DP shot list

So I'm DP'ing a very short short with a new group. I'm volunteering my time and equipment which I'm normally happy to do. I made a nice storyboard and was going to do the shot list once the script was finalized. However, the Producer / Director kind of stepped on my toes and made up a shot list that has nothing to do with my storyboards and is a mess. Like divided into 10 scenes for a 2+ pager! Plus the shots just don't make any sense. They may look "good" but they're mostly unmotivated.

I'm not a camera holder. I'm not a videographer (well, I am if I have a paying client). As I understand in my relatively limited experience is that the director of photography....directs the photography. Would I be out of line to place an ultimatum that either I create my photographic vision or they can just get someone else to do it? As is with the re-write, I probably already won't put my name on it...they changed it from a dark comedy to slapstick which is **** cinema.

Just asking because I want to make sure I'm not out of line with my expectations as a volunteer DP.

Oh, plus on shoot day the forecasted high is 33 and we'll be shooting with the heater off. No shoes allowed. For free??

Sounds like it’s getting to be not a fun shoot. The director and the DP should be working closely and have the respect of each other, otherwise it will not work out. Although there should only be one chef in the kitchen, that being the director, there is also a sous chef, that is the DP. Although the DP reports to the Director, the director must respect the creative vision of the DP and listen to him or her. In return, the DP will try to accommodate and accomplish the director’s request. You might want to ask him for the motivation of each scene and try to see why that won’t work and explain to him and/or give him options on making it work for both of you. If you don’t feel comfortable with how things are going, then best is to part ways before principal production starts. Good luck.

I have NO experience as either a Director or DP.

But in watching a lot of Behind the Scenes Featurettes on Blu-ray, I get the impression the Director and DP generally work together to get the shot, but ultimately the Director has the last word on camera placement and movement.

But even if that's a correct impression, it doesn't mean a DP can't leave a project over "creative differences'.

The director has the last word on anything, cinematography included. Some do much/most of the cinematography themselves (Fincher), others completely trust their DP.

BUT

offering your skills for free is a completely different game. There's something to be said about not giving away your best to people who don't appreciate it. Especially not for free.

Would I be out of line to place an ultimatum that either I create my photographic vision or they can just get someone else to do it?

Do that, if they say no, walk away.

Yes, the Director and DP should be collaborators not adversaries
I would suggest you bite the bullet and give the director the "mess" he wants and let him get on with it. If you feel that working like this is not for you then it may be better to walk away.

You can communicate with the producer and director to express your concerns about the shot list and how it differs from your storyboard. Explain why you feel the shots in your storyboard are motivated and why the current shot list may not work. Offer to work with the producer and director to find a solution that meets their needs while also allowing you to contribute your creative vision

Galin, take heart you are not alone. Have a look at this vid with DP Bob Richardson on giving idea notes to Martin Scorsese. Play from 9min 30secs to 10mins 16 secs.

Let us know how it played out

if you feel its bad enough to not put your name on it, and you're doing it for free, with headaches already... i'd walk, personally.

It’s a collaborative process from end to end. Storyboards are often in place before the DP is hired. Same goes for the edit on the other side. There’s a paper cut in place before the footage is shot. The composition and lighting are the DP’s gig, storyboards which naturally dictate the edit, generally fall under the Director’s umbrella.

Look at a film like Whiplash that won the Oscar for best editing. The editor didn’t piece together a bunch of random footage from the cutting room floor. All of those shots were in place before the edit and shoot happened.

I’ve gone on location scouts with the director and we’d talk about how and where to shoot but I’ve only storyboarded a short when working with a bunch of complete amateurs. If the DP is storyboarding then she’s basically directing everything but the performance.

Good Luck

Good comments above.

Saw a long-time DP talk The Biz once. Simple and direct comments. He started by displaying this list:

In order of rank:
Producer
Director
DP
Camera operators

And said read this list, and note your position on it. Then went through the following points.

1) Don't assume more gravitas to yourself than that list shows.

2) Hope for reasonable professionalism and courtesy from Above.

3) Comply with requests and requirements from your boss as far as possible.

4) If either professional courtesy or requirements become problematic, decide whether you A) shut your trap and just finish the job or B) walk.

5) If both professional courtesy and requirements are out of line, RUN. Now.

Seemed a sensible perspective.

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That's good advice but he's volunteering skills, time and equipment for free here, to a project that doesn't seem rewarding in any way. Tough spot.

Yea. I've been burned enough times when volunteering, that I'm very specific up front anymore. Very polite of course, just specific about my participation expectations and requests.

And politely turn down most. We'll all be happier.

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