Loaders and 2nd ACs Train For Success

Recent Seminar Uses Newsletter Survey Results to Give Members Needed Set Skills

By Tiffany Kelly

“I started out in the industry doing paper inventory,” said Jennifer Braddock, a camera assistant and union member for two years. “Everyone does computer inventory now.”

Braddock, along with 24 other union members, recently attended a day-long training session at the National Guild Office for Loaders and 2nd ACs that addressed the changing nature of camera crew jobs, and how union members can stay competitive and up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. The event, which will also be offered in other areas of the country in the near future, is part of Local 600’s recent focus on trainings.

“This is a new need.” said Mark Weingartner, co-chair of the training committee and a Visual Effects Director of Photography. “Twenty years ago, we didn’t need to do Loader training. They had loading rooms, and it could be two years before you got on set. We’re in a different world now.”

The training focused on giving hands-on lessons of new skills, and polishing existing capabilities. Film Loader Rudy Pahoyo, also a member of the training committee, taught members how to keep track of inventory during shooting with a step-by-step Microsoft Excel tutorial. Attendees also examined strategies for tracking paperwork and had the chance to practice loading skills.

“There’s no time to train on set,” Pahoyo told the members, stressing that advanced computer skills are quickly becoming a standard job requirement.
Jerry Antonelli, a 2nd AC who is also familiar with using a paper inventory system to track film, felt that the computer training lesson was the most valuable part of the day, since most sets have switched to digital inventories. “If we had more classes on it, that would be great,” he said.

Topics for the seminar came in part from DPs, Operators and 1st ACs who responded to survey questions posted in the guild’s weekly e-newsletter. More than 40 members gave input as to what skills are most important to success as a Loader or 2nd AC, and which of those skills they most often see their crew members lacking.

Survey respondents repeatedly said that organization, good communications skills, and respect for set etiquette were both the most necessary and most lacking skills.

“A good Loader always has the fear of running out of the right kind of film, as well as not having too much of that stock left over in the end,” explained one respondent. “And that's just the film part. Then you have to worry about everybody's timecards and box rentals and prep days. Then you have to order equipment, clear it through production, make sure it's right, and then arrange for delivery.”

Another respondent summed it up this way: “Organization, organization, organization.”

Respondents also said that as HD and digital film formats continue to gain popularity, the Loader’s job will need to evolve to understand and manage these advances, as well as remaining on top of skills for traditionally-filmed productions.

“As filmed productions become less and less, the Loader is going to be more involved in the electronic process versus the photochemical,” pointed out one respondent.  “Nevertheless, the Loader must still be able to conduct operations with both types of media, as well as a combination of the two in many circumstances.”

Another respondent said that Loaders may soon see their position entirely revamped to a job that is much more centered on data management. 

“Take the RED camera for example,” he said.  “I need a Second and a First, but I don't need a Loader. I need someone to manage all the files, drives, and the back-end data flow. I need to know that the data is being duplicated, is intact and safe.”

Weingartner said that in addition to taking this training on a “road show” to other parts of the country, the guild will offer trainings in additional job areas in the coming months.

 “As a workforce, we need a consistent way of getting the job done,” he said. “We’re going to try to get more training to everyone. If you say you want a certain course, we will get that training to you.”

06-27