TRANSITIONS UNIT: DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (ROLE RESEARCH)

A Director of Photography is the person in charge of how the film/production will look visually. With this being my chosen role, I wanted to look into what this role will involve as well as reflect on previous experiences that I've had on being a Director of Photography. Using Creative Skillset as my main form of research into what is needed for the role.

In regards to a Film/Production with many different departments, the Director of Photography is key to the Head of Departments in Film and Television Production and one of the most creative roles as they will be involved with lighting, camera, sound, 1st & 2nd Assistant Directors as well as grips, sparks and continuity department. But their main job is to read the screenplay and visually bring it to life working closely with the Director. They give the production a unique look and style. 

To get this look they will use Lighting, Camera, Lens's and also have a say in the Edit with the grade. As well as working with the costume, production design and hair and make-up departments to ensure that this look is being achieved and follows the Directors creative vision for the production. However, the visual style of the production won't only be decided by the DOP. The DOP will read the script and then meet with the Director to discuss what the style should be. The DOP will also go along on location recces and have a say in the choosing of a location to which they will then carry out technical test runs on the location in preparation for the shoot.

A Director of Photography will also be in charge of choosing the equipment used for the production and work closely with the Producer to ensure the choice of kit fits within their allotted budget and they may also have a say in the crew chosen for the camera department as they will be the leader for the camera department.

The DOP can sometimes double up as the camera operator as well as the head of the camera department. However, this can be a choice between the DOP themselves or the Producer and whether they want that.

I found all this on Creative Skillset and as a Student DOP I've done a fair few of these tasks. I was the DOP for a third year Documentary which was filmed out in Spain and during this I worked with the Director/Producer to choose the kit which we would use. I also was involved with choosing where the interviews for the Documentary would take place. As well as filming all the footage as well.

However, other projects I have had to double up on Directing and DOP but never been able to focus purely on this. I have been lucky enough to work under some Director of Photography and for further inspiration into how I could achieve this role and my chosen adaptation I'll research into some.

(Information gained from: http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/759_director_of_photography)