From Reel to Deal by Dov S-S Simens

Author:Dov S-S Simens [SIMENS, DOV S-S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: PER004010
ISBN: 9780759520769
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2000-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

1. Director of Photography

2. Camera Operator

3. First Assistant Cameraman (first AC or focus puller)

4. Second Assistant Cameraman (second AC or clapper/loader)

A kid graduates from film school with a degree in cinematography and comes to Hollywood with a 16mm short. He quickly discovers that no one will hire him to shoot a 35mm feature. So, to pay rent, the first job he gets is at a camera rental facility as a gofer/driver or a maintenance assistant.

At the camera rental facility, as working DPs pick up camera packages for their shoots, the college grad introduces himself and asks for a job—as a second AC (aka second assistant cameraman or clapper/loader). This person’s responsibility is to load magazines, work the slate (the clapper), and keep the camera reports.

The kid eventually hooks up with a DP, leaves the rental facility, becomes a second AC, and works on 20–30 shoots over two years, and—if he doesn’t screw up—he eventually becomes a first AC (aka first assistant cameraman or focus puller). This person is in charge of focus and keeps the camera, magazines, and film gate clean and clear. He does this for two years, works on another 20–30 projects, and “pulls focus” on 1,000–10,000 shots. If all these shots are sharp and clear, he moves up the ladder to become a camera operator. This is the person Who frames the shot, with or without the actor, for maximum dramatic effect.

After five or six years operating the camera, he is qualified to be a feature film DP. During this time he has worked on almost 100 projects and actively participated in 10,000–50,000 shots. This is the person you should hire.

Who to hire

Optimal: Hire a seasoned feature film DP who understands your budget restraints.

Next best: Hire a DP who has been working for five to seven years on rock videos, commercials, and industrials.

Not bad: Hire the camera operator who has been working for the feature film DP who refused your project because of budget restraints.

Who not to hire

A recent college graduate who has only shot 16mm shorts.

A seasoned DP who is used to big-budget shoots and who thinks your budget is too low.

Anyone who has shot only video, never film.

How to find a DP

Call the local film lab and ask for referrals.

Call the local camera rental facility and ask for referrals.

Call the local film commissioner and ask for referrals.

Once you’ve hired your DP, he will hire a crew of assistants (operator, first AC, and second AC) within 24 hours.

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