I'm preparing my ad for a DP for my film. Should I include the exact model of the camera I have, Canon HV-40, and type of locations being shot, or is it unnecessary to mention that to a DP? Also, should I list an ad needing a DP with a "professional camera", or just use the camera that I have?
quote:
Originally posted by Bababooey
I'm preparing my ad for a DP for my film. Should I include the exact model of the camera I have, Canon HV-40, and type of locations being shot, or is it unnecessary to mention that to a DP? Also, should I list an ad needing a DP with a "professional camera", or just use the camera that I have?
Well, the choice of recording format has more to do with your final distribution method than just using whatever you have lying around. If the Canon format you have is adequate for your intended outlet (festival, cable sales, theatrical release, etc), then you'll want a Cameraman who knows how to use it properly.
If you require a different format, then it doesn't hurt to look for a Cameraman who also owns a camera that does fit the requirements you need.
That said, it's best to keep those two searches separate. You might find the perfect Cameraman but he owns a camera that records on a format that isn't "right" for what you need. Or you find the perfect camera but the Cameraman who owns it isn't going to work well with you.
What's more, you mention only the camera. What about lighting and grip and electric equipment? Do you own those things along with your Canon as well as the necessary support gear for the camera? Or do you need to rent/purchase those other elements of photography?
Ideally, you'll seek out a competent Cameraman who has ACCESS to the equipment your production requires. This person will also likely be able to bring crew along with him, people who have worked with him previously who might also have their own supplies on hand.
At this stage, the Cameraman who is "providing" equipment and/or is helping to bring aboard other crew is really a part-Producer in the project as he is helping to arrange the logistics. If he's not getting paid his normal rate or anything at all AND he's bringing along equipment for a nominal fee or for free, then he is definitely considered a co-Producer and it is best to interact with him in that way.
Remember, as you're interviewing various candidates, that it isn't just about the images on their reel. Reels can be dangerous in that great images aren't the whole story. You need to know how that DP is to work with on a set for 14 hours a day. Can he handle difficult logistics within budget and time parameters? There's also a tendency to look for images on a reel that look like shots you want in your own movie. Just because a DP doesn't have a particular "matching shot" that you want to see doesn't necessarily mean that he can't do it. Most qualified skilled experienced Cameramen are capable of getting just about any kind of shot. The real difference between them in in personality and the TIME it takes them to get a setup done successfully. Two DPs might be entirely capable of getting the same shot, but one might want to use just a few lights and twenty minutes while the second may want to use twice the equipment and twice the time to get to the same place.
Some collaborations work well and take the Director and DP to successful places while others are strained from the beginning. Take your time, pick someone who you enjoy speaking with and if nothing else, your production will be a positive experience even if the movie doesn't work out in the end.
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Thanks for the detailed response!
- I have no equipment outside of the camera.
- I'm definitely open to the DP receiving a co-producer credit, especially since I can't afford to pay anyone.
Since we're on the subject, I'm wondering, how likely is an amateur filmmaker (like many here are) to get a DP with a good camera and a decent lighting kit to collaborate for free?
From all the discussion I've seen over the past year or so, vast majority of participants are aspiring filmmakers. They don't have money to pay for anything (most expect to shoot a movie with the above-mentioned Canon HV-40 consumer camcorder). Now, Brian, whenever any of them approach the forum with questions along the lines of "Which camera?" your answer has always tried to remind them (or enlighten them) about the need for other gear, specifically grip/lights/electrical. Since you've been in the industry for a while, and my understanding is that you have your own gear (or have access to it), have you at any point donated your time and gear for such projects? Do you know of others who have done this?
