Directing
The Director and the DP (page 2)

When on the set, the director and DP work as a team, each taking on specific responsibilities. The quickest way to sour the atmosphere on the set is to undermine the work and decisions being made by your DP. If you have planned well, there should be no surprises. Make sure the DP and the crew always know which scenes are being shot that day and what will be needed. Knowing you have a good DP gives you the luxury of working with your actors and the rest of the crew and makes for a very efficient set.

During the setup for each shot, look through the viewfinder and discuss any changes you wish to make. A good DP knows that things change on the set, and, if you and the DP are willing to work together and make changes that you both agree on, you will find the production will be incredibly rewarding.

Be very specific in describing the changes needed. Don't be scattered. Carefully look through the viewfinder and determine if the lighting, camera movement and setting all meet your requirements. If not, make specific changes and work together to achieve those changes. Ask your DP for input into the various setups you are preparing. Listen to the DP's wise council and make sure you communicate how much you value the DP's work in the production process. Keep a clear eye on the look and feel of the entire production, and, if it seems as if your DP is venturing away from the goal, gently but firmly reel the DP in and explain the changes you need to make to get back on track.

As the shoot progresses, make sure you are comfortable with the decisions your DP is making. It is not wise to constantly second-guess the DP's decisions; he or she will probably rebel and start packing. You hired the DP to do a job, so make sure you work hard in maintaining a professional atmosphere for both the DP and the crew. Some directors find it very hard to let go of the reins and let others do their jobs. It is essential that you, as the director, are careful you don't hover and try to second-guess everything the DP is doing. Quality control is one thing; redoing the job or tweaking every little shot and light is something entirely different. If you want to maintain a good relationship, you will need to trust the DP's judgment and give the respect and responsibility that comes with the position.

When wrapping for the day, make sure the DP and crew are very aware of the requirements for the next day's shoot. Walk through the various setups you will be using, and be prepared to answer any questions they may have about camera movement, lighting requirements or any special technical requirements. By giving the DP the heads-up on the next day's work, you are providing an opportunity for tweaking or changing the equipment or crew requirements for the next day, as well as for working out any possible lighting and camera movement problems.

Video and film production is a collaborative process. One of the most essential positions on the team is the Director of Photography. Do your homework, learn the language of lenses, lighting and cameras and hire the best DP possible.

The DP can add tremendous value to the set by giving you another set of eyes to see what you're creating. Good communication is extremely important in this relationship. Once established, it will lead to a tremendously successful production.

Contributing editor Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D., is an independent video/film producer/director and teaches video production courses at the college level.