thoughts on being your own DP / director?

Nicolas Roeg is a good example of a cinematographer who evolved into a director - he shot his first couple films himself (Performance, which had a co-director, and Walkabout) but then gave over the job of cinematographer to another person after that.

Kubrick is also worth considering; it's pretty widely agreed he could have been one of the best DoPs in the world if he wasn't busy being one of the best directors. You're not likely to find a more exacting filmmaker but he was able to delegate that job after a few films while still overseeing it, of course.
 
Michael Anthony Horrigan said:
I say work with what you have. If you can't find a good DP and you have some skills behind the camera it's better to get out there and shoot something instead of sitting around doing nothing.

For a feature I would say it's a must to have both.

MAH
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Thats kinda hypocritical. I agree with the first paragraph and have proven the 2nd wrong.
 
This discussion is like so many on this board and the answer really is, "It depends". If you are working at the micro-cinema, uber low/no budget level, then ya gotta do what ya gotta do, to get your film made. Once you get above that, then all the top jobs become as much managerial/logistical, as they are creative, and taking on multiple tasks becomes something that may be detrimental to the outcome of the project, except in the case of some very extraordinary filmmakers.

Even at the micro-cinema, uber low/no budget level I would at least see if you could find a like minded individual, with the skills and personality that you would like to work with, and see if they would come on board the project as a cinematographer. If you have a simpatico, and develop a good working relationship, your project will probably be better for it.
 
As many stated above its good (when possible) to break up the responsibilities.

But I also believe in coming up through the ranks so you can work with the people who work for you. Understanding the technology and speaking the language will help you communicate your vision better. While you focus on the scene, actors and dialogue if your input is needed in any department you can make informed decisions.

I guess that's why I admire James Cameron so much as well as many other directors. And yes there are times where I thought handling the camera would be a wiser choice as I knew exactly what I wanted and maybe just to pad my own ego but 99% of the time I sit back in my chair and focus on what I should be paying attention to most.
 
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