How many of you guys share director/DP/camera op duties? How uncommon is it? Is that just too much to handle at once? I wonder if I should just focus on direction, but I also do like working with a camera.
Also, sorry if this is another oft-asked question: is there a good analysis + instruction resource for lighting? It's definitely one of my weakest area ( among other weak areas ) of expertise.
In my experience, at the zero-budget level, this is quite common, in fact,
normal.
Yes, it is too much to handle at once. Directing and camera-op don't really conflict with each other too much. DP and camera-op don't really conflict with each other too much. In my opinion, however, directing and DP-ing definitely conflict with each other.
Both of their jobs are supposed to be done at the same time. How are you supposed to set up lights, while working with your talent? Unless you have unlimited time, something is going to suffer.
I see too many low-budget shorts that look gorgeous, but just don't feel right -- the acting is off, the timing, the pacing, I dunno, something is off. Ladies and gentlemen, the director has left the building.
I've chosen the opposite. On my ultra-low-budget production, I chose to spend my time working with the actors, and I feel like we got some damn fine results. However, I won't be winning any awards for cinematography, to say the least.
So, take your pick:
A: focus on directing, cinematography be damned
B: focus on cinematography, let the actors direct themselves
C: be Superman, and somehow do both, even though nobody else ever does, successfully
D: find someone talented to work with, to take one of the loads off your shoulder
By the way, you left one out --
producing.