It seems that you want to become a real director of photography. The first step is, obviously, to learn about what they do. Watch the video, read the information, answer the questions on your Director of Photography File and share it with your group!
Directors of photography are responsible for the shooting of the scenes of a film. The following video was made by a junior filmmaker. Don't worry if you don't understand all he says. The important thing is that you get the three basic ideas for filming. You can pause and replay it as many times as you need.
Now you know more about what directors of Photography do, you are ready to learn about how they film scenes.
Filming a scene
1. Pre-production phase
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| Example of the plan of a set |
-The Lighting Crew: Responsible for choosing and providing the best lighting (illumination) for the scene.
-The Cameramen: Responsible for shooting the different scenes.-The Audio Crew: Responsible for the audio recording and sound effects.
Unfortunately, your film budget is so low (zero budget, in fact), that you will be in charge of those three tasks: choosing and providing the best illumination, shooting the different scenes and recording the audio and sound effects.
It is also important that you meet with the director and the production designer so they can give you instructions about the scene filmation and you can share information about what you are going to do.
You must keep a written record with the things you will need shoot the scene, and a plan of the set with the light and camera spots. Remember!!! This is a zero budget film, so you can't spend anything. You have to use things you already have or create new things from old ones.
2. Production phase
The day of the shoot, the actors/actresses walk onto the sound stage (or location) prepared to begin filming. The set has been constructed before by a group of people known as the "swing gang." The cameras are placed on their trypods or on their dollies (a moving trypod, in case you have to move it around the set). Before the scene, the director has told you the type of shots you are going to film. The director tells the actors/actresses exactly where to stand and where to move. Every time they stop someone places a piece of tape on the floor. You follow their movements slowly, and rehearse the different shots while the actors/actresses are rehearsing the scene with the director. When he or she considers it is prepared, says, "Let's go for a take. Quiet on the set!"
"Roll it," says the director. And you start recording and answer, "Rolling."
"Thirty-five, take one", says the production designer, holding a slate in front of the actors' faces and snapping it shut. This "clacker" will later help the film editor in synchronizing the picture to the sound.
"Action!" commands the director. The actors/actresses begin with their parts, and you record the scene as the director told you.
Seconds later, the director calls out, "Cut. Do it again." The process is repeated with different angles and shots until the director yells, "Cut. Print it." The production designer moves into the scene and adjusts the actors' makeup. The director now wants a close-up shot and you film several takes until the director is satisfied with each one.
Finally, he calls out, "That's a wrap." It means that the scene can be edited.
3. Post-production phase
The post-production phase takes place when all the material is filmed. During this phase, the different takes are edited, cut and ordered so that the action in the scene flows naturally. As the Director of Photography, you have to work with the Director in the edition of the scene, helping him to choose the best takes.
3. Post-production phase
The post-production phase takes place when all the material is filmed. During this phase, the different takes are edited, cut and ordered so that the action in the scene flows naturally. As the Director of Photography, you have to work with the Director in the edition of the scene, helping him to choose the best takes.
Now you are prepared to share your information with your group and start filming!
