Cinematography and lighting are crucial elements of film production that can make or break your visual storytelling. Finding the best crew for these roles is not always easy, but it can be done with some research, networking, and communication. In this article, you will learn how to find, hire, and work with the best cinematography and lighting crew for your film project.
Before you start looking for a cinematography and lighting crew, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your film. What is the genre, tone, mood, and style of your story? What are the main themes, messages, and emotions you want to convey? How do you want to use color, contrast, movement, and composition to enhance your narrative? Having a vision will help you narrow down your options and communicate your expectations to potential crew members.
An often overlooked factor of a cinematographer’s value to a production is an under utilized skill set of the position. The cinematographer (director of photography - DP) is the one other person on a film that shares “director” as the first word of the title. A wise producer will leverage this position and select a DP who not only is a strong collaborator but has the experience and technical ability to marry story with craft. Having a second “director” behind the camera and lighting, especially with a first time director, will result in priceless contributions that will go far beyond the imagery.
Once you have a vision, you need to do some research on the available cinematography and lighting crew in your area or budget range. You can use online platforms, directories, portfolios, reels, reviews, and referrals to find and evaluate candidates. Look for crew members who have experience and skills in the type of film you are making, who have a similar or compatible aesthetic, and who have a good reputation and work ethic. You can also check out their previous work and see how they handled different challenges, scenarios, and genres.
When it comes to building a top-notch cinematography and lighting crew, I follow a strategy inspired by the Green Berets. I categorize potential recruits into four distinct groups: those who are exceptionally talented, those who may need some training, individuals with strong communication skills, and those who may not excel in any of these areas. In our recruitment process, we place a strong emphasis on candidates who possess excellent communication skills, even if they may have slightly less raw talent. Effective communication is key to seamless collaboration in our field, and it ensures that our team functions cohesively and efficiently.
After you have a shortlist of potential cinematography and lighting crew, you need to network and interview them to find the best fit for your project. You can reach out to them via email, phone, or social media and introduce yourself and your film. You can also ask for recommendations from other filmmakers, colleagues, or friends who have worked with them before. When you interview them, you need to ask them about their availability, rates, equipment, workflow, creative input, and collaboration style. You also need to share your vision, script, storyboard, and references with them and see how they respond and contribute.
I have found the best source of vetting a qualified cinematographer who you can trust with your imagery are colorist. Professional colorist (not editors who also perform color grading services) know every aspect of a cinematographers craft. From technical abilities to how efficiently a DP runs a set, an accomplished colorist can provide a sobering analysis of a cinematographer’s strengths and weaknesses. In the current age of LUT’s and editors who apply them, colorist are the true source of color knowledge and artistry. Just as a bartender or barber knows his or her clients’ darkest secrets a colorist is in the best position to provide accurate opinions and observations that will have a real impact on your production.
I rely heavily on the 'can I have a beer with this person?' test. In our industry, trust is paramount, not just in terms of their ability to do the job but also in their integrity and reliability. I need to know that I can trust them with my credit card and that they will uphold our shared values. To establish this trust, I often take a more personal approach. I believe in getting to know people beyond their professional qualifications. I engage in casual conversations during interviews, asking about their lives, hobbies, and interests. It's not just about their technical skills; it's about finding individuals who align with our team's culture and values.
Once you have decided on the cinematography and lighting crew you want to work with, you need to hire and contract them. You need to negotiate and agree on the terms and conditions of the collaboration, such as the payment schedule, the deliverables, the deadlines, the responsibilities, the rights, and the liabilities. You also need to prepare and sign a contract that outlines all the details and protects both parties in case of any disputes or issues. You should also keep a copy of the contract and any invoices or receipts for your records.
Our process begins with a verbal commitment that covers important details such as dates, rates, positions, and equipment requirements. This initial agreement sets the foundation for our working relationship. To ensure that everyone is on the same page and to provide legal protection for both parties, we then formalize these agreements in writing via email. This step includes creating a crew deal memo that outlines all the specifics of the engagement, leaving no room for ambiguity.
After you have hired and contracted the cinematography and lighting crew, you need to communicate and collaborate with them throughout the production process. You need to keep them updated on any changes or developments in the script, schedule, location, or budget. You also need to listen to their feedback, suggestions, and questions and respect their expertise and creativity. You should also give them clear and constructive direction, guidance, and support and avoid micromanaging or undermining them. You should also acknowledge and appreciate their work and contribution and foster a positive and professional relationship.
In our approach to communication and collaboration within our cinematography and lighting crew, we adhere to a fundamental principle: treating every team member, from the CEO to the janitor, with equal respect and consideration. We believe that everyone brings valuable perspectives and ideas to the table, and we're all equal partners in achieving our project's success. This philosophy is deeply rooted in a quote by Lao Tzu: 'We did this ourselves, and we are proud of what we did.' We recognize that our collective efforts drive our accomplishments, and it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate each person's contribution.
Take care of your crew and your crew will take care of you. Crew members deserve equitable compensation, motivating them to give their best and punctual payment demonstrates commitment to financial well-being. Providing essentials like food, water, and restrooms prevents discomfort and distractions. Adequate lighting, temperature control, and ergonomic setups influence productivity and well-being. Treating everyone equally fosters unity and shared purpose. Lead by example, show appreciation, and create a positive atmosphere that promotes trust and loyalty. Periodically gauge morale and address concerns proactively to prevent discontent.
The language of cinematography is T-stops. From communicating exposure goals with the gaffer to providing the focal plane “working stop” to the camera crew, the T-stop is the sun that all aspects of image creation revolves. If the language of cinematography is T-stops, the light meter is how we speak. The light meter is essential to running an effective and efficient set. Without a light meter a cinematographer is relegated to hover around a monitor to make basic exposure decisions which impacts the speed of work and will ultimately cost your production dearly. If you desire to make your day and get the most from your production assets, you will be wise to hire a cinematographer who is expert in the use of the light meter.