As 1st ACs we know that prepping a camera is not just about assembling parts and making sure they function correctly. It’s about doing all of those tasks within the time allotted while overcoming known and unforeseen obstacles. The DP wants to look something, an Operator wants to put the camera on their shoulder; usually both come in around lunch time. Rental houses don't always have everything ready and out on the prep floor. Here’s a reliable method of prepping which can help overcome those obstacles.

Bottom-Up, Back-Front. This method has proven tried-and-true: prepping from the bottom to the top and then from the back to the front. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

1. Missing Items and Support.

Write on the board the list of gear not present. This will help the prep tech and yourself keep track of owed gear. Next prep the support gear: Hi/Low Hats, tripods, and all tripod heads. Rental houses have plenty of these so they’ll probably be there. Start with a series of wins.

2. Camera Body and Onboard Monitor.

Mount the bridge plate onto the camera and click it onto the tripod head. The onboard monitor shows you what’s going on with the camera so that'll be useful and you know where that's going to be mounted. Don’t jump into the camera and monitor menus just yet, that will come later.

3. Batteries and Power.

With the Bottom-Up portion complete let’s move to the back of the camera. Check the batteries, mount the camera power plate and turn on the camera. So far things are going smoothly. Your luck may change from here on out.

4. AKS and Camera Settings.

Decide which piece of AKS you want to mount closest to the back of the camera. Keep moving forward towards the front completing one item at a time. Once you’ve reached the lens mount stop there and jump into the camera and onboard monitor menus and set those up.

5. Lenses.

The camera built and you’re ready to rock n’ roll through your lenses. Check focus, matte box clearance, and program the FIZ before moving onto the next lens. If you have everything else built and settled on the camera, you’ll find you can accomplish checking all of those things simultaneously. If your 2nd AC is available they'll help you rip through the lenses very quickly.

6. Recheck AKS and Get Out the Door.

AKS items might show up as you’re checking the lenses so circle back to them and make sure they’re to your liking. Remember; complete one piece of gear before moving onto the next to minimize the likelihood of accidently overlooking something. Review your build, organize your cases, and pack up.

This structured approach— Bottom-Up, Back-Front —isn’t just about having a plan to get through prep. It takes into consideration the common causes for delays but will keep you moving forward with minimal downtime and you will be able to ensure all your gear is working properly.

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