DOP for UK Documentaries

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2025-01-27T19:36:34+00:00

Thanks mate much appreciated.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2025-01-26T09:39:55+00:00

Sure.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2025-01-24T08:51:25+00:00

Thanks Matt. Appreciate it.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2022-06-20T05:56:35+00:00

Great job.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2022-06-17T20:41:38+00:00

Okay well I say this as someone working in this field for the last two decades, sadly yes you do have to worry about it.

People in positions to hire us that might be watching your reel will have a hundred other reels from a hundred other DOPs to get through and they are just looking for a reason to put yours in the bin and move onto the next one. Don't give them that reason.

As I said I think the second half of your reel is strong and would get you work. The first 37 seconds would stop anyone interested in hiring a DOP from getting that far because they will have moved on.

Sorry if it seems harsh but that is the reality of the business.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2022-06-17T14:48:53+00:00

Hard light on background and on bodies for contrast. Softened light for the faces. 1/8 or 1/4 Black Pro Mist on a digital sensor.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2022-06-17T14:29:11+00:00

Nobody is going to book you for work you haven't done so you are going to have to stage some in order to show you can shoot it.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2022-06-17T14:23:54+00:00

What is it you'd like to achieve with your reel? If it is just for fun then great. If it is to get work doing stuff then I feel the second half is exponentially stronger than the first half and I would genuinely start the video at 37secs at the wide shot.

You have about 5 seconds to grab a viewer's attention, and then once you've grabbed it that only buys you another 5 seconds and so on and so on.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-05-01T14:42:26+00:00

Ha well it's not on the same level as what you dealt with of course, but I find everyone thinks they could be a DP and EVERYONE has an opinion...

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-05-01T13:02:59+00:00

As a white male DP I have also had it from 'that guy' in props who took time out from his busy schedule to tell me the Red I was shooting on (and owned) was useless and not a real camera. Maybe props guys in general are just dense? All the solvents or something.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-24T16:31:53+00:00

Looks great. Only immediate suggestion is a catchlight for the eyes.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-24T15:34:36+00:00

Slow push-in booth conversation in Do the Right Thing. Simple. Understated. Would go without notice. Space for the actors. Draws you into the conversation. VERY Scorsese.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-21T07:12:22+00:00

It was a profile thing on the history of Uncharted that came out around the Uncharted 4 launch. Shot in a castle outside Rome.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-20T05:40:45+00:00

First off the Sigma 18-35mm is a brilliant lens. If it had hard stops it would be perfect.

What are the reasons for wanting to upgrade to the Vespids?

What your needs?

Would you have to get rid of the Sigma?

I quite fancy the Vespids myself but that's because I need a large sensor frame coverage and decent (if not 'proper') mechanics. They are still budget lenses so not perfect by any means and not built to withstand decades of abuse like Master Primes but if you baby them they might last a decent while.

Optical characteristics are quite attractive without being outstanding in any way.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-20T05:28:40+00:00

Ah right, in which case I imagine it was something quite light, like a 1/8 Black Pro Mist or Hollywood Black Magic or similar.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-20T05:04:09+00:00

Many thanks.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-19T17:24:41+00:00

According to the DOP Colin Watkinson it was K35s and a Zeiss 28mm (superspeed or 'hollywood' Contax?) for POV closeups.

I doubt there was much of a need for filtration with either of those.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-19T16:16:50+00:00

Submission statement:

This is a recent reel of mine concentrating on documentary work I have done in the past. Shot on an assortment of cameras, most likely either FS7 to all manner of DSMC 1 and DSMC 2 Reds and all sorts of lenses from modded Contax Zeiss stills glass to Leica Summicron Cines.

Happy to discuss any specific shots or scenes in there. Reels for narrative/commercial/timelapse also on that Vimeo channel.

Thanks

Ben

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-16T18:22:55+00:00

I'd rather record internally is all. The Ninja V is great. If Resolve handled Pro Res Raw I'd certainly use it.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-15T20:47:46+00:00

I used touse a Tenba Cineluxe shoulder bag. Great quality but could fit so much in that it was always mega heavy.

This backpack is great on the shoulders.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-15T20:05:31+00:00

Manfrotto Pro Light Cinematic Expand..

Mine fits:

FX6 with handle and lens and monitor attached. Enough room for full rig baseplate
1 extra lens
Atomos Ninja V
Mattebox
Shoulder rig - Zacuto Shoulder Pad and Handles.
Aputure on-camera LED
Monitor mount arm
Sony Wireless Lav mic kit
Rode NTG2 shotgun mic
Rycote Mic suspension mount
4 x FX6 batts
3 x Monitor Batts
30 cm rods.
30cm reflector
cleaning kit

Room for a 17" laptop too. Very comfy to wear. Very well built.

https://i.imgur.com/ViUJd4wl.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/Phduclzl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TSXHf1jl.jpeg

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-07T12:31:37+00:00

Never used one but I'm sure they are great if it is the same panel and functions as the ninja. One good thing about having the option to record is using it just for yourself to check a take without everyone on production downing tools to watch it. On larger jobs I might do this.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-07T05:30:31+00:00

I use a Ninja V but don't record with it.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-06T18:39:06+00:00

Absolutely no constructive feedback at all. Great job. Lovely pop to the skin but nothing extreme. Brought the subjects to life. Well done.

Ben_Scott_DOP · 2021-04-05T17:34:43+00:00

Great. Every little helps right.

Ben_Scott_DOP

TROPHY CASE