Although all of the group have an input into each others work, my primary role is for the camerawork. This was decided as everyone in the group chose a part of film production, so that we could specialise and allocate the different parts so that we could complete the project by the deadline set.
Cameraman research-The Director of Photography is the main person who is responsible for achieving the artistic and technical decisions that are related to the image. They must work with people like the Lighting Technicians, Director and Production Designer to achieve the desired look and feel to the production. Sometimes they may select things like the lens and filters that are used on the camera to achieve this. They must also manage the camera operators, assistants and trainees so that the job gets done correctly and according to the shooting schedule.
Their main objective and role is to provide the film with a unique visual identity. They have a very difficult task as they prepare each days work in terms of the camera side and are in charge of making sure the right shots, angles and other things are used; and the camera is prepared for the shooting of that day. The experience of the DoP is very important and is the main way in which their learning is enhanced and the way they set up to captivate the audience. Their role also relies on doing pre-production work, like the technical and location recces which are consulted with the Director. The skills that are needed for the Director of Photography include: great attention to detail, an artistic and creative vision, excellent communication skills and the knowledge to complete the tasks that are needed and to set up each shot of each scene correctly.
Camera operators who work under the DoP must do what they instruct them to so they can achieve the cinematic experience that is desired. Camera trainees work closely with all members of the camera department, but they specifically assist the second assistant camera and they must be willing to learn, as it will take them a long time to learn all the things that are necessary for being a camera operator and one day maybe a DoP.
Resources:
http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/camera/article_4686_1.asp
http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/camera/article_3886_1.asp
http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/camera/article_4688_1.asp
http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/camera/article_4782_1.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinematographer
http://www.startintv.com/jobs/director-of-photography.php
http://www.wbvideography.com/images/cameraman.jpg
Sony PD-150 camera research-
This is a semi-professional digital video camera that has many fuctions and gives a much better quality image than other small digital cameras that could have been used.
Because I am the cameraman for the project and we are using this camera, I decided to do some research into some functions of the camera that we may use to enhance the cinematic feel of the film and to have certain effects on screen.
Adjusting the manual setting on the camera allows for the cameraman to make their own adjustments during filming, where the camera if on automatic function would do its own adjustments. To change the setting, the auto lock selector, must be pushed to the manual setting (auto lock release). This is located at the back of the camera near the viewfinder.
Adjusting the depth of field-
To adjust the iris and therefore the depth of field, the camera must be in the auto lock release section, then the iris button must be pushed and finally the iris dial can be pushed to whatever effect is wanted.
The ND filter is the amount of light coming through the lens and to adjust this, the camera must be in the manual position. If the ND1 icon flashes on the LCD screen, then it needs to be set to number 1. If the ND2 icon flashes on the LCD screen, then this time it needs to be set to number 2. If the ND off icon flashes, then it needs to be turned off. All of these features help prevent the risk of audio sound or the picture looking blury. The selector for the ND filter is located behind the LCD screen and just before the lens of the camera.
Adjusting the white balance-
The allows more neutral colour balance for camera recording. Changing the white balance manually when lighting conditions change dramatically will have a better effect than if left in the automatic position. The first step is to put the camera in manual position by the same step, the next is to press the white balance button which is by the viewfinder, finally adjusting the selector to either one push white balance, outdoor, or indoor. These settings will aplly to whatever position and area the camera is in.
Summary-
From researching how to achieve effects such as changing the white balance, it will be a lot easier for me to implement these if the group decides to use them or if when we are filming, I as the cameraman spot that we need to change something manually to get the best image possible. These effects can create a stronger image for the audience and so incorporating them into the production could make it have a higher production level feel it would generally be more aesthetically creative.
Therefore this research into the more complicated functions of the camera could enhance our film and could make it more cinematic for the audience to watch.
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