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Originally posted by James parsons

Hey guys,

Just wanted to see if there are any cinematographers out willing to give adice to new dp's wanting to get into the industry. The do's and don't's. What would you look for in a new Dp?

Cheers guys

Jp

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DON'T: ... spend an inordinate amount of time in school learning how.
DO: ... get out there and shoot a lot of different kinds of productions, with as many different scenarios as possible. Look for projects (or day jobs) that give you the opportunities to LIGHT Day and Night Exteriors in all kinds of environments, like cities and forests and suburbia. Interiors of all kinds and all times of day as well, from s small hallway in a house to a large amphitheater.

DON'T: ...flounder around on your own if you're struggling.
DO: ... ask for help and advice from others, such as on forums like Cinematography.com and Cinematography.net.

DON'T: ... ever complain about long hours or difficult situations.
DO: ... always have a great attitude no matter how tired you are or how low the pay is. People (Producers, Directors) are more apt to hire the DP who is pleasant to work with for 14 hours a day for weeks on end rather than the DP who may be great at the technical aspects, but who is a pain in the ass to work with.

That's just as short list. I highly urge you to take a look at the book that I've written that will tell you so much more. Read chapters one through five and the entire Camera Department section in the book, "What I Really Want to Do: On Set in Hollywood." I also urge you to read the Grip and Electric sections as well as the Director chapter, at the very least.

Also, browse through the forums at the websites I listed above for the newest information on cameras and lighting and the business in general.

Keep up with the most current industry news (where work IS) by looking at the news section of www.realfilmcareer.com

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com