Role and Responsibilities of a Clapper Loader
– Load raw film stock into camera magazines
– Operate the clapperboard (slate) at the beginning of each take
– Mark actors as necessary
– Maintain all records and paperwork for the camera department
– Oversee the state of the undeveloped negative
Job Titles
– Clapper loader (United Kingdom and Commonwealth)
– Second assistant camera (United States)
– Essentially the same job regardless of title
– Varies depending on the circumstances of the shoot
– Both titles refer to the role within the film crew
Importance of the Loader
– Only person who handles the negative between the manufacturer and the laboratory
– Can render an entire day’s work useless if the film is mishandled
– Controls all records regarding the film stock
– Miscommunication or missing information can ruin a shoot
– Has additional tasks beyond loading the camera
Loader’s Responsibilities
– Load the camera with film made by Kodak or Fuji
– Ensure the correct film is loaded and handled properly
– Avoid mistakes like loading the film twice or in the wrong can
– Follow rules and procedures to prevent costly errors
– Minimum cost of a mistake is around $20,000
Film Length
– Each 35mm roll contains a maximum of 2,000 feet of film
– Equivalent to approximately 22.22 minutes of running time at 24 fps
– Customary maximum running time is 18-19 minutes per roll
– Film length affects the number of rolls needed for a shoot
– Loader must manage the supply of film stock during production Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clapper_loader
A clapper loader or second assistant camera (2nd AC) is part of a film crew whose main functions are that of loading the raw film stock into camera magazines, operating the clapperboard (slate) at the beginning of each take, marking the actors as necessary, and maintaining all records and paperwork for the camera department. The name "clapper loader" tends to be used in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, while "second assistant camera" tends to be favored in the United States, but the job is essentially the same whichever title is used. The specific responsibilities and division of labor within the department will almost always vary depending on the circumstances of the shoot.
