WHAT IS A DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY OR CINEMATOGRAPHER? (What do they do?)

WHAT IS A DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY OR CINEMATOGRAPHER? (What do they do?)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow us at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com

A director of photography or cinematographer (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The study and practice of this field is referred to as cinematography.

The director of photography, DoP or DP, is the chief of the camera and lighting crew of the film. Assists the film director by establishing the visual look of the movie. The DoP makes decisions on lighting and framing of shots in conjunction with the film's director. Typically, the director tells the DoP how they want a shot to look, and the DoP chooses the correct lens, filter, lighting and composition to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. The DoP is the senior creative crew member after the director.

The director of photography works with the ADs – assistant directors in formulating the shooting schedule and call sheets. As well as the production designers, art directors, set dressers and even wardrobe crew and hairstylists to help establish the look of the film and its individual scenes. The decisions made in this area should support the script and the director’s vision and result in imagery that the camera can capture.

WHAT DOES A DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (DOP) DO?

Directors of Photography (DoPs) are key Heads of Department on film productions and theirs is one of the major creative roles. They provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look.

DoPs must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material including stills photography, painting, other films, etc.

They create the desired look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc. DoPs collaborate closely with the camera crew (Camera Operator, 1st and 2nd Assistant Camera, Camera Trainee and Grips).

During filming, DoPs also work closely with the Gaffer (who runs the lighting team), the Production Designer, Costume Designer, and the Hair and Make-up Department.

After reading the screenplay, DoPs meet with the Director to discuss the visual style of the film. They conduct research and preparation including carrying out technical recces of locations. They prepare a list of all required camera equipment, including lights, film stock, camera, cranes and all accessories etc., for the production office to order.

During preparation DoPs also test special lenses, filters or film stocks, checking that the results fit with the Director's vision for the film.

On each day of principal photography, DoPs and their camera crews arrive early on set to prepare the equipment. During rehearsals, the Director and DoP block (decide the exact movements of both actors and camera) the shots as the actors walk through their actions, discussing any special camera moves or lighting requirements with the Camera Operator, Gaffer and Grip.

Each shot is marked up for focus and framing by the 1st AC, and, while the actors finish make-up and costume, the DoP oversees the lighting of the set for the first take.

On smaller films, DoPs often also operate the camera during the shoot. At the end of each shooting day, DoPs prepare for the following day's work and check that all special requirements (cranes, Steadicams, remote heads, long or wide lenses, etc.) have been ordered. They also usually view the rushes (raw footage) with the Director.

During post production, DoPs attend the digital grading of the film, which may involve up to three weeks of intensive work.

Most DoPs work on commercials and promos as well as on feature films. Although the hours are long, and some foreign travel may be required, the work is highly creative and very rewarding.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY DUTIES:

• Working with the Director, camera crew and lighting department…
• Managing all aspects of filming: from ordering and overseeing equipment to recces to reviewing footage…
• Have good technical knowledge of photo-chemical and digital processes…
• Creating the visual identity, or look, of the film…
• Know all about camera equipment…
• Have in-depth knowledge of lighting techniques and how to achieve them…
• Have considerable industry experience…
• Be flexible in order to adapt ideas instantly…
• Be able to take decisions quickly…
• Know about photography, painting and the moving image…
• Have artistic vision…
• Be creative…
• Pay precise attention to detail…
• Have good color vision…
• Be able to give and accept direction…
• Have excellent communication skills…
• Be diplomatic and tactful when working with cast and crew…
• Know about health and safety legislation and procedures…

THE TERM CINEMATOGRAPHER

The term Cinematographer is usually synonymous with director of photography, though some professionals insist this only applies when the director of photography and camera operator are the same person.

The cinematographer selects the camera, film stock, lens, filters, etc., to realize the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary; in some instances the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence; in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is not common once the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other; the director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually, and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.

In the infancy of motion pictures, the cinematographer was usually also the director and the person physically handling the camera. As the art form and technology evolved, a separation between director and camera operator began to emerge. With the advent of artificial lighting and faster (more light sensitive) film stocks, in addition to technological advancements in optics, the technical aspects of cinematography necessitated a specialist in that area.

Cinematography was key during the silent movie era; with no sound apart from background music and no dialogue, the films depended on lighting, acting, and set.

In 1919 Hollywood, the then-new motion picture capital of the world, one of the first (and still existing) trade societies was formed: the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), which stood to recognize the cinematographer's contribution to the art and science of motion picture making. Similar trade associations have been established in other countries too.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Cinematography is the science or art of motion-picture photography by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film stock.

Typically, a lens is used to repeatedly focus the light reflected from objects into real images on the light-sensitive surface inside a camera during a questioned exposure, creating multiple images. With an electronic image sensor, this produces an electrical charge at each pixel, which is electronically processed and stored in a video file for subsequent display or processing. The result with photographic emulsion is a series of invisible latent images on the film stock, which are later chemically "developed" into a visible image. The images on the film stock are played back at a rapid speed and projected onto a screen, creating the illusion of motion.

Cinematography finds uses in many fields of science and business as well as for entertainment purposes and mass communication.

The word "cinematography" was created from the Greek words κίνημα (kinema), meaning "movement, motion" and γράφειν (graphein) meaning "to record", together meaning "recording motion." The word used to refer to the art, process, or job of filming movies, but later its meaning was restricted to "motion picture photography."

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, American Society of Cinematographers, Variety, Solutions, Stephen H Burum, The American Cinematographer Manual, David Searls, Screen Junkies: What Exactly Does a Director of Photography Do?, College Surfing: Cinematographer: Duties and Job Market, Filmmaker: What does a cinematographer do?

Independent Film Advice: What is a DP and other unknowns in film credit, Film Reference: The Cinematographer's Tools, Creative Skill Set

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