Warning: Many idioms ahead.
If you are keeping your options open, this could be for you! This is an actual job title that plays a critical role in the entertainment industry. Sometimes it is shortened to either the loader or the clapper, and the other (dry as dirt) name for it is the second assistant camera, or 2AC. After a degree in either film studies or photography and having learned the ropes of the camera department, you can be promoted to Clapper Loader.
The job responsibilities focus on supporting the 1AC, managing the camera’s film or digital edia, changing lenses, and, most importantly, operating the clapperboard for film production. If you pay your dues, they will pay you in the range of $36k to $51k a year, based on experience and location, according to job expert, Glassdoor.
Known by about 20 different names, but most notably, the clapperboard, clapboard, film clapper, film slate, movie slate, cue board, and film stick, it is the black and white board that has become synonymous with the start of every scene filmed for our entertainment. Lights, Camera, Action, WHACK!
The clapper plays a crucial role in filmmaking as the traditional way of synchronizing the audio to the visual recordings. And our clapper loader has the responsibility for getting it right, every time, like hitting the nail on the head.
Focus and noise are the two critical elements that distinguish if you are right as rain or a bad apple as a clapper. First, stick to the script and always stand where the camera operator tells you, so the slate is in frame and focus. This is particularly important for an up-close scene as the camera will be tight on the frame. You could rub elbows because your clapper will be up in the actor’s business. When it is go-time, you slap the sticks loud enough to be recorded effectively, but so as not to distract / scare the actor. If you miss the mark, you do “second sticks”. The subtle difference is an important nuance. Up for the job??
Fun stuff!