Thecinematographer ordirector of photography (sometimes shortened toDP orDOP) is the person responsible for the recording of afilm, television production, music video or other live-action piece. The cinematographer is the chief of the camera and lightcrews working on such projects. They would normally be responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image and for selecting the camera,film stock,lenses,filters, etc. Furthermore the cinematographer is commonly involved with thecolor grading to shape the final look of a film. The study and practice of this field are referred to ascinematography.
The cinematographer is a subordinate of thedirector, tasked with capturing a scene in accordance with the director's vision. Relations between the cinematographer and director vary. In some instances, the director will allow the cinematographer complete independence, while in others, the director allows little to none, even going so far as to specify exact camera placement and lens selection. Such a level of involvement is less common when the director and cinematographer have become comfortable with each other. The director will typically convey to the cinematographer what is wanted from a scene visually and allow the cinematographer latitude in achieving that effect.
The scenes recorded by the cinematographer are passed to the film editor forediting.
Outdoor gear protects the camera operator and camera.
In the infancy of motion pictures, the cinematographer was usually also thedirector and the person physically handling the camera. As the art form and technology evolved, a separation between director andcamera operator emerged. With the advent of artificial lighting and faster (more light-sensitive)film stocks, in addition to technological advancements in optics, the technical aspects of cinematography necessitated a specialist in that area.
Cinematography was key during thesilent movie era; with no sound apart frombackground music and no dialogue, the films depended on lighting, acting, and set.
TheAmerican Society of Cinematographers (ASC) was formed in 1919 inHollywood, and was the first trade society for cinematographers. Similar societies were formed in other countries, for example theBritish Society of Cinematographers (BSC). Their aims include the recognition of the cinematographer's contribution to the art and science of motion picture making.[1]
Cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP): Leads the department as well as it creates the visual atmosphere of the production.
Camera Operator: Controls the camera, presses the record button and makes sure every aspect discussed previously appears through theviewfinder. Sometimes the DOP can also be acamera operator, but most cinematographers assign the role to another person.
First/Second Assistant camera: They are also known as 1st or 2nd AC, and their responsibility is to make sure the right lens is being used, as well as adjusting the camera’sfocus during a take.[2]
Camera auxiliary: Controls the equipment that involves the camera or cameras, this includestripods,c-stands,video monitors, etc.
Video assistant operators: Displays the images recorded on set, so that the director and other crew members can watch it and evaluate the shot.
Head electrician: Also known asgaffer, they are in charge of designing, and sometimes executing, the lighting plan. This plan has to be approved by the DOP so it follows the visual idea the production is carrying.
Electricians: Follow the directions of the head electrician and develop the more technical side of illumination.
Key Grip: Through the DOP’s directions, assembles the camera movement plan. The key grip should know perfectly the camera disposal as well as the action on the scene to lead the grips to assemble the camera rails,dollies,tripods,cranes, etc.[3]
Grips: Assemble the camera rails, dollies, tripods, cranes, etc. under the lead of the Key Grip, to ensure the camera movement plan is being followed correctly.[4]
Unit still photographer: Takesphotographies during the filming process. These pictures can be used with many goals: forpublicity, to have a multimedia record of the production process, or to keep track of the scenes to ensure there are no continuity mistakes.
There are a number of national associations of cinematographers that represent members (irrespective of their official titles) and are dedicated to the advancement of cinematography, including:
the International Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO)[5]
the Uruguayan Society of Cinematographers (S.C.U)
the Argentine Society of Cinematographers (ADF)
the Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers (LAC)
Cinematographers XX
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The A.S.C. defines cinematography as:
A creative and interpretive process that culminates in the authorship of an original work of art rather than the simple recording of a physical event. Cinematography is not a subcategory of photography. Rather, photography is but one craft that the cinematographer uses in addition to other physical, organizational, managerial, interpretive and image-manipulating techniques to effect one coherent process.[6]
