What is DOP? Main job and the important role of a D.O.P

What is DOP? Main job and the important role of a D.O.P

September 13, 2023

Movies are a popular form of entertainment ever since we still often choose to watch movies after every tiring hour. There is a very common term in the process is film, that is DOP. So what is DOP? And how important is DOP in film production? Let's find out with Viewfinder Media through the article below!

1. What is DOP in film production?

DOP stands for "Director Of Photography" in English, which means framing, lighting, director of photography... They are the ones who directly direct and are responsible for the best-quality scenes. and satisfy the most audience. These scenes can be a smooth combination of art and technique.

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DOP is the one who directly directs and is responsible for the scenes

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2. Main work of DOP

What is the main job of the DOP? Here are 4 main DOP jobs that you can refer to:

2.1 Main responsibility for the camera

The DOP will have to make a decision between using digital or film cameras. This completely depends on the personality of each person that will have a different choice. Along with the camera selection, the list of lenses for each shot will also be selected by them.

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DOP is the one who will make the decision between using a digital camcorder or a camcorder

2.2 Director of lighting

Along with the frame, the DOP will also decide how to light each scene. Lighting has a lot to do with every shot. Using a single lamp or a whole lighting system appropriately will make the film a greater success.

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DOP is also the director of lighting

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2.3 Frame director

The DOP will be the one to directly frame each shot. The composition at any angle is beautiful, how to place the camera properly or prepare other relevant details are directly done by DOP.

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It is up to DOP to decide which angle to take the composition from

2.4 Directing the movements

To bring light and frames to life, a lot of footage was combined with a few camera movements to add excitement to the audience. Some camera movements such as tilt and pan can be combined with pedestal, push, and zoom. This requires a tight-knit team to move lights and even collapsible walls to catch up with the camera's point of view.

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DOP is the director of the movements

3. Their role in the making of the film

So what is DOP? What role does DOP play in the filmmaking process, let's find out through the 3 information below.

3.1 Take full responsibility for the image

DOP carries a higher responsibility than other ordinary cinematographers because DOP is the one who creates the "soul" for the whole movie. The scenes, camera angle, actor's face angle, fast and slow movements, sound, light, etc. are all responsible by DOP.

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DOP will take full responsibility for the image

3.2 Creating beautiful footage

Beautiful footage will easily convey the message of the film. The mood, the character's inner self, etc. also easily touches the audience's heart. In order to do that, it is necessary to place very high requirements on images, sounds, and lights in order to evoke imagination or reminiscence in the audience.

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Whether the footage becomes beautiful and creative depends greatly on DOP

3.3 Play an important role in the success of a movie

The success or failure of a film depends a lot on visual factors. From the actors to the scenes, everything has to be excellent and the DOP is the main responsible person for the image of the whole movie. Unique scenes will leave a deep impression on viewers. This will help create a reputation for the movie as well as for the DOP.

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Dop plays an important role in the success of the film

4. What is the minimum requirement of a DOP?

What are the requirements of a DOP when the profession has become quite hot in Vietnam? To do this job in a real way, it requires you to meet the following criteria such as:

  • Has a high creative ability to be able to create unique and eye-catching scenes.
  • Love for the profession and passion for cinema will be the driving force for you to fulfill your dream.
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You need to be highly creative to be a DOP

  • You need to have high creativity to fulfill the responsibilities of a DOP professional.
  • A progressive attitude with a high spirit of learning will help you go further in your desired artistic field.
  • Good background knowledge will help you grasp the job faster.
  • The determination to pursue this career and never give up.

Above is the basic information to answer the question “What is DOP?”. Hopefully, this article will help you to have a better overview of DOP. If you have any questions that need to be answered, please contact Viewfinder Media immediately.

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Founded in 2008, we specialize in producing TV shows, ad videos, TV commercials, and other types of content. We have continuously improved our services to become one of the top production houses in Vietnam. We offer our clients the perfect service and deliver the most effective creativity.

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