How to Become a Director of Photography
Actors and directors are usually the stars of an upcoming film. Only film buffs know who the director of photography (DP) was on their favorite film. Still, DPs perform a major role in the success of any film. Many of them go on to direct their own films. There are many paths to becoming DP, but they all involve hard work. Here's how to become a director of photography.
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Instructions
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Attend film school. The job of director of photography involves several skill sets. The DP must understand lighting as she is the primary person to determine how an actor or a set will be lit. The DP needs to understand the basics of film-making so she will understand the goal of the filmmaker. Film school also provides the foundation for the natural progression of most directors of photography into directing.
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Watch as many movies as possible. DPs are film buffs. They have a broad knowledge of film from more than a technical perspective. They love sitting in a theater and experiencing a film the way an audience does. From art house film to summer blockbusters, they have seen it all.
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Become an expert on camera and other film supplies. Boom mics that control sound, film lighting shades, wind machines and cameras. Know the many different versions of these pieces of equipment. The director needs a sounding board for technical choices made during a film. The director of photography gains an edge as the designated expert.
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Learn general electrician tasks. The director of photography supervises the grip during the production of a film. It's crucial for the DP to know how to perform the basic functions of his supporting crew. If any special moving parts have to be rigged for a scene, the grip will create the initial set up for the film.
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Create a portfolio. This can be a website with stills of scenes that were lit by the DP. The director of photography can incorporate Windows media files of recent work. Hard copy portfolios are also good. Stills of good scenes are compiled into a book of work.
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Network with filmmakers, actors and other DPs. The creative community is very small. The more connections made in the creative community, the more opportunities to work. Get to know the decision makers and find opportunities to learn from people with experience.
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