How do I find a DP for my short?

M

Michael44

I've finally written a short (11 pages) that I feel very good about and want to shoot, but I want it done right, and get good DP. I've seen so many shorts with horrible camera work and lighting.

Is it unreasonable to think I might be able to find a good DP's reel online, contact them, have them read my short, and want to collaborate?

I just think it would be great to work together with people who are interested in growing together than just hiring a pro. Maybe that's naive unless I went to film school.

What do you think? Go hang out at film schools?

Michael
Los Angeles
 
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you have any money? you can do anything with money..

baring that, have a great script. Get organized and hit craigslist. You might look for a director first. Get an experienced director on board and DP will follow... Be an assistant director or DP and learn while your movie gets made, or be a producer and watch what experienced people can do...
 
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L.I.F.E. said:
Too bad your in LA or I'd say you could come collab with us. :no:

It's all about indie filming in NorCal :yes:
Click to expand...

x2

Having said that:

It's possible to do what you describe, and it's possible for it to work - but the chances of both of those things happening without it being someone you already know, or have worked with in another capacity seem on the slim side to me.
 
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If you're in LA then you should find them hanging off of tree limbs. They are everywhere.

Start by searching social sites...search for FB pages of local films. Join the group. Research who DPd and directed (if you like the trailer and media), then contact them via a message. This won't always work, but it's amazing how many people you can network with if you start social site networking.

You can also post a want ad up at local coffee shops.

Over in my neck of the woods, you can find DPs that will get behind a project for free if they believe in your idea and like you (it's much better if you have solid previous work of course). But in LA, I think there is a day rate (something like 100 a day on standard productions right?) But even in LA you might find someone for peanuts...

You also have to figure out whether you need a DP with his or her own camera, or if you'll be borrowing one, or renting one.

You can also start working on other people's productions, and networking that way. Network network network...that's the best way to find work and find cast and crew.
Cheers.
 
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A little advice from someone who very often will shot a short for
free:

Do not mention “growing together”. It’s an overused selling point
that is meaningless. Concentrate on the one project. If you then
offer that DP another project (for pay) later, that’s a nice
bonus. If you then make five more films with that DP you can then
mention “growing together”.

Be very clear up front on how much you’re paying (even if you
aren’t), how many days are scheduled to shoot and how you hope to
shoot them; all at once or over time.

Be very clear what equipment you will have or what budget you have
for equipment rental. That’s my major problem with offering my
time for free - the producer doesn’t have any money set aside for
equipment rental or no equipment available. They want excellent
camera work and lighting but they don’t have any equipment.

Be very clear on what crew you will have. I have an AC and gaffer
I work well with, but now the producer needs to figure in asking a
favor of three complete strangers. Most DP (like me) are willing
to work with crew who aren’t very experienced - that just needs to
be mentioned up front. If you are bringing on the rest of the crew
don’t forget to mention that.

In Los Angeles there are a LOT of people with a camera willing to
work for free. The very best way to find one is to volunteer YOUR
time on other short films being made. Work on five or six shorts
(for free) and you’ll meet people.
 
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I agree with directorik he is right if you work for free on some productions you would meed a lot of people to network with and use for your films. I met a lot that way. Also, look for local network events for indie film people and join. You should be able to search the internet and find DPs by looking as short films and indie films and seeing who did them. You just need to find a DP local or willing to travel.
 
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