tracking AF that can serve as a digital focus puller for simple shots.

Lens Tracking

Simple spreadsheet or notes — Log which lens you used for each scene/shot. When you need to reshoot or match a shot, you know exactly what to grab.

Camera Reports

ACs used to fill paper camera reports. A simple note per shot works: Scene 5, Take 2, 50mm, f/2.0, good take. Your editor will thank you.

The Solo Filmmaker’s AC Workflow

  1. Before each setup: check settings (FrameCoach guides this)
  2. Measure or estimate subject distance for focus
  3. Set focus to that distance (or use focus peaking)
  4. Log the take details in your phone notes
  5. Check playback for focus and exposure before moving on

You won’t match a professional AC’s speed, but you can match their thoroughness with the right habits and tools.

More in our Filmmaker Tools hub.