What should I look for in a DP/Cinematographer?

I'd look at their reel and think "Does any of this stuff look close to how I want my project to look?" Once you've found someone who has a reel that demonstrates something that is close to what you want, have a meeting with them and discuss their work ethic and methods. One of the most important relationships is the director/DP relationship; once that is lost, you might as well call it a day.

As far as techinical aspects, find someone who is familiar with the format you want to shoot in. Don't hire a film guy for an HD project if he has no experience shooting digital. Thats my take; and I am a practicing DP FWIW.
 
Danny,

Really basic, they should have done work that you like, and they should have worked in the format you are using. The real kicker to me will be during the interview. If they are more interested in the story than the technology, you are on to something. They need to take the story and then figure out how to best use the technical aspects to tell the story. If you can get your DP doing that, then you'll be successful.

Josh
 
look for someone good. by that i mean lighting and composition. even if a movie you might not like or ontent wise find the best one at doing their skill.
 
In addition to you judging someone by their reel, you also need to make sure that they are capable of communicating clearly with you. DP and Director have to have means of close communication and compatability.
 
Hi,

IMO someone who can respect your vision. Doesn't matter what technical skills they posess, if they cannot respect your vision it will never work out. You do not want someone who is constantly changing things, etc.

But someone who knows how to properly exposure a shot. Making sure the scene is properly lit and that the shot is in focus. That is what I look for.

I found a great DP for my feature film. I'm very lucky to have her.

Chris
 
I would put an ability to work with the individual near the top of the list. The director and DP should have a common vision for the project and of course they should be highly competent and a good leader as they will be the one working with many of the department heads.
 
Hey Danny,

I am not sure if it is totally appropriate for me to comment because I am a DP myself, but if I may, I think it is important for the director and DP to equally care about the story/content first and foremost. In my perspective, working with someone you can communicate clearly with who share a similar taste in story and visuals is far more valuable than working with someone who is really experienced, but is just doing it through the motions. Of course experience and knowledge of camera and lighting is important, but those things can be developed over time.

From a DP's perspective, I always look for directors could I could work WITH collaboratively down the road. (as opposed to work FOR) So sharing similar tastes and getting along creatively is definitely a priority.

Have a good one.

Kevin C. W. Wong
director of photography
Toronto. Canada
www.kevincwwong.com
 
I would also suggest bring in your DP as early in the project as possible. When I lens something, I like to sit in on rehearsals, table reads and other creative sessions so that I have the best understanding of what the director is going for.
 
Someone told me don't just look at their reel... look at a couple of their whole projects... he said this guy had two great shots on this dp's reel and after seeing the movies... he said the guy must have gotten lucky...
 
I have worked with only one DP, so I dont have much experience, but find someone who will be able to do what you want, but one that can also reccomend what will look good and what will look bad.
 
GaryinCalifornia said:
Someone told me don't just look at their reel... look at a couple of their whole projects... he said this guy had two great shots on this dp's reel and after seeing the movies... he said the guy must have gotten lucky...
Click to expand...
Hey,

Unfortunately depending on the size of your project your inexperienced DP may not have a large reel. Because of my lack of money I am forced to use film students. They are still learning their craft as I am.

Chris
 
imageonepictures said:
Hey,

Unfortunately depending on the size of your project your inexperienced DP may not have a large reel. Because of my lack of money I am forced to use film students. They are still learning their craft as I am.

Chris
Click to expand...


Has this student shot anything... you can always find at least one person in the class who wants to be a dp... the others like most of us wanted to direct...

I guess things have changed since my film school days... I started out at a JC and we had to take still photography as well as film...

I'd still look for the person who has shot the best short or project in your class... the one who seems to know how to light, frame up a shot, etc...

But I believe you did make a good point about being able to work with someone... on the last film I did... are executive producer picked are dp...

The dp knew it... in the first 8 days of shooting... he was late 5 of those days... his crew was the worst camera crew I had ever worked with... so maybe it sounds like I'm going against my first advice... but you're right about picking someone who you can work with... because you'll get more done...
 
I think the reel serves for bait. If you're interested, you should look closer to the work, maybe talk to people who worked with them. I'm a DP, I have a reel to show, and I know I can back it up, but I'd be quite worried if someone hired me ONLY from seeing my reel...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top