Part tech geek, part painter, this top-tier job involves defining the entire visual identity of a film and leading every aspect of the filming process. DOPs (or DPs as they’re often known) craft a film’s look with their expert selection of camera kit, lenses, lighting techniques and film stock, transforming a script into a shot list, which can then be used for scheduling. A keen eye for storytelling is also essential – DOPs use focus, framing and movement (think pans, tilts and zooms) to best express the emotion at the heart of a scene. On set they’re in charge of all camera and lighting crew, and will often work with editors and colourists to hone atmosphere in the post-productions stages.

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