The project came about on a surprise phone call that I receive from a director who I was referred to by a cinematographer that I used to AC/gaff for him several times on various short films back when I was in Melbourne, Australia.
Nipan, the director, whom I’ve never heard or met prior to the phone call had told me about the project and mentioned that it’s going to be a feature film! I’ve done plenty of short films and commercial videos in the past, I know that feature film doesn’t come around too often especially when I’m tasked at being a cinematographer. I wasn’t going to pass off this amazing opportunity despite the fact that I have little experience on the long-form project.
There are countless hurdles that I faced during production and things that I wish I knew before stepping into the project, here are a few points that came to mind after thoughtful reflection on what I could have done better during and before principal photography.
Get to know your crew. You will spend many nights and days with them so even before production you should talk and get to know them especially when it's a crew that you haven’t worked with before.
For continuity, note down the lighting plan and measure light luminance for when you have to set the same setup.
When giving instruction, speak clearly and precisely, don’t rush your explanation.
You are a cinematographer, not a camera operator. At times, when appropriate, insert your vision into conversation.
Truly understand the script inside out. The first read-through should be about understanding the story, nothing else but that. Then on the second and third read you can put on your cinematographer hat on and think about how my camera and lighting can enhance the story.
if needed, write down a summary of each scene that you are going to be shooting that day on a pocket-size notebook for when you forget what a particular scene entails
Use a color checker (especially for two different camera brands)
Have fun! You will spend weeks on weeks with the same people. Be professional but keep it light-hearted at times to lift the spirit of the crew up.
Big crew under your management is completely different than a smaller crew, learn to deal with set politics. Each crew has their working style, learn how to deal with their archetype.
Keep an eye out for light reflection on a window, mirror, etc.(film light or practical)
walk around different positions when designing and tweaking lights ( camera position, actor position, light fixture position) Feel the light in 3D space.
Use a white cloth to blow out the window when the view outside is not suitable for the story.
Stay on the camera native ISO especially the higher one (Blackmagic pocket 3200)
Take serious care of your physical being, especially when operating heavy equipment
A close source of light fixture lighting through multiple windows creates a different angle of light beams. Each window should have its own light fixture to accurately simulate natural day/night shining through the window.
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