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Scope

Applies to all narrative, commercial, branded, and documentary projects produced by F7 Studios that involve a Director of Photography.

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Core Responsibilities

• Interpret the director’s visual goals and translate them into cinematographic execution.

• Manage the camera, lighting, and grip teams to achieve visual consistency.

• Select and operate the tools (camera, lenses, rigs, lighting) that best serve the story.

• Ensure footage is captured at the highest possible quality for editorial and finishing.

• Maintain on-set safety, time awareness, and alignment with budgeted resources.

• Note: It is expected that the DP deeply understand the script

 

Phase 1: Pre-Production

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Creative Development

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• Collaborate closely with the Director to understand the film’s emotional tone, pacing, color palette, and lensing philosophy.

• Assist in the creation of visual references, lookbooks, and/or test shoots.

• Scout locations alongside the Director, Gaffer, and Producer to identify lighting and camera needs.

 

Technical Planning

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• Recommend camera systems, lenses, filtration, monitoring, and data management workflows.

• Develop a preliminary lighting plan with the Gaffer and Key Grip.

• Participate in camera and lens tests.

• Collaborate with the Colorist for test grade look consistency.

 

Deliverables (Pre-Production):

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• Finalized shot list / scene coverage plan

• Lighting and camera gear list

• Location scout notes and lighting diagrams

• Camera tests and LUTs (Look-Up Tables)

• On-set camera/monitoring protocol document

 

Phase 2: Production

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On-Set Leadership

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• Lead all camera department personnel and coordinate with the Gaffer and Key Grip for setups.

• Approve final lighting and framing before each take.

• Maintain pace while protecting visual integrity and safety.

• Adjust coverage as needed based on director feedback or production constraints.

 

Visual Consistency

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• Ensure lighting and exposure match between setups, shots, and scenes.

• Maintain continuity of color, depth, and camera movement.

• Review dailies (or proxies) to check for technical or artistic inconsistencies.

 

Collaboration

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• Work closely with the Director to preserve visual storytelling goals.

• Communicate setup time and lighting constraints to the 1st AD.

• Collaborate with Production Designer to align on set dressing, textures, and light sources.

• Liaise with the DIT for media offloading and QC.

 

Deliverables (Production):

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• Camera reports (per day)

• Shot completion checklists

• Any required lighting changes or visual continuity notes

 

Phase 3: Post-Production

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Color and Final Image

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• Work with the Colorist during the color grading process to match reference intent.

• Review VFX shots for lighting and consistency where applicable.

• Approve final look passes for streaming, theatrical, or broadcast delivery.

 

Footage Support

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• Provide creative context and notes to the editor for complex coverage or visual language decisions.

• Clarify shot intention or camera motivation if unclear in edit.

 

Deliverables (Post-Production):

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• LUTs and reference frames for color grading

• Color grade approval notes

• Visual continuity or grading reference documents

 

Key Collaborative Relationships

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1. Director

Objective: Execute the director’s visual vision with artistic and technical precision.

DP Responsibilities:

• Engage in visual development meetings and location scouts.

• Provide shot list drafts, lens tests, and lighting concepts.

• Make suggestions that improve visual storytelling while respecting directorial intent.

• Communicate openly on coverage changes or time constraints.

• Align on shot pace, movement language, and emotional framing.

 

2. Producer

Objective: Ensure all visual plans are achievable within schedule, safety, and budget.

DP Responsibilities:

• Present camera and lighting gear plans with cost estimates.

• Stay on time with setups and camera moves.

• Report delays or tech issues immediately.

• Respect budget constraints while advocating for necessary equipment.

 

3. Gaffer and Key Grip

Objective: Physically implement lighting and rigging according to the DP’s vision.

DP Responsibilities:

• Clearly communicate lighting needs and motivate all setups.

• Maintain safety on set during high-risk lighting or rigging work.

• Approve setups before each shot.

• Foster collaborative tone with grip and electric teams.

 

4. Editor / Colorist

Objective: Ensure that footage is captured and processed to enable the desired final look.

DP Responsibilities:

• Deliver camera reports, framing intentions, and exposure references.

• Attend grading sessions or provide written feedback for colorist.

• Review scenes during edit to confirm image integrity and lighting continuity.

 

General Expectations & Studio Protocols

• Adhere to F7 Studios’ standards for professionalism, crew respect, and artistic collaboration.

• Report any safety hazards related to lighting or camera rigging.

• Respect the role of the Director while offering visual solutions.

• Encourage efficiency on set without compromising image quality.

• Deliver footage that aligns with the intended resolution, format, and metadata specs.

 

Success Metrics

• Footage is delivered with high visual quality, consistency, and narrative cohesion.

• Production stays on-schedule with minimal reshoots due to visual errors.

• The director and producers feel the visuals enhance the story.

• Colorist and editor are able to work efficiently based on DP-provided assets and notes.

• Camera and lighting teams feel supported and well-directed.

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