12 Films. 12 Weeks. There are worse ways to spend a summer.

Film Jargon Primer: “DP”

One of the most enjoyable things about learning your way in a new field is picking up the lingo.  Nothing makes you feel more competent or seasoned than throwing around industry-standard terms like “ECU,” “craft services,” and “Abby Singer” — especially when you actually have some idea what you’re saying.  In an effort to let you, our loyal readers, vicariously experience this quiet little thrill, we’re starting up a new blog feature, the Film Jargon Primer.  We hope you will find it entertaining and informative, and if you ever find yourself on a film set, make sure you art up the hero prop before you shoot the insert.

Today’s piece of film-industry vernacular: DP

This is a very simple, but very important, piece of movie-speak.  It stands for “director of photography,” and it refers to what many people would call the cinematographer.  Thing is, filmmakers very rarely use the term “cinematographer”; they’re much more likely to talk about “this DP I worked with” or “a great DP.”

Steven Soderbergh acts as his own DP. Show-off.

The DP is responsible for the “look” of the film; in that capacity, he or she oversees both the camera and lighting departments, and works closely with the director to make the film’s visuals as striking and effective as possible.  Great DPs don’t just know lighting and how to compose a pretty shot; they see themselves as responsible for getting the story of the film across, which means the scope of considerations they have to contend with is damn near limitless.  From sets and costumes to acting and editing, virtually no aspect of a film production is irrelevant to the DP’s work.

On a low-budget project like 12in12, the DP is even more vital than usual — serving as camera operator, gaffer (head of lighting), and, often enough, the only person on set who really knows how to get a film made.  So far, we’ve been lucky enough to work with some enormously talented (and patient) “cinematographers,” and we’re hoping the streak continues!

Tune in soon for another (shorter) edition of our brand-new Jargon Primer!

Posted by Keith