Richardson has worked with the likes of Oliver Stone, Errol Morris, Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. Here he outlines his tips for good work and relationships.
1. Trust your Crew
2. Keep the Eyepiece
3. Reduce unnecessary Opinions
4. Seek out a talented Production Designer
5. Acting is the Central Aspect
6. Study the work of Others
7. Give it all you can
What would your tips be?
As a DP, if you were working with a Director for the first time, what are the best ways to cement a good working relationship?
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Great tips!! Thanks for sharing Geoff Hall!!
Thank you, Shellie Schmals
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Geoff, Thank you for posting this. As expected, thoughtful suggestions in the linked video. His suggestion of needing an eyepiece is very important. The isolation from your surrounding enforces a rapt attention to what is happening in the eyepiece. Completely aids you in your final thought before you roll “is this what I wanted, is it right?” as you look at the scene. Incredibly important. Added bonus is that with your eye in an eyepiece people are less likely to bother you during set-ups. Any documentary cinematographer should be adept at shooting with both eyes open and be able to focus attention on the viewfinder as well as the world around you, which may well be hostile. It is a practiced skill but doable.
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These are great tips. I might add something about working with your lighting crew and grips but that may be obvious for shooters.
Andrew Sobkovich thank you. I will bear that in my mind, the next time I manage to be shooting a project.
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Tip 3 is so important.
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This is an excellent video and a great share for the community. Thanks Geoff!
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This was super helpful. Even as a director I think It shows some tips how to work with cinematographers
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Indeed it does, Catherine. That relationship on set is so important.