Professional Practise - Main goal - post 2

Last week I set myself specific tasks to ensure that I would improve on this goal. Those tasks were to meet individually with Lisa and Ben, who are the producer and DP for the upcoming TVC project.

Those meetings were successful in helping me to build my understanding of the boundaries between mine and their roles. In the case of the meeting with Lisa, she and I came to an agreeance on how we thought the producer's role would play out, however we also found that we may need to ask for further clarification from our tutors. In the case of the meeting with Ben, we discussed the issues we have encountered working with other DPs and directors in the past, and each outlined the way we would prefer to work.

Ben and I also had an additional meeting; a brainstorming session to discuss the possibilities of our TVC. There was a point in the meeting where Ben actually pointed out to me, "it's not really your job to worry about that". We were discussing ways of shooting a particular aspect of the commercial, and my suggestion had been based on the assumption that we couldn't do a particular kind of shot. Ben was pointing out that it's not up to me to make assumptions about our technical limitations - I should be saying what I want to achieve with the camera, and it's up to the DP to work out whether we are capable of that thing or not. I should not start out by compromising based on assumptions, but should be ready to compromise just in case. I was really glad that Ben pointed this out. It means that our line of communication is very open at the moment, and by showing me the boundaries it ensures not only that I will step back and respect Ben's role, but also gives me the freedom to focus on the things that are most important in my own role.

As for this week, it is difficult to project specific suggestions for how I might be able to improve on my goal. I may go location scouting with Lisa at some point this week, and according to the TVC class outline I will be having a team meeting with the TVC team on Friday. Possible ways that I could contribute to my goal might be to, a) view locations with an eye only for what they can add to the TVC and allow Lisa to worry about production aspects, instead of my usual constant questioning of production issues, and b) in my team meeting on Friday I should make sure to delegate appropriate tasks to memebers of the team, rather than trying to do everything myself. Specifically, I will be asking team members to help source specific visual and sound references to add to the treatment presentation.