Tip # 5: Cinematography

By Anant Mathur (August 16, 2010)

Filmmaking is collaboration between many artists and technicians but none more so than the Director and the Cinematographer. They work as a team, and exchange suggestions about the lighting and staging of scenes. 

Whenever possible, the style of lighting is varied from sequence to sequence so as to add interest and impact to the photographic effects.

The most important person associated with a film during the production is the Cinematographer or Director of Photography (DOP). Many people will have you believe that the Director is the most important person. But the simple truth is, it’s the DOP.

The economics of motion picture production invariably fall on the DOP. He is expected to utilize more tricks and lighting devices to cover lack of actual construction, yet create the illusion that such construction exists. More and more scenes call for process photography, whereby a still or motion picture is projected from the rear on a translucent screen. To affect a composite scene realistically, ingenious lighting must be devised to illuminate the subject naturally, yet keep the screen in darkness.

In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to utilize natural interiors for motion picture settings. This has given the productions a sense of authenticity, but in doing so it has presented new problems to the DOP. To light interiors and the players therein to the standards expected is a challenge. 

To meet with these conditions, huge filters are often need to be placed over windows and doors to balance exterior light with that available inside. As lights can seldom be placed overhead, horizontal sources must be employed. Reflections from glass, marble and other shining surfaces add to the complications of natural reproduction.

The ever-present microphone constantly hovering close overhead, darting here and there as the actors speak creates a shadow problem of no mean proportion. To cope with the microphone situation, a whole new lighting technique had to be devised.

A majority of directors focus on the narrative style of filmmaking. It is the DOP who has the ability to provide visuals which drive a film. There are instances when a DOP is given control over the visual aesthetic of a film while the director concentrates on scripting, acting and mise-en-scene.

The technology of motion picture production is undergoing a dramatic revolution as new and more efficient tools of the cinematographer's trade are being developed. 

Cinematography obviously has a huge impact on a film, everything unfolding within a frame and any nuance specific to the tone, atmosphere and theme of the piece.  It is unimaginable to think of a good movie not having a good DOP.

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