CREW CALL
with Kerwin Escobar
JANUARY 6, 2026 FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA
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FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA *
Kerwin (Kiwi) Escobar by Shaider Davina
FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA / 1st AC
[focus-puller] camera departmentmaintains optical focus of the camera lens during a shot.assists the camera operator and cinematographer.
KERWIN ESCOBAR is a name heard often in the Houston film industry, and it’s for good reason. He is one of the city’s go-to camera assistants and master focus puller, with projects ranging all across the board and reaching as far as New York City theaters, Rolling Stones magazine, and the Vegas Latin Grammy Awards, working with artists like Drake, Grupo Frontera, and Will Smith.
Kerwin Escobar by Shaider Davina
We’ve had the pleasure of working alongside many talented and driven crew members. Escobar is one of them, and his dedication to the craft is largely why we felt compelled to introduce Crew Call and tilt the spotlight towards the teams behind the scenes, the unsung heroes and the crew members craftsmen that help us to realize our stories.
“What keeps me in this field is knowing that my work directly supports someone’s creative vision — that every frame I help bring into focus is a part of something much bigger. It’s not just a job; it’s being part of a team that turns imagination into something real, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO AC WORK?
KE: Stay calm and stay prepared. A 1st AC is a technical leader, but your composure sets the tone for the camera department. When you stay ready, communicate clearly, and anticipate what’s next everything on set runs smoother.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS? OR WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT EVERY AC SHOULD HAVE?
KE: One: A reliable wireless follow focus, and two: a strong wireless video system. Having a clear low-latency feed takes away the guessing and gives you to the confidence that focus is sharp.
“I think being able to show the world your perspective, no matter your role in the industry, is the best and most important gift we can offer one another.”
Pictured left to right: Kerwin Escobar, Josh Duhamel, Mcauly Teters
