We were lucky to catch up with Hippolyte Charlut recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hippolyte, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

As a foreigner, I didn’t speak English very well, and everything felt overwhelming for finding work, understanding the culture on set, learning new systems and technologies. There were occasions when I felt absolutely disoriented and wondered if I could make it in such a fast-paced workplace. But I was lucky to encounter people who genuinely extended a hand. Colleagues and mentors on set took the time to explain things calmly, gave tips and tricks, and helped me traverse both the technical and human aspects of the task. They offered instruction, support, and tiny but meaningful actions that made me feel included and capable. It was crucial because, in a position where I would have felt invisible, it was more important to feel seen and supported than it was to master the job. Those events taught me that kindness isn’t simply in spectacular gestures, but in the patience, trust, and generosity people display every day. It encouraged me to do the same for others whenever I can.

Hippolyte, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Hippolyte Charlut, a French-born Focus Puller and camera assistant presently working in New York City. I started my journey in France, learning the technique on independent film sets, boutique commercials, and music videos. Before relocating to the United States to work in a quicker, more demanding setting, that early practical experience helped me become an expert in camera systems, lens settings, and on-set operations. Focus pulling, lens management, camera building, and rigging, including wireless systems, gimbals, and handheld setups are my current areas of expertise. I interact closely with Directors of Photography and camera teams to ensure every frame is technically precise and artistically captivating. My role is all about ensuring visual accuracy and consistency on set, frequently in high-pressure situations where timing, communication, and anticipation are critical. My technical accuracy, composure under duress, and versatility in a variety of media, from documentaries and music videos to narrative films and commercials, are what make me unique. I work best in demanding, fast-paced settings where I can assist the production’s creative vision while maintaining seamless and effective operations.
I’m proud of the different projects I’ve contributed to, the trust I’ve earned with directors and DPs, and the ability to adapt and grow as the industry advances. What I want customers, partners, and fans to know is that I offer reliability, technical skill, and a collaborative spirit to every set. My constant objective is to provide impeccable visual narrative while streamlining the camera department and the entire production.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing how my technical work directly helps a project’s narrative and vision is, in my opinion, that’s the most fulfilling part of being a creative, particularly as a Focus Puller and camera assistant. Every exact focus pull, lens selection, and fluid camera movement contributes to the finished image, even though my work is behind the scenes. Knowing that my work lets directors, DPs, and the crew to focus on their creative vision without technical interruptions is tremendously fulfilling. What makes it even more meaningful is doing this work as an international professional in New York. It was difficult to relocate to a new nation and work in a field where I didn’t speak English fluently at first, but many people offered support, advice, and encouragement. Those moments of encouragement not only helped me progress technically, but also reminded me of the value of collaboration and trust on set.
Ultimately, the mix of tackling challenging technical challenges, contributing to a team’s creative vision, and developing meaningful connections with colleagues from around the world is what makes this work so incredibly satisfying. Every frame I assist capture is a piece to a larger tale, and being part of that process continues to excite me every day.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that technical skill alone is enough to succeed on set. At the beginning of my work, I believed that the secret to being noticed would be to become an expert with the camera, lenses, and focus marks. Technical expertise is obviously important, but I soon discovered that teamwork, communication, and flexibility are just as important, if not more so. When I relocated to New York from France, I had to adjust to a fast-paced workplace with greater standards and a variety of working styles. I initially attempted to rely only on my technical expertise, but I discovered that this was insufficient. I had to learn to read the room, anticipate the needs of directors and DPs, and respond rapidly to changes on site.
Unlearning the notion that mastering your craft entails doing everything flawlessly on your own was the most beneficial thing I did. Instead, I realized that listening, asking questions, and being open to guidance, especially from coworkers who embraced me as a foreigner struggling with English was just as beneficial. That transformation impacted how I approach every shoot and ultimately made me a more productive, trusted, and confident and Focus Puller.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hippochqrlut
• Facebook: Hippolyte Charlut
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Thibault Leboeuf