Insights and Tips on the Role of a DP

So Mr. DP, give us some insight into what you do.?

 

Well, although my role may change shape (edging into the Director, Gaffer or AC roles) as I work with different types and sizes of production groups, my main job is to provide a consistent “look” to all my projects. The look of each project is not my look but rather the “look” of the director in corporation with the production designer and their team. Sometimes I just direct (working with the Gaffer and his team) the set up of this look, as seen through the lens, and at other times, I also am behind the camera lens as well.

 

1. The biggest question facing me as a DP or Cinematographer is how to achieve a specific look? So here is the decision-making matrix I use.

 

1. Is this a Motivated or Artistic look? And as such

                                                               i.      Is this a High Key or Low Key look? (Scene by scene)

                                                             ii.      Is this a hard edge or soft edge look? (Scene by scene)

                                                            iii.      Is color (light or other) part of the over all look?

                                                           iv.      How is light expected to be used to help bring “eye trace”

                                                             v.      How is light expected to be used to light the entire space in front of the lens? Some folks call that the Mise en scene space.

2. Next, I need to work with the director to make Over Heads

of each of the scenes to:

                                                               i.      Determine Camera, and Talent placement and movement

                                                             ii.      Determine the type of camera support equipment I will need

                                                            iii.      Determine type of lens and filtration I will need

                                                           iv.      Determine the type, size, and filtration for and of my lights

3. Work with Camera department to obtain, stage and set up the needed Camera related materials for each scene and location
4. Work with the Lighting/Gaffing department to supply, stage and set up the needed equipment as per the overheads
5. Work with (adjust or tweak) the camera and lights as set up for each scene and shot to achieve “the look”

 

Outside of “the look” the actual camera operator (me or the 1st AC) will apply the basic rules of framing and movement helping the director bring focus to both the content as well as the spaces with-in the Mise en scene, while keeping in mind each shot’s use in the final edit of the scene. I truly understand that if I do not shoot it the editor cannot use it