what is the most the DP is required to do?

Also another thing that happens on smaller films is that the AD is either brand new or there is no AD at all. Sometimes you are lucky and the new AD knows how to do the job, other times it is not going to go well. If that happens then the DP pretty much has to step up and control the schedule.

I have been handed a shot list by the director with 50 shots on it. With no AD the only way to get 50 shots in a day is to be sort of part DP and part AD.

As the DP you are the head of the crew- pretty much.
EXCLUDING sound of course....those guys are always so surly and weird.

*Rule* If you are wondering where you need to put a light, in other words what area is a bit too dark, just look for where the boom guy is standing. He has picked the best place to hide and it is usually a place that needs light. Sound guys love it when you place a light on their boom guy.
 
This movie im doing now got so complicated because about 15 people backed out. im now doing DP sound and grip and find myself doing ad work by accident. (we have sound guys and grips but I just got done explaining to them how to rap an XLR cable today and why you cant boom up when theres an AC blaring down. Atleast im not craft services
 
taormina said:
My DP operates most of the time on the A camera.

He also:

1. Frames the shots
2. Tells the gaffer what lighting he wants
3. Assists in the blocking of the scenes where they pertain to camera angles
4. In some cases chooses coverage points
5. Chooses the lens about 50%of the time.

As the director I can overrule any of what he says, but I often don't. I choose where the camera goes and he goes from there.

My DP is the number two guy on set and frees me up to be more creative. I communicate what I want him to achieve and he figures out how to do it.

He would be just as effective if he did not operate. Operating is the least of his job!
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You let the DP frame your shots ? I'd overrule that one every time.
 
J.R. Hudson said:
You let the DP frame your shots ? I'd overrule that one every time.
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According to the American Society of Cinematographers Handbook:

Page 2-6 "Responsibilities of the Cinematographer"

II. Shooting
B. Blocking
- Devise shot list with director (coverage)
- Choose lens and composition, show to director for approval
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I don't think he meant the DP was choosing CU, MS, WS, etc. I think he meant framing those shots chosen by the director. Making choices based on desired effect in regards to balance, leading lines, negative space, etc. This is highly controlled by lens length and subject to lens distance... choices made most of the time by the DP.
 
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