Art director and Director of Photography

Art Director
http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/283_art_director

What do they do? 

• Taking care of all of the sets and locations

• Taking care of all of the props

• Managing the art department 
• Being responsible for the Assistant Art Director, the Draughtsmen, the Art Department Assistant(s), Graphic Designers, Storyboard Artists, Model Makers and all Construction personnel.
• (sometimes) taking care of the work schedule and the art department budget
• analyse the script to identify all props or special items  
• plan sets and locations
• work across different departments such as location, cars or animals
• ensure that any remaining sets are struck and locations cleared and that the art department budget is balanced, after the shooting is completed

What are the skills?  

• Understanding the interior design and architecture and the history of both

• Have a practical understanding of building and construction
• Understand the work of other TV/film departments: camera, lighting, sound, props

• Understanding the importance of my own work and how that helps the other departaments
• Have a good knowledge of computer budgeting software

• Have excellent free-hand drawing, perspective and technical drawing skills
• Be sensitive to each detail
• Be able to conceptualise ideas

• Be able to think visually
• Have a methodical approach to work

• Be able to take leadership
• Be able to visualise the project before it is done
• Be sensitive and understanding

• Be tolerant
• Think outside of a box
• Hardworking

• Be aware and understand the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

 How to becoma an art director? 

• Get a qualification. For example: art, architecture, theatre, interior or 3D design 
• Do a higher-level courses in film and/or theatre production design

• Get an experience on set

• Build your way through the grades. For example: an Art Department Assistant  to Junior Draughtsman, then to Draughtsman or Assistant Art Director. 

Director of Photography 
http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/759_director_of_photography 


What do they do? 

• Create the visual identity, or look, of the film
• Work with the Director, camera crew and lighting department

• Manage all aspects of filming
•  Provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look
  Create the look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc
  Work closely with the Art department
  Work with director on the framing and tone. Also making list of all the equipment that will be needed on the set
  Test special lenses, filters or film stocks

What are the skills?   

• Have good technical knowledge of photo-chemical and digital processes and the camera equipment
• Understand the techniques of using light and how to use it to achive a specyfic tone

• Think outside of a box
• Be flexible and open    

• Be able to make quick decisions, especially under the pressure
• Know about photography, painting and the moving image
• Be creative and pay attention to detail especially colour and tone

• Be able to give and accept direction
• Have excellent communication skills
• Be diplomatic and tactful when working with cast and crew

• Know about health and safety legislation and procedures 

• Provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look
• Create the look using lighting, framing, camera movement, etc

• Work closely with the Art department
• Work with director on the framing and tone. Also making list of all the equipment that will be needed on the set

• Test special lenses, filters or film stocks 
• Prepares the equipment and discuss the camera movement and light set up with the camera and lightning team
• View rushes with the director
• Checks all special requirements such as cranes, Steadicams, remote heads, long or wide lenses, etc.
• (sometimes) Helps with editing and promos

How to becoma an art director?

• Get a qualification in: photography, drama, art, film/media
• Get an experience and build your way up. For example: start as a camera operator or start in light department