30/04/2024
"I’m Jami Granström, 1st AC, founder of Kamerafirma, and a partner of Valofirma. I’ve been working in the industry since the mid-90s. In my early years, I worked in the lighting and camera departments of commercials, and my first feature film as a camera assistant was “Me and Morrison” in 2000.
My philosophy as an assistant is to never settle. It's a challenging role, not just pulling focus, but also about keeping up with constant technical developments. What I love most about my job is how there's always room to learn and improve.
I believe that healthy self-criticism and recognizing one's own shortcomings is essential for being a great assistant. Understanding the cinematographer's needs and supporting their creativity is crucial. A camera assistant must remain focused and attentive to the DP's requests throughout the day without breaks, and the ability to stay calm under pressure is vital.
Personally, I'm not fond of the term "focus puller". I prefer to be involved in all aspects of the camera department, from carrying cases to helping others whenever possible. In Finland, due to smaller crew sizes, it's not feasible for me to only be pulling focus. I'm responsible for our equipment and ensuring our team functions smoothly, all of which are equally important tasks.
A significant technical change during my career has obviously been the transition from film to digital. This shift has made pulling focus more challenging, but fortunately, there are now various tools and equipment available to assist with it.
My favorite tools include my Preston HU4 and the Light Ranger system. I've been using Preston since 2019 and have had the privilege of working closely with them. The support I've received from Preston Cinema Systems has been invaluable. While my first Hand Unit was the HU3, I was fortunate to be one of the users of the newer HU4 before its official launch. I tested it in extreme arctic conditions and provided feedback on its performance. To me, the Light Ranger 2 focus assist system stands out as superior. I feel a kinship with Howard and Alanna from Preston, as we share the same philosophy, and it's been an absolute pleasure collaborating with them.”
