First and foremost, I don't want to be known as the person who is posting about jobs complaining about my experiences on set😁. Yet, I know that it is important that I share these experiences with you all so you can learn to be equipped with negotiation skills on any position in the camera dept.
I was called by this DP that I just talked to her through whatsapp and at cinegear. I was highly recommended by another DP to her and we finally had the opportunity of working together. When I called the producer to negotiate my kit rental (Preston FIZ, Teradek Wireless system, Cinebolt 7 bolt, etc) We got into the conversation about the 2nd AC and he told me: We have no money. I answered by saying: How do you think I can run a dept with 3 cameras even though there is a B 1st AC; to build a Ronin 2 gimbal takes time and people with experience (He tries to push a green digital utility on me). Long story short, the 2nd ac was approved for the shoot day only. The car rig with the Ronin 2 went smoothly. At wrap, the producer gave me a ride to crew parking and admitted that I was right. There was no way I can do my job correctly w/o a key 2nd ac. Moral of the story: Fight for the personnel and tools that you need; if you don't get approve, write an email and cc the producer, UPM, DP of what the outcome will be if your wishes are not met.