The Director of Photography (DOP) or cinematographer must collaborate with the film director at various points in the production process. The DOP must be well-versed in filmmaking concepts and techniques in order to accomplish this. If a director is familiar with cinematography techniques, he or she may be able to get the most out of a DOP’s talents. His/ Her real ability is to harness the power of the entire cast and crew to ensure that the film is a huge success. A cinematographer’s job is to serve as the director’s second pair of eyes.
Due to unexpected clashes of ideas and thoughts between the DOP and the Director, this article aims to highlight the importance of interrelationship between these two roles. So, in order to keep things running smoothly, the director must be satisfied with what he/she gets. The DOP is responsible for handling and resolving any issues that arise during principal photography on set. Although verbal storytelling is easier than visual storytelling because we only need sound, visual storytelling is more interesting and effective because we need light, a camera, and a suitable location for shooting.
Despite the director’s instructions, the DOP is responsible for all aspects of the shoot, including lighting, colour schemes, moods, themes, and more. This means he/she must ensure that the creative brief is properly implemented. Similarly to the government’s administration, he or she executes the schemes and plans that have been devised. Each member of the DOP crew, from the gaffer to the first and second camera operators to the best boy to the electricians and the grip crew, contributes to the artistic vision of the director by applying their technical expertise to the production.
DOPs and directors of photography each have their own roles, some of which are purely technical in nature, but they also share common responsibilities such as location scouting, storytelling practise on camera, and consideration of every aspect of the scene to be shot, including the backdrop, costumes, and any other elements that may have an impact on the final product. To achieve a common goal, the Director and DOP can benefit from improved basic communication thanks to Film Education. A filmmaking course’s primary goal is to teach students how to work with the camera and how to work with the director of photography (DOP) so that their collaboration is smooth and productive.