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DP position for TV vs HD movie
- Thread starter chlsy8
- Start date
That doesn't matter.
What matters is do you recognize the cinamatic style you want in your movie from their demo reels? Do they have the special skills you need for your production? Example: in my production, I needed a DP with shooting greenscreen experience and shooting science fiction action, which includes special shots for special effects.
20 and 30 years of shooting shorts, documentaries, industrical videos, and even TV dramas doesn't count for jack.
You have to find the right DP for your script. You have to see it in their demo reels.
What matters is do you recognize the cinamatic style you want in your movie from their demo reels? Do they have the special skills you need for your production? Example: in my production, I needed a DP with shooting greenscreen experience and shooting science fiction action, which includes special shots for special effects.
20 and 30 years of shooting shorts, documentaries, industrical videos, and even TV dramas doesn't count for jack.
You have to find the right DP for your script. You have to see it in their demo reels.
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The obvious answer (and I know you have already considered this) is
rather than asking on a general basis, to ask specific questions to the
DP's whose reel you admire.
In general, the answer is yeas; a DP with TV and commercial experience
can transition well into features. They even bring a fast, efficient work
ethic that can really help in a low budget movie. The technique of lighting
and understanding lenses and composition are exactly the same.
But seriously, this is a question best asked to the DP's you are interested in.
Then don't do it. You should never hire anyone you don't feel
completely comfortable with. Keep looking until you find the
person YOU think is best.
It depends on your location and what you are working on.
I'm getting great deals because I'm in an area where DPs are falling out of trees and no one else makes science fiction productions.
I'm getting great deals because I'm in an area where DPs are falling out of trees and no one else makes science fiction productions.
Maybe not. It's hard to find a good DP with low pay though.
Very true.
Good DP's who have experience have already paid their dues
and are looking to make a living. Good DP's without feature
experience are willing to pay their dues working on a feature
for low pay.
Think back to your very first time directing a feature. You
knew you could do it but no one was willing to pay you much
for doing it. But you did it and you were did it just fine.
That's the same with a DP. You could be the one to give someone
the chance to shine. Or you can wait until you find someone
with the experience you want. Pick five. Then meet with them.
Who knows? Maybe you'll connect with one of the DP's who
hasn't shot a feature yet but knows they can pull it off. Just
like YOU when you directed your first feature.
Of course it's hard. You didn't think this was going to be easy,
did you?