ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years ago - Dave Le May

I was a shooting people member over 10 years ago before emigrating to Australia, now to be fair, I saw a lot of posts back then asking for low wages or expenses but to include Camera gear was a rare but not unheard of request.In the last decade of shooting down under we have lots of low-no budget productions but film makers seem to still assume they will "hire a DOP" for his skill and ability and showreel rather than does he own a Red or Sony camera. I have shot a reasonable amount of features low and medium budget, heaps of TV and probably over 50 music videos and NOT had to have my own camera, I do have a Canon 5D and we use that occasionally for B/C-roll and documentary work. So my point is, the pressure it must be now for a DOP starting out to have to buy camera gear, parents loan or bank loan or savings but still the feeling is that the DOP has become a cheap hire shop! I'm back in London looking at what and how the UK has developed this last decade with the advent of Mr Red etc and seeing owner operators in the wood work etc! *If you're one of them good luck to you, hope you get a fair pice for your kit and skill level! I know some producers have no money and still want to make it happen! I get that just call it "no budget but X for camera" if you have one great if not lets go to a rental house and see what they can do! ( keeps them in business too!)
Dave Le May cinematographer (Perth/London)