As a film student, I've had the opportunity to play both roles as Director and DP on most of my projects... I'm looking to get a masters in directing or just head straight into freelance DP work.. I have a love for images and story, but I'm having trouble deciding which field to pursue because both professions seem to center around the two. How do you know you were "meant" to be a DP opposed to being a Director? Is it better to pursue both?
Cinematography : Director or Cinematographer? by Nicolas Scroggins
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I'm going to go out on a limb here; perhaps the way a film student learns what they were "meant" to be is by trying several different jobs as a film student. Direct a few movies, DP a few movies, produce a few movies.
I had a similar question 2 years ago. See if it helps or if you can find yourself there: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/cinematography/Why-be-a-cinematographer
The question should be: Do you love working with actors to get your story? If you do, go the directing route. You will have more creative control over the project and your knowledge and experience will help you communicate your vision clearly to your DP.
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I love both thus i do both.
In that case I would do directing if I were you.
If you don't know yet it is okay, keep shooting as much as possible the answer will be obvious to you soon enough. For me some projects are more suitable than others to just DP when I direct takes other side of my brain and personality.
Yes. Why limit yourself? One skill will strengthen the other. My 2¢.
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Be careful if you decide to go DP how you interact with directors. Generally the last thing they want or need is a second director on set.
I would go with DP it just seems more artistic and would be more fun for me. But i'm just an actor so what would i know? Making films is a completely different world.
Do a bit of both like Peter Jackson in his early career he directed, DPed at least a few shots, produced, and acted in all his early films and for most of his mega budget stuff too
as for me I write, produce, dp a few shots direct and edit cause I have a budget of less then 20 euro to work with most of the time
A DP can make a living much easier* than a Director- but if you advertise yourself as both, you will get far fewer calls as DP because directors do not want another director on their set. (*easier is relative- it has never been harder for a DP to make a lving, particularly starting out. Most working DP's are older and did not start as DPs, but as assistants, lighting crew, etc...)
i know DP Directors... they do get work, but I would recommend marketing yourself as a DP... most DP's direct, that is part of being a DP... look up Shane Hulbert... a DP who has directed some cool films as well... he is famous for the blow up Christian Bale on the Terminator Salvation movie
I'm a filmmaker, I do everything!