Computer software and film cameras have come together to give camera assistants a simpler and more efficient way of getting the job done.

Arriflex Windows Laptop Camera Controlling software or WLCC 1.3.0 is an organizational tool allowing camera assistants to log all camera information directly into a laptop computer, in this case a Toshiba 233, plugged into the camera.

Michael Sardella, rental manager at The 16mm Shop, which distributes the Windows version in Toronto, says after years of using pen and paper to keep track of information on set, camera assistants have been somewhat reluctant to try the new system.

The shop, which rents 16mm cameras and equipment, is targeting a young crowd of independent filmmakers who are most likely well versed in, and not intimidated by, the idea of using a computer and would be more open to experimenting with the software.

Before the camera starts rolling, the camera assistant programs the computer with all of the pertinent information surrounding the shoot, including the name of the production, production company, essential crew, director, dop, loader and lab information.

The system requests such information as the accounting format, whether it is logging the film in feet or meters, whether the film is being shot in 16mm or 35mm format, as well as printing and developing specifications such as the emulsion number, whether it should be prepped for Telecine and whether the lab should develop it normally or push it a stop.

For each take, information such as frame rate, shutter angle, take length, frame numbers, time of day and time code, and in and out points are automatically recorded into the report, which can be printed out or exported as a text file for the lab.

In addition to the existing categories, the user can customize columns to include what type of filters are being used or make notes.

Aside from being a management and organizational system, wlcc software can be programmed for in-camera effects such as multiple-speed ramping, meaning it can change the speed in between and during a shot as often as needed.

All new style Arri cameras log time codes on the edge of the film, and using the computer’s time code sensitivity chart, the software lets the camera know how to best expose for that time code in relation to the film being used.

According to Sardella, this is just the first step in the computer-camera merger. ‘This is where it’s all going to go.’

The 16mm Shop plans to push the existing technology further, and sometime in the new year will begin development on new levels for the on-set computer such as a video-assist monitor that would allow for on-set editing.

Sardella is confident that once the shop adds these elements to the mix there will be more interest in having laptops on set. For now, the game plan is to familiarize camera operators with the system, which The 16mm Shop plans to do through workshops.

The system costs around $200 a day to rent, but for those interested in playing around with it at home before making the investment, Sardella can send the program over the Internet.

The 16mm Shop opened its doors in Toronto about two years ago with a focus on 16mm cameras, mostly Arri SR3s for the independent market.