Roles of the DOP

The Camera Assistant’s Manual (p.44)

David E. Elkins, SOC. Fifth Edition

Director of Photography

The DP is the head of all technology departments on a film crew and is responsible for establishing how the script is translated into visual images based on the director’s request.  He understands the story and has an idea of what may be involved in shooting the film.

Works with the director, production designer and set construction supervisor to determine the look of the film and how the sets will be deigned and constructed

Assists the director in translating the screenplay into visual images

Attends production meetings to discuss the script and make any suggestions to help the production run smoothly

Attends location scouts with the director and any other production personnel to help determine the locations suitability for filming, both aesthetically and from a practical production standpoint

Chooses camera, lenses, filters, film stock, and any other camera equipment that may be needed

Consults with 1^st AC on any camera equipment or accessories that may be needed

Recommends the camera rental house to use for renting equipment

Recommends the grip and lighting equipment rental companies to use for renting equipment

Recommends the laboratory that will process the film

Discuss with the lab any anticipated special processing needs for the production

Supervises any camera test that may be necessary or arranges for them to be done

Supervises any film tests that may be necessary or arranges for them to be done

Supervises any lighting, constume, and makeup tests or arranges for them to be done

Hires or recommends the members of the camera crew, the gaffer, and the key grip

Works closely with the production manager or production coordinator to determine the size of the camera, grip, and lighting crews.

Works with the grip and electric crews to determine the type and quantity of equipment needed for each department

Maintains the photographic quality and continuity of the production

Sets the camera position, camera angle, and any camera movement for each shot based on the directors request

Oversees any photographic special effects shots in collaboration with the effective supervisor

Selects the lens and filters required for each shot

Determines the correct exposure for each shot

Works with the director when lining up and matching action and screen direction from shot to shot

Works with the camera operator to set the composition for each shot based on the directors request

Determines if the shot will require a dolly or crane move

Plans and supervises the lighting of all scenes, working closely with the gaffer and the electrical crew

Maintains the continuity of lighting from scene to scene

Supervises the crews for all cameras in use on the production

Supervises each technical crew while on stage or location

Specifies the laboratory instructions for developing and processing of exposed film

Views dailies with the director and other production personnel

Supervises the color timing of the final version of the film

Supervises the transfer from film to videotape or digital medium

Provides exposure meters and other necessary tools associated with performing the job

Lots of DP's started their film careers as Camera Assistants so they should understand from an early stage the requirements needed for the job. They usually tend to have worked as a camera operator, lighting technician or gaffer for a couple of years atleast before moving onto becoming a DP. Some DP's may not have been a camera assistant and will not be fully aware of the duties of the job, by succeeding in an apprenticeship or even shadowing well known DP's.

Many DP's started out working on small low budget films, this enables them to gain valuable experience that would later help them get their first big break on a major big budget production. Possibly moving onto documentary filmmaking or a tv news camerperson.

For me, it's important i gain practical experience behind a camera and to start shooting. I want to be filming ideas i see in my head and show them to the public. Gain attention, confidence and skills. I want to be shown the way forward and see for real how big budgeted films are shot and how a crew and team work together to pull off something spectacular.