{"id":103905,"date":"2018-07-26T11:55:15","date_gmt":"2018-07-26T16:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=103905"},"modified":"2018-07-26T11:55:15","modified_gmt":"2018-07-26T16:55:15","slug":"tips-great-director-dp-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/tips-great-director-dp-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Ensure a Great DP and Director Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most important relationships on any set is between the Director and DP. When these positions are in-sync\u00a0on the vision of the project, morale is high and the final project\u00a0turns out much better.\u00a0Her are five ways DPs can create an excellent relationship with the\u00a0director.<\/h2>\n

Cover image via Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As a director of photography, some of the most important relationships you\u2019ll make in your career are with directors. By forging a great working relationship, you can create a powerful shorthand and that will end up getting you hired again and again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are five ways to develop a strong relationship with\u00a0your\u00a0next director.<\/p>\n

1. Work with<\/em>\u00a0the Director<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"5<\/a><\/p>\n

Image via Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

When I describe the role of\u00a0a\u00a0DP to non-film people, it’s always as simple as this: It\u2019s the director’s job to decide what they want\u00a0on-screen, and it’s the DP’s job to make it look good.<\/p>\n

As a DP, you are a key creative collaborator on any project. But don’t forget that the director is always in control and has the final say. Your job is to translate the director’s vision into something on-screen that conveys the intended emotions\u00a0of their creative vision. Don\u2019t go into a project intending to create for your demo reel or\u00a0to\u00a0try something you saw in a music video. This is their rodeo.<\/p>\n

2. Use Visual References<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Visual references are key\u00a0to any Director and DP relationship.\u00a0They help unify the creative\u00a0vision for a film, and they provide qualifiers for\u00a0ambiguous descriptions like\u00a0“moody” or “organic” that might get thrown around on set. Visual references, lookbooks, and examples from other films are a launching pad to help you and the director craft your own universe as a creative team.<\/p>\n

As a DP, when I approach any project my first question to the director is usually, “Which shows or movies do you see this looking like?” From there,\u00a0I can clarify\u00a0the specific aspects\u00a0of those movies or shows that the director gravitates towards. After several references, I can usually find a through-line that adequately displays the look they want. If you and the director can find this connection together, it will create a stronger creative relationship and a stronger vision for the project.<\/p>\n

\u00a03. Provide\u00a0Ideas as Suggestions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As a DP,\u00a0you’ll have lots of\u00a0ideas about how to accomplish a certain look, or how to best capture a scene. Always present your ideas to the director as suggestions; don’t\u00a0say definitively to them, \u2018This is what we should do.” For example, if you\u2019re leaning toward using Cooke lenses, simply give your reasonings and ask for their opinion as well. Introduce an idea in a softer manner of suggestion. Through your expertise and experience, you\u00a0can provide the director with plenty of information to make the final call.<\/p>\n

4. Be\u00a0Enjoyable to Work With<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"5<\/a><\/p>\n

Image via Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This sounds simple, but it’s so essential. No one wants to work with a jerk or an elitist.\u00a0A good attitude will not only\u00a0help strengthen your relationship with the director, but it will also spill into the attitude on set. Sets can easily become tense with emotions running high. As a leader on any set, it\u2019s your responsibility to try to dispel negativity and create a\u00a0great work environment for the cast and crew. When people talk about you outside of a set, make sure they have positive things to say.<\/p>\n

5. Communicate<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The most important thing a DP can do is communicate, especially to their director. If you don\u2019t see a scene working like the director imagined, then say something and suggest what might work. It’s important that you don’t just bring problems \u2013 also bring your ideas for possible solutions. Have a plan and show that plan. A strategy\u00a0instills confidence in your abilities and in turn allows the director to focus on other things.<\/p>\n

Being conscious of how you manage your director and DP relationships can help any project or set become more successful and ultimately help you become a better DP.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Here are five ways DPs can create an excellent relationship with the director to strengthen morale on set and produce a better quality 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