What's the main thing you would want in a DP?

F

FilmBoy77

Veteran
I'm going to be hiring a DP for the first time on my next project. I've normally shot all my own stuff as well as directed it, but this time I want to focus solely on the actors and everything else besides operating a camera. No matter how much I concentrate or how slowly I work I always see something while editing in an actors performance I should have caught but was too preoccupied with the camera.

I've heard stories of DP's (who also direct or want to direct) wanting to be the director and stepping over boundaries during production on indie projects. My assumption is that this probably doesn't happen as often, but can any of you who have worked with a DP discuss what is the most important thing you look for when hiring someone in this crucial position?
 
David has it. Look at their reel, and be aware of their reputation. Jerks will often get a jerky reputation. If you like what you see of their reel (especially stuff that's similar to what you're going to be doing), and they have a decent rep, call them for a personal meeting. See how you hit it off with them - or not - what's your chemistry. If you like them (and they're available for your budget range), hand them the script (plus storyboards if you have them), let them read and meet again. Now listen to their feedback. Explain project details they may ask about. If f.ex. it's a low budget shoot with tons of setups, ask them how comfortable they are working under those conditions, with what gear and what other people, and what budget they are looking for (apart from their own compensation - what gear they'll need, what people etc.). If heavy on sfx, stress that. Finally, give them an idea what you're aiming for artistically as far as visuals from the DP - and listen to feedback to see if you guys click vision-wise; ask for their ideas and how they see the shoot going. If it all checks out, you got yourself a DP.

Once you are shooting, a lot depends on what kind of a director you are. At one end there are those directors who discuss every detail of blocking, framing, lens choices and on and on and on for every single setup. At the other end, there are directors who let the DP do everything including camera placement and framing and the director only concerns himself with actors and other things exclusively. Most are somewhere in-between. Know what it is that you are going to demand of the DP and what your level of involvement is going to be, and let the DP know ahead of time and see if you guys can agree on your working styles - you are better off settling this early in the process, so there are no surprises down the road for either one of you.

You can definitely solicit recommendations, but always get the DP reels. Watch them, select the ones that catch your eye, and go from there (always switch off the sound while watching the reels :)).
 
-- ability to manage people
-- ability to listen
-- ability to be humble (knowing their packing stack)
-- ability to commit to an idea
-- ability to think on their toes
-- ability to spot the trouble ahead of times (complicated setup that requires extra time or an unnecessarily complicated rig the crew are building)
-- ability to take it easy
-- ability to talk deep or trivial depending on the vibe of the director
-- ability to be human around actors
-- ability to shake off the failures and keep on moving
-- ability to solve issues fast and with charm
-- ambition to achieve the best possible within the circumstances
-- ability to name a few recent books they have read
-- ability to think outside of the TV/film medium
-- visual indistinct and not just technical skills
-- certain master of the technical skills so that they understand they are in charge of the department
-- ability to call out people on their BS and be able to put it behind their back
-- ability to grow the project with unorthodox solutions to the usual problems
-- ability to create visual ideas based on the written word
-- ability to speak up early enough
-- ability to play the forces on the set against each other for the best possible outcome

...Just a few points.
 
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