I've seen this advice given often by many (look for a DP with experience and, possibly, his own gear). Do these kids (or late-blooming adults, as the case may be) have a chance of finding someone who has already done some work and knows how to properly light frame and shoot?
quote:
Originally posted by Vasic
Since we're on the subject, I'm wondering, how likely is an amateur filmmaker (like many here are) to get a DP with a good camera and a decent lighting kit to collaborate for free?From all the discussion I've seen over the past year or so, vast majority of participants are aspiring filmmakers. They don't have money to pay for anything (most expect to shoot a movie with the above-mentioned Canon HV-40 consumer camcorder). Now, Brian, whenever any of them approach the forum with questions along the lines of "Which camera?" your answer has always tried to remind them (or enlighten them) about the need for other gear, specifically grip/lights/electrical. Since you've been in the industry for a while, and my understanding is that you have your own gear (or have access to it), have you at any point donated your time and gear for such projects? Do you know of others who have done this?
I've seen this advice given often by many (look for a DP with experience and, possibly, his own gear). Do these kids (or late-blooming adults, as the case may be) have a chance of finding someone who has already done some work and knows how to properly light frame and shoot?
The short answer is "yes" otherwise I wouldn't suggest it. 🙂
What generally happens is that an established Camera Assistant or Camera Operator will want to "move up" in the industry. To do that he must prove himself with actual film/images. Because of their established place in the industry, they not only are bringing significant production experience to help aspiring Directors, but these aspiring DPs also have relationships with others in the industry and at equipment rental houses so that they are able to obtain camera and lighting for significantly lower prices or as donations. The production will still generally have to pay for insurance, but it is a nominal cost relative to what the full rate would be.
Finding these aspiring DPs in easier in the larger production centers, like Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago. But it doesn't hurt to look around for someone like this no matter where you live.
Aspiring DPs look to filmschools and to listings like those in Backstage West magazine http://www.backstage.com to find projects that they think will help THEM get to the next level. While they are there helping you get your movie done, they are really there for themselves so you know that they have a vested interest in making it the very best it can be. That's a commitment to quality that no amount of pay can ever really buy.
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
quote:
Originally posted by bjdzyak
quote:
Originally posted by Vasic
Since we're on the subject, I'm wondering, how likely is an amateur filmmaker (like many here are) to get a DP with a good camera and a decent lighting kit to collaborate for free?From all the discussion I've seen over the past year or so, vast majority of participants are aspiring filmmakers. They don't have money to pay for anything (most expect to shoot a movie with the above-mentioned Canon HV-40 consumer camcorder). Now, Brian, whenever any of them approach the forum with questions along the lines of "Which camera?" your answer has always tried to remind them (or enlighten them) about the need for other gear, specifically grip/lights/electrical. Since you've been in the industry for a while, and my understanding is that you have your own gear (or have access to it), have you at any point donated your time and gear for such projects? Do you know of others who have done this?
I've seen this advice given often by many (look for a DP with experience and, possibly, his own gear). Do these kids (or late-blooming adults, as the case may be) have a chance of finding someone who has already done some work and knows how to properly light frame and shoot?
The short answer is "yes" otherwise I wouldn't suggest it. 🙂
What generally happens is that an established Camera Assistant or Camera Operator will want to "move up" in the industry. To do that he must prove himself with actual film/images. Because of their established place in the industry, they not only are bringing significant production experience to help aspiring Directors, but these aspiring DPs also have relationships with others in the industry and at equipment rental houses so that they are able to obtain camera and lighting for significantly lower prices or as donations. The production will still generally have to pay for insurance, but it is a nominal cost relative to what the full rate would be.
Finding these aspiring DPs in easier in the larger production centers, like Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago. But it doesn't hurt to look around for someone like this no matter where you live.
Aspiring DPs look to filmschools and to listings like those in Backstage West magazine http://www.backstage.com to find projects that they think will help THEM get to the next level. While they are there helping you get your movie done, they are really there for themselves so you know that they have a vested interest in making it the very best it can be. That's a commitment to quality that no amount of pay can ever really buy.
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Very encouraging! Thank you very much.
What questions should I be asking anyone who is interested in being the DP for my film?
quote:
Originally posted by Bababooey
What questions should I be asking anyone who is interested in being the DP for my film?
I think that you'll get a much better range of answers (and possibly even offers to help) if you post this question at http://www.cinematography.com. You'll want to introduce yourself, briefly describe your project, where you're shooting it, and any special considerations that someone should know (like, is it 3D or being shot on video or it's all nights, etc)
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
