Follow Focus
Definition
A Follow Focus is a mechanical or electronic device attached to the camera that allows the focus puller (1st AC) to precisely control the focus of the lens. It consists of a gear ring that attaches to the focus ring of the lens and a focus knob (or "whip") that the focus puller operates. The follow focus allows the focus puller to make smooth, precise focus adjustments during a take, following the movement of the actors or the camera. Modern electronic follow focus systems can be operated wirelessly from a distance.
Contextual Usage
The 1st AC sets up the follow focus for the next shot: "I've mapped out the focus marks for this shot — the actor starts at 6 feet, walks to 12 feet, and then the camera pans to the window at 20 feet. I've marked all three positions on the follow focus wheel with tape marks. Let's do a rehearsal to make sure the marks are accurate before we roll."
About this section
Production — or "principal photography" — is the phase in which the film or video is actually shot. It is the most visible and, typically, the most expensive phase of the entire process. Every day on ...
View all 76 terms