director of photography

Code 2654.1.3

Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.

Essential skills

Knowledge

  • cinematography
  • audiovisual equipment
  • photography
  • film production process
  • lighting techniques

Skills and competences

  • adapt to type of media
  • work with motion picture editing team
  • consult with production director
  • develop creative ideas
  • design lighting
  • study media sources
  • translate artistic concepts to technical designs
  • watch scenes

Transversal competences

  • analyse a script
  • work with pre-production team
  • finish project within budget
  • ensure visual quality of the set
  • follow work schedule
  • supervise camera crew
  • supervise sound production

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What to assess for this role

Technical knowledge can be verified with tests and references. What never shows up on a CV are the transversal competences, and they explain most failed hires. Before closing, it pays to measure them with a standardised battery.

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Sources

This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission and the Mapha Taxonomy developed by OTIC SOFOFA (CC BY 4.0), in an adapted version. Group codes come from the ILO's ISCO-08. See sources and licences