How much voice should a DP have?

NinjaVsPenguin

NinjaVsPenguin

Active member
Recently, I've been asked by a friend of mine to shoot their script. I'm used to directing, but I know that it's not my shoot. For the most part, I sat back and let her decide the shots. But there were times where I wanted to do more, but I didn't want to be a backseat director.

Question is: How much of a voice should I have?

Thanks for any advice.
 
It is your job to record the image the director asks for, regardless of whether or not you agree with their decisions. You have the right to bring up alternatives, offer advice, etc. but if the director says "I don't want shadows" then, even if it is a horror film, you get rid of the shadows.

I've seen some directors who ask for a mood, rather than a look, and give the DP free reign over the image, with their approval of course. Some directors come from the other side of the spectrum, placing the camera and choosing the lens / frame themselves in addition to the other visual elements.

Summed up... what Barry said.
 
What Barry said...

but also, try as much as possible to meet and discuss the script with the director. Not just once but multiple times. Your conversations here will provide you with an idea of how much of a voice you'll be having on set. Some Directors will want your advice, input and creative ideas. Others depend on you to essentially execute their shots.

Backseat directing... just don't do it in front of the rest of the crew. If you've got an idea you'd like to try, just talk in private amongst one another. With certain director friends of mine, we do exactly this and if they like the idea, either they'll initiate it into play or they'll just tell their actors to listen to me for a moment.

Remember that you and the Director really set the tone of the set. As long as you're both comfortable with the arrangement and how things are going, so will the actors (for the most part) and rest of the crew. Talking all this stuff out prior to shooting in your meetings will help avoid any awkward moments/feelings on set in regards to your roles.
 
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