What do Directors expect from their DPs?

To be talented enough to let the director worry about everything else but the shot(frame)...
 
To be able to make a stunning image for the screen that represents what I want on screen and also implements the DP's artistic vision for the shot.

being a nice fella is also damn good quality along with talent.
 
To be able to keep a consistent look throughout the scene and more broadly throught the film as well.
 
To be able to recognize and be familiar with at least 2 names listed below:
-Sven Nykvist
-Vadim Yusov
-Asakazu Nakai
-Vittorio Storaro
-Guiseppe Lanci
-Carlo di Palma
Uh, ok now i realize none of these good souls ever touched at a video camera. Hey nobody's perfect ;)
 
The director should expect nothing but the best, that is true.
It's on the DP to get into the director's head and find out just exactly what he wants visually. This can be done through explaination, example, field testing, etc.

The director needs to understand that DP's like to paint and should be given an area of freedom to do so.

It's a very close relationship that is best served with a firewire linking the two. Share the brains, come up with (not compromises) conjoined solutions.
 
The director should expect nothing but the best, that is trueHaha i see some DOP point of view...;)
 
True, true. I do shoot, but that does allow me to pick my DOPs very carefully.
I have a repsect for what they do, because I've had to do it myself. It also gives me a more critical eye for BS.
Even on the small stuff, if you are shooting for some one, they basically put all of their money and every thing they have done in your hands.
It's a heavy load.
 
Matthew B. Moore said:
True, true. I do shoot, but that does allow me to pick my DOPs very carefully.
I have a repsect for what they do, because I've had to do it myself. It also gives me a more critical eye for BS.
Even on the small stuff, if you are shooting for some one, they basically put all of their money and every thing they have done in your hands.
It's a heavy load.
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I guess what I look for is a DP who respects and recognizes my vision and not one who is trying to change it...

I understand a DPs excitement wanting to deliver the best work possibly but what realyl bothers me is when they want to come aboard and say I got an idea of this shot and this shot but they don't understand where want to take my project visually and creatively is when I have the problem... how can someone climb aboard and decide their ideas are better than mine?

Does anyone know where I am going with this or see my POV?

Chris
 
how can someone climb aboard and decide their ideas are better than mine?
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Well, that is where communication comes handy... You should share your vision in great deal with your DOP, so he/she can see the big picture. A pro DOP knows when to be quiet, when to make a suggestion anyway...Btw, there is always better ideas out there, one should be open to them... It is a delicate balance,,,
Does anyone know where I am going with this or see my POV?
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Collabaration works 2 ways, at least it is most fruitful when it does so ;)
 
It pays to know your DP...well. I'm not talking about long windy walks on the beach.
A good DP should read the Director and adapt his/her skill to the Director's vision. I hate the "I've got a great idea" thing. However, if you know your DP well enough, "I've got a great idea" may not be such a bad thing. The Director is going for a look, right, then he/she should seek the DP for the job. Not to be a turd, but that is kind of obvious.
 
I think it is the DP's job to help bring out the director's vision, in any way shape or form, technically and aesthetically in the picture FRAME(S).

I also think the Cinematographer must always remember that he/she is not the Director. So framing ideas that are far removed from the Director's vision of story telling (no matter how unique or interesting) only stall production.
 
imageonepictures said:
Hey,

An interesting thread that I am sure will get some interesting answers...

Chris
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Hi,

As a final thought I want a DP to help me acheive what I want cinematically not someone playing the experience card and telling me how to make my movie.

My money my movie...
 
A good director is someone who has very good communication skills and is a good leader.

"my money my movie" doesn't go very far in a collaborative process.
 
imageonepictures said:
My money my movie...
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I've got to agree with the previous post. That is no good for collaboration. The way I think of it is, and what I look for, is someone who respects my vision as a director and has the capability to achieve my said idea. But also someone who will put an interesting and creative look to it, but also a look and a creativity in which i like. If you are hiring a DP, take them to a movie go out to coffee and just talk to them. See if they are a creative person. See what similarities you two have, and build something.
This is important because I find the relationship between the director and the DP so important and you have to really connect on more then a business level. Like someone said earlier the DP should be able to get into the directors head and identify the directors image.

I've been in both positions and there is a lot of trust involved.
 
greenheron said:
A good director is someone who has very good communication skills and is a good leader.

"my money my movie" doesn't go very far in a collaborative process.
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Yes, but what about DPs who are always trying to change things... I'm suppose to raise $1000.00'a of dollars so they take over the creative process?

I have a problem with that. I pay to keep the lights on so the ifnal decision should be mine not some punk off the street. One guy wanted to come aboard and change and decide all of my shots. He didn't even understand my vision. He thinks he does but really doesn't.

In my work I maintain all creative and editorial control. If they cannot handle that they can go elsewhere and this guy did. Never heard from him again. I don't think a lot of them are interested in being cinematogrpahers. They just want to take over the entire process.

Chris
 
imageonepictures said:
In my work I maintain all creative and editorial control. If they cannot handle that they can go elsewhere and this guy did. Never heard from him again. I don't think a lot of them are interested in being cinematogrpahers. They just want to take over the entire process.
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In your situation you may just not want a cinematographer then. But keep in mind it may be that you aren't working with a REAL cinematographer which is why you feel that way.

As an independent director I used to not want to work with a cinematographer, especially because I am an artist also and have peculiar frames in mind... but when you do find that right person it is SO helpful.

When the cinematographer understands and respects your vision, has creative ideas based on your vision and knows when to input and when to retract, a cinematographer can be a blessing indeed.
 
imageonepictures said:
Yes, but what about DPs who are always trying to change things... I'm suppose to raise $1000.00'a of dollars so they take over the creative process?

I have a problem with that. I pay to keep the lights on so the ifnal decision should be mine not some punk off the street. One guy wanted to come aboard and change and decide all of my shots. He didn't even understand my vision. He thinks he does but really doesn't.

In my work I maintain all creative and editorial control. If they cannot handle that they can go elsewhere and this guy did. Never heard from him again. I don't think a lot of them are interested in being cinematogrpahers. They just want to take over the entire process.

Chris
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Sounds to me like you really should learn to run your own cameras then. That way you don't have to deal with those pesky contributors on your set.

Anyone tells me "my money my movie" when all I'm trying to do is contribute...

I'd be tempted to tell them to take their money and hire someone else as I walk out.

There's no need to be an arrogant arse on the set. And while you may not actually be an arrogant arse... you do kinda come off that way in this thread, like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder.

Read back over the thread... and ask yourself... if you were a talented DP, would you feel comfortable working with you as a director?
 
Good stuff here. I won't rehash what others say, which I agree completely.

As director, you are in charge. I'm guessing you're acting as producer too financing. A DP should respect your vision and try their best to fufill it. Always peeps with egos and such, but the process is collaborative. That doesn't mean sacrificing your or your DP's artistic visions. A good DP will be your right hand not trying you make you his.

Take your time hiring one, I know experience can also breed ego, a newer director can easily handover much creative control. Just a balancing act.
 
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