Where to find a DP and other crew?

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Denialorcoped

Well-known member
For my last short I pretty much did everything myself, but I am writing a feature now and would like to assemble a basic crew for a low-budget film. (DP, gaffer, etc..)

What's the best way to go about doing this? Post ads? Would they expect to be paid upfront or make a % if the film profits?
 
Ask your friends who they know. I hire all based on word of mouth as posting ads is usually a good way to find people who are not busy and out of work.

Best part is though, as soon as you find a DP a lot of your crew is spoken for, as he'll have an AC and gaffer he likes to work with and they'll have assistants and grips and electricians they like to work with, and then usually one of those people will be able to help you find those other positions. Sort of a snowballing sort of thing.

Usually on Features I would just expect to be paid at the end
of each week. As a DP I think you would expect to get something on the backend, especially if the rate is low.
 
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Getting a DP who knows what he is doing.... AND bringing on his crew is the best. They already have worked together in the past, they know how each other operates, they can anticipate needs better, and the gaffer can even make decisions based on how he knows the DP would want it.

Getting a good DP with an all new crew can slow things down as the "synergy" is undeveloped.
 
This poses another question. Filming won't probably start for another year, and I was hoping to Film it on a RED Scarlet (if it ever gets released). If I hire a DP would he have his own camera already?

Would I be more wise using my money to pay my DP rather than purchasing my own camera???
 
Denialorcoped said:
This poses another question. Filming won't probably start for another year, and I was hoping to Film it on a RED Scarlet (if it ever gets released). If I hire a DP would he have his own camera already?

Would I be more wise using my money to pay my DP rather than purchasing my own camera???
Click to expand...

A DP may or may not have his own camera. It's not important to his skill. There are pro's and con's... but mainly it is an advantage should he be more or as talented as his non-camera owning competition. Hire based on talent and how well you work together. Then go from there. Camera is not important. If you don't have many projects lined up, it's often smarter to rent.
 
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