Production Etiquette???

T

Tokarsky

Active member
This has been buggin me lately... So here's my question: what is appropriate and inappropiate etiquette for a DP while shooting?

I suppose it would be helpful to know what my situation is... Wellll, I am a film student, I don't want to sound cocky or whatever, but I feel like I can honeslty say that I am knowledgeable and talented enough to handle the shorts I DP. I am DP'ing two shorts directed by two other kids in the program right now. Both of the shorts go together, they're part of a festival submission afew of us are working on. Anyways... I seem to be finding myself getting frustrated with the directors of the shorts. One of them has everything pretty well together, the other, nooottt so much... The first director knows pretty much what needs shot, and usually knows/understands what will and what will not work, but more or less over looks the need to do pick-ups while we're shooting. The second, only has one shot-length and angle in mind for a particular take, no boards, no clue what will/won't work, and I'm pretty sure has no idea about doing any sort of pick-ups/b-roll....

The second director makes me wanna scream, his stubborn-ness and ill-planning is absurd. Not only does he not know exactly what he wants beyond the basic shots/angles, he cannot comprehend why this shot/angle/movement/whatever won't work. "Why are you shooting BLANK?" is a frequently heard question with this kid on set...

I am into both films, and I am very happy with my camera work and lighting, but I feel like this is no way to work. That and you throw in the fact that I feel like they often aren't getting enough footage shot to cut it in a reasonable and understandable way, plus me feeling like if there isn't enough to cut the film it might possibly be blamed on me....

So, how should I handle this situation????
 
The key to any collaborative art is communication. Talk to the directors (away from set) and highlight some of your issues. Make sure it doesn't come off as you complaining but you trying to make the project better.
 
You'll find both types of directors out in the real world so this really turns out to be a good learning experience for you.

Personally, when I DP, I'll only go so far when it comes to carrying a weak director. Do enough to make the film work and make yourself shine but don't help the director direct. A director should soar or crash by their own talent or lack thereof.

I've found that it's the egomaniacs who really just want fame over artistry that somehow don't know what they're doing. I'm more receptive and supportive of a newbie director who has the passion for filmmaking.
 
Should you end up talking to this director my suggestion would be to talk to him one on one and let him know your thoughts. And I don't mean let him know how you "feel". Feelings have nothing to do with it. Just remember to be business like and courteous and to keep things on a level that is not personal. If a person knows that your intentions are genuine and that you're actually trying to help them, they will be very receptive to what you have to say.
 
It is a long established routine to pair inexperienced ("up-and-coming") directors with an experienced DP. Having bona fide UPMs, coordinators and even ADs around will bring less experienced helmers up in their work.

While those others can help the director make his days, it is the DP who is already charged with coordinating across all technical departments to pull off same.

Bring the force of whatever experience you have to the table and make yourself available to the director to get him through it. As was said before, if you simply cannot go on as you have been, take a quiet, off-set moment with him to outline where things could improve.

If you can't come to some understanding, you can always opt out of future projects. Producers can be advocates, but always remember that the DP is, unfortunately, subservient to the director.
 
Thanks for the input guys, I will be sure to keep these things in mind whenever I am DP'ing and feel a little frustrated with the Director(s). I believe there is a ruff cut of one of these short that have just been done, so I'll be posting a link to it once I can put it online.

thanks again!!
 
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