When you have a creative project on the go, you will need to find a Director of Photography. The way a project feels is an important deciding factor when it comes to how it turns out, so this person has to be the best fit for the vision you’re trying to create. When there’s a clash, your whole venture is put at risk. With that in mind, for all you creatives out there, here are some tips for finding the perfect DoP that will make the process so much easier.
Understand the Role
The best way to help yourself is by answering the question: what is a dop? What a dop director of photography UK does differs from set to set, but ultimately, they control all the movements on the scene and ensure that things like lighting, camera personnel, and all creative decisions are fully informed and up to scratch. A good cinematographer London will be easy to give creative control to, and you need to know that their experience can deliver.
Check Their References
References are the things that prove people can deliver on what they’re claiming. It is one of the most authentic ways to verify that what’s being promised will come to life. Take the time to look at references and have a long conversation with past clients so that you know you are working with a genuine director that won’t lead your project astray. Ask questions about how they communicate, how they listen, and how they bring their own ideas into the mix.
Verify Their Past Projects
References are useful, but it is also beneficial to check out past projects to see whether or not there is truth to them. False references do happen, so taking the time to look at established projects will grant you peace of mind that these are all credible ventures that have delivered on the stated experience.
Spend Time Together
Given that something like creating a film is quite an intimate creative process, it will always be advantageous to establish whether or not the potential key players are compatible with your personality, needs, and project scope. The way to figure this out is by actually spending some time together one on one to find out whether there are any major personality clashes you need to be aware of. Sometimes, a little disagreement here and there is a good thing in the world of creative media, but it’s not for everyone.
Make Sure They’re Passionate About the Project
Finally, do they seem passionate enough about the vision you want to bring to life? If the answer is no, this is reason enough to move on and look for someone else. However, if you see the same excitement and drive in their eyes, and hear it in their words, then these are both positive signs that you’re making the best move for your journey.
Finding a DoP is a big decision and one that demands time, consideration, and energy to get right. There are so many things to look at, and it helps to cover all the bases thoroughly.