Anthony Pesce

First Assistant Camera

Camera assistance is an essential role to any production. My responsibility on-set is to streamline the camera department workflow by managing gear and assisting with the cinematographer’s needs. And while cameras are rolling I am making technical and creative decisions with focus pulls. I discovered the art of storytelling while attending college; forensic science was a poor decision and I looked to cinema studies instead. Before I knew it I had a camera in my hands and filming all of the other students’ projects. Like many, I wanted to become a DP; eventually found myself working more towards camera operation and pulling focus. It took until working on a film by the name of Blue(2017) for me to realize my passion for 1st Assistant Camera.

What makes me a great 1st Assistant Cameraman? Well, I am more of a “show and don’t tell” kind of person. I am the “best boy” of my department; managing the logistics for the department so that the Cinematographer can focus on what they need to. My technical and communication skills are what take me to the next level. I believe everything can be solved through clear communication and understanding to what is realistic. And of course, the knowledge of camera systems and their support is essential to being an efficient camera assistant. There is almost a sixth sense that exists to comprehend the interaction between a camera, the lens, and the subject under many different circumstances. I am not new to pulling focus on indie features that don’t have the time to give me marks so “feeling the lens” is a special ability of mine that I fully utilize.

At the end of the day, all you are looking for is quality and for everything to be in focus. Or maybe not. Maybe you are looking for that driven storyteller to help you tell the story. It all comes back to delivering a message and gathering a response from your audience. Whether you are telling a story or just informing, I am there as a visual professional to help get that message out. I am very excited to hear about your next project. Let’s connect and discuss how I can help assist you.