Aims for the year

Introduction:

For my final year of University i would like to achieve certain things and demonstrate certain skills that i can build a solid portfolio with, for showing employers when searching for a job. This is the ultimate aim for this year as well as obviously achieving my degree. I have researched around job roles and what certain roles require from a professional.

I have thought about where my interests lie in Digital Film and Screen Arts, looking at my past two years on the course. I am concerned with creating the visual identity/look of the film. I want to be involved with all areas of a crew working with the director, camera crew and lighting department to achieve something cinematically beautiful. I like to be involved in managing all aspects of filming: from story development, getting equipment, location hunting, filming, reviewing and even editing footage. Drawing from my research i know the rough area of industry i would like to aim myself towards and skills to concentrate on developing throughout this year.

I would like to demonstrate the following:

- Knowledge about camera equipment, lenses and support equipment/accessories
- Camera operation and a general working knowledge of most camera systems
- Good sense of visual composition, perspective and movement
- A grasp of lighting techniques, how to achieve them and how they aid the image
- Good all round photography, and the moving image knowledge
- My artistic vision, creativity, paying precise attention to detail
- Understanding of colour and showing this in camera and also in post
- Ability to give and accept direction
- Know about health and safety legislation and procedures

Through reviewing these aims for the year i have come to understand that i would like to specialise in the area around: Director of Photography. So this is how i will pitch myself when getting involved in group work and also if i undertake individual projects.

Creativeskillset.org's definition of a Director of Photography:

"Directors of Photography or "DoPs" are key heads of department on film productions and they have one of the major creative roles. They provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look. DoPs must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material including stills photography, painting, other films, etc. They create the desired look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc. DoPs collaborate closely with the camera crew (Camera Operator, 1st and 2nd Assistant Camera, Camera Trainee and Grips). During filming, DoPs also work closely with the Gaffer (who runs the lighting team), the Production Designer, Costume Designer, and the Hair and Make-up Department. After reading the screenplay, DoPs meet with the Director to discuss the visual style of the film. They conduct research and preparation including carrying out technical recces of locations. They prepare a list of all required camera equipment, including lights, film stock, camera, cranes and all accessories etc, for the production office to order. During preparation DoPs also test special lenses, filters or film stocks, checking that the results fit with the Director's vision for the film. On each day of principal photography, DoPs and their camera crews arrive early on set to prepare the equipment. During rehearsals, the Director and DoP block (decide the exact movements of both actors and camera) the shots as the actors walk through their actions, discussing any special camera moves or lighting requirements with the Camera Operator, Gaffer and Grip. Each shot is marked up for focus and framing by the 1st AC, and, while the actors finish make-up and costume, the DoP oversees the lighting of the set for the first take. On smaller films, DoPs often also operate the camera during the shoot. At the end of each shooting day, DoPs prepare for the following day's work and check that all special requirements (cranes, Steadicams, remote heads, long or wide lenses, etc.) have been ordered. They also usually view the rushes (raw footage) with the Director. During post production, DoPs attend the digital grading of the film, which may involve up to three weeks of intensive work. Most DoPs work on commercials and promos as well as on feature films. Although the hours are long, and some foreign travel may be required, the work is highly creative and very rewarding."

The role for me:

Pulling from this definition i can see what would be expected of me in the role of DoP. Any work i will be doing this year will be focused around short films, rather than full productions so my role will be slightly varied because of this.

"Creativity" is a huge part of why i enrolled in this course in general. I wanted something that would challenge me as an artist and make me develop in all areas of media. This is ultimately what i want to show about myself because creativity is individual and says something about who you are as a creative.

Photographic heart of a screenplay using photography, painting or other films. Whichever film i get involved with i shall engulf myself into and research how to tell the visual story. Working close with the director i will set off to build a mind map of imagery that i can use, watching films with similar films, locations, themes that ours will cover. I think it is so important in a student film to "provide the film with unique visual identity" as so much seems to be generic cliche' shots that in the end makes it look like a "student film".

Lighting/Framing/Camera movement are all areas that i need to really research, develop and practice in. Whilst my interest has never been too involved with lighting as i usually prefer to work with natural lighting i realise how important this skill is particularly as a DOP. I would like to ideally share this role if possible as i feel it is not one of my strengths. Framing is something i am very passionate about in film and get a lot of pleasure when i see creative framing, it is very aesthetically pleasing for an audience to watch a scene that has well thought out creative framing. I aim to make my work stand out in this way. Finally for camera movement i feel is difficult for the inexperienced and can easily make or break a film. It is becoming too common with students to fall into the "shaky cam" movement with a camera a lot and i don't want to be falling into this as well. With research and practice i hope to be able to produce some professional camera movement that really aid's the shot being recorded and add to not only the story but the visuals of the film.

Naturally throughout i will undertake a huge amount of research and preparation surrounding Cinematography and being a Director of Photography. This blog will show my progression as i work on this role and projects, learning about camera equipment, accessories that go with them, lighting and movement and working with the camera, practicing with lenses and filters. Eventually i should also have a huge collection of inspiration for my own work, collected from films photographs and perhaps even art.