Director of Photography (1 years diploma)
Director of Photography click here
Brief Job Description: Individuals at this job need to determine the visual style of
the production. They finalise locations and equipment that will be used. During
shoots, they guide efforts of the camera crew and collaborate with lighting and
grips to capture the desired look for the end-product.
Personal Attributes: This job requires the individual to assess the visual style of
the production. The individual must be creative and detail-oriented. The
individual must know and keep updated on the various camera equipment,
shooting techniques and mediums. The individual must have excellent
communication skills and must possess the ability to guide efforts and work
collaboratively. The individual must be flexible and able to make key decisions,
keeping in mind the impact on cost and timelines.
Description
Visual style Visual style comprises the look or appearance of the production including
the lighting, colours, shadows, sets, costumes, locations and the way they
will be captured on screen.
Creative brief Creative brief is a document that captures the key questions that serve as
a guide for the production including the vision, objective of the project,
target audience, timelines, budgets, milestones, stakeholders etc.
Shoot schedule Shoot schedule is a listing of the sequences/shots that need to be
captured on each shoot day
Multi-camera Multi-camera is a method of shooting where multiple cameras are used
to simultaneously capture different views/images
Budget Budget is an estimate of the total cost of production that may include a
break-up of cost components
Timelines Timelines is a listing of dates by which the production milestones/stages
need to be completed
Continuity Continuity represents the seemless transition from one shot to another
Script Script is a structured narrative of a story
Screenplay Screenplay is the script coupled with key characteristics of the scene and
directions for acting
Post-production Post-production is the final finishing phase of the production, where the
raw footage is edited, special effects are added, music and sound are
integrated, colour correction is done etc.
Colour grading Colour grading is the process of enhancing and correcting the colours of
the final production
Digital intermediate Digital intermediate is the process where a film is digitised and the colour
and image characteristics are modified
Recce Recce is a detailed visual and technical assessment of the attributes and
suitability of a particular location for the shoot, usually through a
personal visit
Grips Grips is the department that specialises in mounting the camera on to
tripods, dollies, cranes and other platforms for shoots
Jib Jib is a device used for the movement of camera and operates like a seesaw, with the camera at one end and the camera controls at the other
Lenses Lenses are used to capture images and are attached on to the body of the
camera
Filters Filters are used to alter the properties of light entering the camera lens.
They are also used to create a number of special effects
Dolly Dolly is a platform with wheels on which the camera can be mounted and
moved around during the shoots
Magazines Magazines are compartments within a camera that are used to hold the
film tape
Clapper board Clapper board is a slate that has information pertaining to each shot,
used as a guide to mark shots and aid matching image with sounds
Focus length Focus length is the angle of view from the lens
Framing Framing is how the artists, objects, sets, locations etc. are positioned
within the camera view for a single shot
Master shot Also known as a cover shot, this shot is a long sequence that establishes
an overview and aids assembly of smaller, closer shots with details
Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the
characteristics and interests of its components.
Vertical Vertical may exist within a sub-sector representing different domain
areas or the client industries served by the industry.
Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of
functions in an industry
Function Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the
sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person
or a group of persons. Functions are identified through functional
analysis and form the basis of OS
.
Sub-functions Sub-functions are sub-activities essential to fulfill the achieving the
objectives of the function.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organization.
Occupational Standards
(OS)
OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve
when carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the
knowledge and understanding they need to meet that standard
consistently. Occupational Standards are applicable both in the Indian
and global contexts.
Performance Criteria Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard
of performance required when carrying out a task
National Occupational
Standards (NOS)
NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian
context.
Qualifications Pack
Code
Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a
qualifications pack.
Qualifications Pack(QP) Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the
educational, training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A
Qualifications Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code.
Unit Code Unit Code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard , which
is denoted by an .
Unit Title Unit Title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent
should be able to do.
Description Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be
helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the
appropriate OS they are looking for.
Scope Scope is the set of statements specifying the range of variables that an
individual may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have
a critical impact on the quality of performance required.
Qualifications Pack For Director of Photography
Keywords /Terms Description
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
QP Qualifications Pack
NSQF National Skill Qualifications Framework
NVEQF National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework
NVQF National Vocational Qualifications Framework
Knowledge and
Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding are statements which together specify the
technical, generic, professional and organizational specific knowledge
that an individual needs in order to perform to the required standard.
Organizational Context Organizational Context includes the way the organization is structured
and how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge
managers have of their relevant areas of responsibility.
Technical Knowledge Technical Knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish
specific designated responsibilities.
Core Skills/Generic
Skills
Core Skills or Generic Skills are a group of skills that are key to learning
and working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed in any
work environment. In the context of the OS , these include
communication related skills that are applicable to most job roles.
Determine the Visual Style and Prepare Shoot Plan
Description This OS unit is about determining the visual style of the production and preparing the
shoot plan
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Understand the script, production concept and creative brief
Devise creative ways to visually depict the and identify a medium for shooting
Prepare and finalise the shoot plan
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understand the
script, production
concept and creative
brief
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. Interpret the visual style of the end-product through a detailed review of the
script and through discussions with the producer and director
Devise creative ways
to visually depict the
production
PC2. Devise creative ideas and finalise the visual style of the production
PC3. Identify an appropriate medium for shooting (film, tape or digital)
Prepare and finalise
the shoot plan
PC4. Plan and finalise the day-wise shoot plan while keeping in mind the impact on
the production budget, timelines and technical viability- including shoot
schedule, coverage on each shoot day, shoot type on each day i.e. Singlecamera/Multi-camera
PC5. Prepare continuity guidelines for other departments
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. The creative and technical requirements of the production
KA2. The technical, budget and time constraints applicable
KA3. The role and contribution of key departments be liaised with, especially
lighting and grips where the camera team has the maximum interaction
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. Various camera techniques and shooting medium (digital/tape/film)
KB2. How to assess the visual style of production from the script and through
discussions with the producer, director
KB3. How to identify inconsistencies between the story, dialogue and resulting
action and apparent continuity issues
KB4. How to break-down the script into sequences and shots and list out detailed
characteristics of each shot e.g. day/afternoon/night scene, mood of the shot,
special effects required etc.
