Does the DP/Cinematographer have the right to step into the feet of the director? Is it wrong and unprofessional to do that?
directing Does the director of photography/cinematographer have the right to step into the feet of the director?
- Thread starter JKierskicine1207
- Start date
”Step into the feet”? Do you mean to “step on the director’s toes”? Please clarify.
A good DP is brought on for his or her ability and artistic sensibilities to shoot the movie. Yeah, they have some weight in that respect.
What do you mean they have some weight in respect? They have a right to step in the director’s toes or step in on set? If yes and why?
Stepping on someone’s toes means that you’re horning in on their duties or responsibilities. Usurping their authority.
So… did something happen to you on set? Are you the director or the DP in this situation?
Yes kind of something did happen on set. And why would the DP step on the toes of the director?
Sometimes a director gets bogged down in some minutia and the
DP will “step on the toes” to make the shoot easier. Sometimes an
experienced DP will “step on the toes” of an inexperienced director
to make a situation more clear to the crew or actors.
A good, experienced DP may intimidate a director with their understanding
of a set up or coverage (or many other things) and they director may
feel their toes were stepped on – but that usually just an ego thing.
You're feeling diminished right now. Talk to your DP, find out where you
two aren't communicating. Unless your DP is just an ass - then fire him.
DP will “step on the toes” to make the shoot easier. Sometimes an
experienced DP will “step on the toes” of an inexperienced director
to make a situation more clear to the crew or actors.
A good, experienced DP may intimidate a director with their understanding
of a set up or coverage (or many other things) and they director may
feel their toes were stepped on – but that usually just an ego thing.
You're feeling diminished right now. Talk to your DP, find out where you
two aren't communicating. Unless your DP is just an ass - then fire him.
The Director of Photography should not be talking to the actors.
Was this a paid production, and/or contractually structured? If the answer is no to one or both of those things.... Anything goes on a film set.
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Hi, JK -- in my experience, it can happen whenever there is a creative collaboration. An experienced DP may have strong ideas on how to light and shoot a scene. As Director, I have always welcomed that, while also needing to be sure I am communicating with them what I want/hope to see. Sometimes, I have a very specific set of shots/storyboards to follow. DP's may not like that as they feel hemmed-in. But since I edit what I direct, that approach works best for me. Other times, the blocking will be known ahead of time based on rehearsals with the actors. Then I insist we follow them as the camera crew, not vice-versa. That's usually easier to navigate. It all depends, you have to be willing to discuss w/ your DP.
If an director is making his first movie and has no story board, script or call sheet and you are 8 hours over the agreed time because of the directors VISION or .....IMPROVISATION. The DP/Cinematographer, sound, light and the actors have the right to step into the feet of the director.