DV Expo Video Production Best Practices
September 27th, 2009 by Shannon Newton
Master Lighting Course
While I was at the 2009 DV Expo, I had the pleasure of attending a discussion from some distinguished DP’s in the business about what they consider the key to preparing for a shot. George Spiro Dibie hosted and David Darby, Michael Goi, Daniel C. Pearl and Isadore Mankofsky contributed
The group agreed that the number one factor in determining success for a DP was to simply work harder than anyone else. They felt that enough people don’t realize, especially in this industry, that if you work harder than the person next to you, you will get noticed and the people you work with will want to work with you again.
Location Scouting
Location scouting is a good indicator of acumen. Things to look for include the natural light present, logistics of getting your lights in place, the movement of the sun through the location and power requirements/availability. The DP only has to solve problems the size of a postage stamp (the viewfinder). It doesn’t matter what is outside of the frame. The most successful DP’s will go to the location, find the “postage stamp” location, and try to put themselves in the mindset of the audience.
Other Location Considerations
Assemble images from the location scout session. In addition to the “postage stamp”, show what is to the left, the right and behind so the director has an idea of what surrounds them. Take images from various times of day and record the time to the minute for reference. Try to find a location that has multiple shot opportunities in the same place. Time spent traveling is time not spent shooting.
Storyboards
For inexperienced DP’s, detailed storyboards are important. Storyboards can be a hindrance for more experienced DP’s as they kill creative input that the DP might otherwise offer. For more talented DP’s abstract or less detailed storyboards allow them creative interpretation that can often improve the final result.
Problem solving
Limitations, restrictions and problems often turn into opportunities. The best work frequently results from limits that the DP is forced to work around. Embrace problems and try to turn them into advantages.
