Being a cinematographer is an interesting role to fill, because not only are you a technician, you're also an artistic storyteller who brings a film to life with light and images.
There's definitely a lot that goes into what you do, from knowing every little thing about your gear (cameras, lenses, etc.) to being able to capture the vision of your director. It might be difficult to sift through it all, but DP Morgan Cooper is here to break down a couple of things all good cinematographers should stay on top of in their professional careers.
Video is no longer available: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqrycdFtUpA
Cooper shared a ton of great insight into not only the technical side of cinematography, but the creative and professional sides as well. So yeah, know your camera, be able to fix any tech problems, communicate clearly with your director and the departments you're working with, and try to do all of this on time and within budget.
But probably the biggest lesson all DPs should learn is that behind all of that metal, glass, and khaki vest s . You're not there to show off your cool bullet-time technique or to suggest that every shot be handheld because you just got a new gimbal. No, you're there to work with the director to figure out how to shoot the film in such a way that it tells the story and communicates the emotion to the audience.
Story always comes first. Period. Make that your mantra every time you make a choice as a DP, from which camera you use to shoot with to how you want to move your camera. It all communicates, so it all matters!
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9 Comments
is this a reel or educational video, i mean cmon guys.
March 10, 2016 at 3:50AM
lol.
March 10, 2016 at 6:45AM
There are no camera guys or videographers anymore. Everyone is a Cinematographer, Director of Photography or a Filmmaker.
March 10, 2016 at 2:22PM
You're not there to show off your cool bullet-time technique or to suggest that every shot be handheld because you just got a new gimbal. No, you're there to work with the director to figure out how to shoot the film in such a way that it tells the story and communicates the emotion to the audience.
Robby Müller used 16mm and 8mm for a Hollywood produced film. The format was chosen for the image quality. Know if your physical tools match the hypothetical image. Craftsman and Technician fit into one roll.
March 11, 2016 at 11:55AM
wow, what a pointless and hollow video. gave this lame dude a chance to think he's cool though. fail.
March 11, 2016 at 8:03PM, Edited March 11, 8:03PM
I thought the director was the one who choses the shots and the DP ensures the camera is operating correctly and the framing/composition is on spot. If the DP is in charge of the shot, what is the point of a director?
March 11, 2016 at 10:40PM
Ryan that is a great question. As a DP who now works with a few different directors who have different styles i'd say to your question, it all depends on the director. Some directors are extremely actor focused all they care about is a good performance and relating that performance well. They may storyboard the scene but, outside of that they trust the DP to work his magic. However, some directors are very hands on. They may go as far to choose the focal lengths on the lens and will often be very specific about their framing. Most directors would tell you that their job is really about getting a performance out of the actors but, they are using the camera and everything else to support those performances. So as often is the answer with film it depends.
March 12, 2016 at 10:11PM
Heck yeah! Blackmagic ftw! #buyarawcamera
March 13, 2016 at 12:14PM
Lovely , Alfred , chirurgie reparatrice du ventre en tunisie
February 14, 2017 at 5:36AM