Overview of role
The term director of photography has more recently been applied to a person who operates cameras and lighting equipment and is responsible for the visual look of the programme. This is commonly done in unscripted TV by someone employed as a camera operator. The following skills list however, is aimed at a more traditional DOP role working on a more complex, high end unscripted programme with a full complement of suitable staff.
The DOP is responsible for the overall quality of shots to meet production needs. In order to do this, they select key members of the camera and grip departments, check the specification of camera equipment and work with gaffers to plan lighting. They participate in production meetings, supervise the camera crew to produce the desired shots, monitor and adjust exposure and ensure that shots are of the desired quality. To carry out their role, they liaise primarily with the director, camera operators, gaffers, camera assistants, production and other departments.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. For a more detailed breakdown of the director of photography’s required knowledge and skills, please refer to the National Occupational Standards for Camera.
- Attend pre-shoot production meetings and recces to discuss filming schedules and identify shooting issues with regard to camera / lighting requirements
- Familiarise self with shooting plans and interpret the proposed shooting style
- Break down shooting plans with the director
- Discuss with post production the effect of camera selection, frame rate, resolution options, LUT selection, camera memory and DIT activities
- Agree list of required camera, grip and lighting equipment for production and shoots with camera crew and gaffer
- Load cameras with appropriate menu settings as agreed
- Conduct pre-shoot technical, lighting, artistic or contributors film tests
- Plan any on-location monitors needed , including the selection of appropriate LUTs
- Discuss the overall required look with the director and proposed colourist
- Line up individual shots and discuss focus and other choices which may have a visual impact with director and camera operator(s)
- Position cameras in correct and safe shooting positions
- Take account of any post-production effects when composing shots
- Make sure lights are rigged and positioned safely and select filters, accessories and luminaire settings that give the required ‘look’
- Make appropriate settings on the camera(s) such as shutter, gain, white balance, etc.
- Monitor and adjust exposure to meet requirements throughout the shoot
- Liaise with camera operators and grips about the position and movement of cameras
- Discuss and resolve any points of loss of image integrity, soft or incorrectly placed focus
- Coordinate camera operators on composition, set-ups and timing of camera moves in conjunction with the director
- Supervise camera, grip and lighting crew throughout shoots, passing on required instructions, feedback and information
- Raise any concerns about travel, meal breaks and general welfare of camera / lighting crew with production
- Familiarise self with camera equipment, its features, uses, benefits, drawbacks and limitations
- Select camera angles and lenses for the style of camera movement and desired framing and composition
- Select and position lights and associated equipment
- Adjust lighting controls such as barn doors, dimmers, colour temperature
- Use reflectors, flags, and diffusers to achieve the required ‘look’.
- Select any front-of-lens filters as needed
- Re-create shots as they were established during rehearsal
- Compose each set-up to conform to acceptable visual continuity and match eye-lines of other shots in intended sequence
- Monitor camera movement and lighting throughout shots, resolving technical issues as they arise
- Ensure all discrete camera movements, zooms and focus changes are in harmony and work together to achieve desired results
- Analyse shots for aesthetic requirements and technical faults
- Communicate with contributors and crew concerning variations in position or movement at appropriate times
- View rushes to discuss on-screen results with director
- An advanced knowledge of how an actuality sequence is put together in post-production.
- Know how to use any camera features that may better respond to unpredictable events, such as cache mode
- Plan any monitoring system (probably wireless) to check on the quality of the pictures when filming actuality
- Attend production meetings to discuss on going issues and changes
- Maintain close liaison with the director and pass on relevant information to the camera crew, grip and gaffer about shot requirements and intentions
- Liaise with camera, grip and lighting crew regarding their equipment and logistical requirements
- Consider camera options and their effects on workflow with digital imaging technician (DIT)
- Observe appropriate protocols when communicating with production teams or other departments
- Liaise with other departments affected by technical and other issues relating to shot or equipment requirements
- Ensure a regular line of communication with post production
- Liaise with production office about technical issues relating to camera and lighting departments
- Always be aware of issues concerning sound and be prepared to adjust shots to ensure good sound, such as closer boom placement
- Read all risk assessments supplied by the production, always complying with the required health and safety recommendations
- Familiarise self with the health and safety requirements of any specialised camera and associated grip/crane equipment
- Work in line with health and safety practice for all aspects of own role
- Respond immediately to any health and safety queries from camera and lighting crews, raising any on-set concerns with first assistant director
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of director of photography.
- Specifying specialist camera and lighting equipment to meet filming requirements
- Supervising additional cameras to achieve desired shots
- Planning the effect of lighting and monitoring exposure
- Assessing and resolving issues with shot quality against aesthetic and technical requirements
- Communication: interpreting other’s requirements of shots and communicating camera and lighting requirements to crew and colleagues
- Teamworking: collaboration within own team and with other people involved with filming
- Managing costs: working within camera and lighting budgets
- Planning: planning movement of camera and lighting crew to meet shot requirements
- Problem-solving: resolving issues with obtaining shots and shot quality so that production requirements are met
- Management and leadership: selecting and managing camera and lighting crew during production
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Productivity: organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and respond to changing priorities and working requirements as required, while at all times maintaining high standards in a constantly changing production environment