Today we’d like to introduce you to Angus Cheung.
Hi Angus, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My passion for filmmaking was sparked during my involvement in the creation of a feature-length high school graduation video. Over the course of a month, I took on various tasks such as casting, scouting locations, writing the script, filming, and editing. This experience made me realize how much I loved the art of filmmaking and motivated me to develop my skills even further.
While pursuing my degree in Visual Arts: Media at UC San Diego, I had the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for the art form. Together, we worked on several short film projects and entered competitions such as the 48-Hour Film Festival and LA Film Shorts. Through these experiences, I learned a lot from my peers and was able to improve my craft.
After graduation, I worked as a freelance 1st Camera Assistant and completed an internship at a Grip and Electric production company. By observing both the camera and lighting aspects of filmmaking, I was able to enhance my understanding of cinematography. This knowledge not only enabled me to operate cameras effectively but also helped me anticipate the visual goals of the cinematographer. This, in turn, saved time and improved the overall efficiency of the production.
During my work as a 1st Camera Assistant, I discovered my interest in focus pulling. I was drawn to the stress and organizational skills required for the job. The importance of my role in ensuring that every shot was in focus was clear. Even if a shot had great performances, if it was out of focus, it was unusable. I understood that such errors can be distracting and unprofessional to viewers. By mastering this skill, I could contribute to the overall artistic vision of the project and help create a more professional end product.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my experience, I found that filmmaking is a challenging field where obstacles are inevitable. However, I believe in taking a positive and proactive approach to these challenges. Instead of complaining or feeling jealous of others who may have better resources or opportunities, I embrace the learning from my mistakes.
When there’re challenges on set, I always evaluate what went wrong and how I can prevent it from happening again. It helps me to find solutions or backup plans, making me a more professional and dependable member of the production crew.
As a first camera assistant, I also make it a priority to observe the workflow of other professionals on set. There will always be individuals who are more experienced and have a specific way of handling different situations. I never afraid to ask questions, because filmmaking is a collaborative job and communication is they key.
Overall, I believe that embracing challenges and learning from mistakes can help build a stronger reputation within the industry. While the road to success in filmmaking never be smooth, a proactive and problem-solving approach can lead to a stronger and more respected professional reputation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a 1st Camera Assistant/Focus Puller in the film industry, my role is integral to ensuring that expensive and complex camera equipment is fully operational on the day of the shoot and during setups. My attention to detail in preparing and maintaining equipment allows for smooth transitions between shots and breakdowns, which gives the production team ample time to apply their creativity and produce exceptional results.
My commitment to efficiency and preparation is highly valued in the fast-paced world of filmmaking and has helped me to earn the trust of the cinematographers I have worked with. Additionally, one of my unique skills as a 1st Camera Assistant is my intuition for rack focusing. This technique is a creative tool that draws the viewer’s attention to a specific subject in the film. Achieving crystal-sharp focus with moving subjects requires a highly skilled professional, and my ability to identify the precise moment when the focus should shift has been recognized on numerous occasions.
In my experience, focus pulling is not solely based on what the audience sees but also takes into account the characters’ thoughts and emotions, adding another layer of complexity to the process. Overall, my expertise as a 1st Camera Assistant/Focus Puller allows me to contribute to the success of a production in a meaningful way, and I take great pride in my ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.
What’s next?
As a member of Local 600 (Union), I am committed to working on more professional and well-funded film sets, with a focus on narrative projects rather than commercial ones. With four feature films scheduled for production this year, I am determined to excel in my role and ensure that I do not miss a single detail or opportunity to achieve a perfect shot.
My primary objective is to maintain the highest level of focus and attention to detail, ensuring that every shot I work on is executed flawlessly with no any soft focus. I recognize the importance of being reliable and consistent and will strive to meet and exceed the expectations of the director, cinematographer, and the rest of the production team.
I am excited about the upcoming opportunities to work on feature films, and I am determined to use my skills and experience to the fullest extent while continuing to learn and improve my craft. I am confident that my dedication and commitment to the art of filmmaking will enable me to make a positive impact on every project that I am a part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.acfocuspuller.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheungangus/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-lam-angus-cheung-51211b121
