TRANSITIONS UNIT: GEORGE BURT

George Burt is another DOP which I looked into for both research and inspiration for this project. During summer, 2017, I was able to work with George Burt as a camera assistant on a short film through the It's My Shout Scheme where I was able to watch him work as a DOP on set.

George's choice of shooting is often without a 1st Camera Assistant (for pull focus) as he prefers to pull focus himself as he has been a DOP for so many years and explained that if you can do it yourself, this is one less person to have on set. With regards to his style of shooting. George explained to me that he doesn't do the 'planning work' meaning he doesn't do storyboards/mood boards/shot lists but he does go through the script and break it down with the Director.

George mostly does Feature Films, specifically Horror Films and explained that the camera only needs to move if it's relevant to what's on screen or what is happening in the story. Example: if the scene is upsetting or the path is slow, you'd want more tripod/tracking slow shots, if the scene was action based you'd want to go with more handheld footage or on a gimbal. George also talked to be about 'choosing your weapon' meaning choosing kit wisely. Although George has his own kit, he explained that depending on the project, he may go for a different camera. With some of the music videos he's done, he's gone for a DSLR as the size is better to operate and still gives the look he wants, this does all depend on what DSLR he uses though.

"The best DOP's are the ones who've made all the mistakes" This is what George explained to me. He explained that you can't learn to be a DOP from the internet or books, you can learn what is expected but you have to go out there and make the mistakes necessary to learn and improve.