I have thought about speaking with the DP, and I will consider that. The only issue for me, is I want a film look. I found this video on YouTube, and I hate to sound like an amateur in the sense of what I'm looking for, but honestly, this look that this guy got with just using his regular EOS lens, is fine for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffFLheZp2n4&feature=related
See, the issue is, this DP came as a reference. She's very nice, and yet she's a professional. And with working with professionals, they will want what they want, as they know what really works. But this is my first short under my Production Company. I am already over budget and breaking the bank. I am just looking for a simple look, I'm not shooting for actual 35mm Film Quality. As long as it looks good enough to pass so the audience doesn't see a cheesy video quality picture, I'm fine with that. From there we can move onto just focusing on the story.
I don't expect to win awards with my first short. Yes I've gotten some really high raves about the story, and that's great. But I'm trying to be realistic in the sense that I just want to get what I need to get, in order to tell the story. That's it. The DP I have, this person is acting like she's on a $7 million dollar picture, it's ridiculous! The one thing I've found absolutely aggrivating, with working with each class of performer and crew member, is it's either one or the other. They either don't have a clue what they're doing, or they know so much they think they have all the answers, it's driving me mad!
Without sounding like every other Executive Producer on the planet, I just want to get the damn thing shot! Is that so damn hard?
Ok, let me calm down as this is just driving me crazy. My real frustration is part of my budget was taken away. It's a long story, but I lost basically 1/3 of my funding. Not by anyone's hand, other than having to help out someone who needed help. So I stepped up. However, I've taken a big bite out of my project, and I'm trying to compensate. Would I like to spend $250/300 a day getting the Cooke lens for my DP? Sure! But it's not going to happen. And I'm trying to figure out what the difference is with just using a simple EOS lens. Because from the footage I'm seeing, it looks pretty damn good. And honestly, at this point, especially with my current budgetary issues, I'm fine with that. I kind of have no choice. It's either shoot that way, or wait another 6 months or so for me to get the money to get the lens.
Also, I'm considering using the Letus Extreme 35mm Adapter. Any thoughts?
One last point, the problem with this DP, is that it's not like I can't ask her questions, i can. But she's so damn hell bent on getting what she wants, for me, I would rather not deal with her. So I'm having my producer deal with her because I just don't want to stress. But I totally agree, the best learning is with people who are pro's at this stuff. But I'm not going to lick her a$$ here, no way. She doesn't like it, hit the road. I'll deal. The DP is a fascinating position, in the sense that these people really control the look and feel of your film. I'm not fooled for a second that that's the reality. However, something my producer (who is awesome!) said to me, and consistently drives down my throat. My producer says, "These people work for you. If they can't give you what you want, with the materials you provide them, and they get an attitude about it, replace them. Without hesitation. Because at the end of the day, it's your money (or the investors money), that's being spent. Not there's. Either do the job you're told to do, or go get another job." Harsh, but I see her point, and respect her point. I'm just trying to be realistic in the sense of hearing the DP's viewpoint, as the DP typically does have more experience at this than anyone on the set, but at the end of the day, like you guys are saying, if the budget doesn't support it, just do what you have to to get the damn shot, and stop complaining. And that's the point I'm at.
Thanks so much for the comments thus far, most appreciated!