KB5. How to estimate the cost and time it would take for shoots keeping in mind
the intended visual style for production
Determine the Visual Style and Prepare Shoot Plan
KB6. How to determine the number of shots that can be covered on each day and
detail out the day-wise shoot plan, keeping in mind the production budget,
time and technical constraints
KB7. How to modify the camera plan in accordance to production requirements
KB8. Applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the style selected
minimizes any risks to the health and safety of the cast and crew
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. Document ideas to help present to the producer and director
SA2. Document the day-wise shoot schedule including the scenes/shots to be
covered, type of shoot and key characteristics for each shoot
SA3. Prepare guidelines for other departments to maintain continuity during
shoots
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. Read and understand the script and screenplay thoroughly
SA5. Read and understand the production budget and timelines
SA6. Research creative ways to visually depict the film by looking at productions
worked on in the past, as well as other releases from the public domain
SA7. Research innovative shooting styles and techniques that may be applied to
the current production, keeping in mind the technical and budgetary
constraints
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA8. Discuss, clarify and confirm the visual and technical requirements of
production with the producer and director
SA9. Present ideas and gain consensus on the visual style of the production with
the producer and director
SA10. Discuss and agree on the shoot plan with the producer and director
B. Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. Make decisions related to the way the script will be represented visually
SB2. Determine the way the script will be represented visually, in conjunction with
the producer and director
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. Create a day-wise shoot plan including the number of shots to be covered on
each day
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. Identify any problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them
in consultation with the producer and director
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. Envision the impact of selecting a particular shoot type on the production
budget and key activities
SB6. Envision the impact of selecting a particular shoot type on post-production
process and implications on colour grading and digital intermediate
SB7.
Critical thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. Highlight inconsistencies between the story, dialogue and resulting action and
apparent continuity issues
SB9. identify the equipment requirements from the production brief which can
enhance the agreed visual style and brief
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB10. Check that own and/or your peer’s work meets customer/project
requirements.
Carry out Location Recces and Finalise Locations
Description This OS unit is about assessing the suitability of various locations and finalising the
most appropriate location for shoot
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Understand requirements of the shoot
Assess the suitability of a location
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understand
requirements of the
shoot
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. Understand the requirements of the shoot with respect to the creative look,
production requirements, technical infrastructure, power requirements,
security needs, ancillary costs etc
Assess the suitability
of a location
PC2. Assess the suitability of a studio/location for the shoot in light of the visual
style and production needs (it is recommended that the DOP personally visits
all key locations)
PC3. Note any alterations/changes that will be required to the location, and
expected additional costs that would need to be borne
PC4. Communicate the changes required to the production team
PC5. Evaluate the pros and cons of shooting at different locations, create a
shortlist and then finalize why a location should be chosen or rejected
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. The locations available and/or the sources of finding out suitable locations for
shoot
KA2. The relevant production staff to reach out to resolve issues and provide
clarifications
KA3. The ancillary costs involved in selecting the location namely, the cost of
transportation, accommodation, storage, security, equipment etc.
KA4. The role and contribution of key departments be liaised with, especially
lighting and grips where the camera team has the maximum interaction
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. How to assess the pros and cons of a location, in light of the visual style,
creative and production requirements
KB2. The type and dimensions (height, width) of equipment required e.g. cranes,
grips, lights, cameras, jibs etc. and any specific requirements that need to be
catered for at the location
KB3. Climate and environmental factors that may impact the shoot and/or
production requirements
KB4. Security and other safe-keeping arrangements required at the location
KB5. The technical infrastructure required for camera, lighting and sound and
whether provisions are available at the location
KB6. The power needs of production and whether they will be met with at the
given location
KB7. Applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the location
selected minimizes any risks to the health and safety of the cast and crew
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. Document the pros and cons of each location and reasons for
choosing/rejecting any location
SA2. Document additional technical and equipment needs at the location, for
reference of the relevant departments
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. Read about the location, climate and environment factors during the
intended shoot duration and time
SA4. Read the production budgets to ensure that the location and ancillary costs
stay in line
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. Liaise with production department to discuss suitability of the location with
respect to the production needs, expected problems that might arise,
additional requirements, if any
SA6. Discuss and confirm the creative and technical requirements of the camera
team with the production team
SA7. Communicate any health and safety requirements to the production team
and assign responsibility for needs to be taken care of
B. Professional Skills Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. Identify problems with successful execution at the location and resolve them
in consultation with the production team
Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. Decide whether the location is of a suitable size and terrain to allow for
production requirements or not
SB3. Decide that technical facilities on location are sufficient to meet camera
requirements
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. Plan logistics of transportation, access and set-up, and moving from one
location to another, are feasible in relation to the production schedule
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. Check/confirm that the location finalized/selected meets project/ customer
requirements
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. Have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output
SB7. Analyze of any changes which may impact upon the production
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. take into consideration the actual conditions likely to prevail during the
scheduled shooting time
SB9. Assess the degree of alteration needed to the location
SB10. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of locations in conjunction with the
production team and other departments as appropriate
SB11. Improve work-flow and performance based on feedback received by team
members and client
