Director Of Photography Onboarding Checklist

Director Of Photography Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Director Of Photography starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Arts/Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Director Of Photography, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Director Of Photography onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Director Of Photography Onboarding Checklist

1. Equipment familiarization: The Director of Photography (DP) needs to become acquainted with the company’s camera equipment, lighting gear, and other technical tools. This task involves a comprehensive overview of the equipment, its functionalities, and how to operate and maintain it. The company’s technical team or a senior DP would typically perform this task, providing hands-on training and guidance.

2. Production workflow understanding: The DP must gain a thorough understanding of the company’s production workflow, including pre-production, shooting, and post-production processes. This task involves learning about the company’s project management systems, communication channels, and collaboration tools. The production manager or a senior DP would typically guide the new DP through this process, explaining the various stages and their interdependencies.

3. Team introductions: It is crucial for the new DP to meet and get to know the key members of the production team, such as the director, producer, gaffer, grip, and camera assistants. This task involves scheduling meetings or informal introductions with each team member, allowing the DP to understand their roles, responsibilities, and how they collaborate during a shoot. The producer or a senior DP may facilitate these introductions, ensuring a smooth integration into the team.

4. Project briefing: The DP needs to receive a comprehensive project briefing for any ongoing or upcoming productions. This task involves reviewing scripts, storyboards, shot lists, and any other relevant materials to understand the creative vision, technical requirements, and desired aesthetic of the project. The director or producer would typically provide this briefing, discussing the project’s objectives and expectations.

5. Location scouting: Depending on the project, the DP may be involved in location scouting to identify suitable shooting locations. This task involves visiting potential locations, assessing their suitability in terms of lighting conditions, logistics, and visual appeal. The DP may collaborate with the director, production designer, and location manager during this process, ensuring the chosen locations align with the project’s requirements.

6. Collaborating with the art department: The DP needs to establish a collaborative relationship with the art department, including the production designer and set decorator. This task involves discussing the visual style, color palette, and overall aesthetic of the project to ensure a cohesive visual narrative. The DP may work closely with the production designer, exchanging ideas and references to create a unified visual vision.

7. Lighting design and setup: As the DP, it is essential to have a strong understanding of lighting techniques and design. This task involves creating lighting plans, determining the required equipment, and overseeing the lighting setup on set. The DP may collaborate with the gaffer and grip team, providing guidance and direction to achieve the desired lighting effects.

8. Camera and shot composition: The DP is responsible for framing shots and determining camera movements to visually convey the story. This task involves working closely with the director to understand their vision and translating it into camera setups and shot compositions. The DP may also collaborate with camera assistants to ensure smooth camera operation and focus control during shoots.

9. Color grading and post-production collaboration: The DP often plays a crucial role in the color grading process during post-production. This task involves collaborating with the colorist and post-production team to achieve the desired visual tone and mood. The DP may provide input on color correction, grading, and overall visual enhancements to ensure the project’s visual consistency.

10. Continuous learning and professional development: In the ever-evolving field of cinematography, it is essential for the DP to stay updated with the latest techniques, equipment, and industry trends. This task involves attending workshops, conferences, and industry events, as well as engaging in self-study and research. The DP is responsible for their own professional development, seeking out opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Director Of Photography checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Director Of Photography up to speed and working well in your Arts/Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.