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ESCO occupation

director of photography

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Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.

2654.1.3 ISCO 2654 ESCO source
Competences
38
Groups
4
Essential
21
Optional
17

Competences and skills

38 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
audiovisual equipment

The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

digital
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cinematography

The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.

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film production process

The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

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Cross-sector

2 competences
lighting techniques

The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

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photography

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

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Essential skills and competences 16 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

11 competences
adapt designers’ work to the performance venue

Reorient the work of performance collaborators, such as musicians, dancers, actors as well as artistic and technical collaborators, such as set designers, lighting operators and stage managers.

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adapt to type of media

Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.

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analyse a script

Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

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consult with production director

Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.

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design lighting

Design the right atmosphere and an aesthetically appealing film with light. Give instructions on which equipment, settings, and cues should be used.

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ensure visual quality of the set

Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

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study media sources

Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.

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supervise camera crew

Supervise the camera crew to make sure they use the right equipment, angles, frames, shots, etc., according to the creative vision.

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watch scenes

Watch raw scenes and shots after shooting to ensure quality. Decide which shots will be used and what needs to be edited.

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work with motion picture editing team

Work together with the motion picture editing team during post-production. Make sure the finished product is according to specifications and creative vision.

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work with pre-production team

Consult with the pre-production team about expectations, requirements, budget, etc.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
develop creative ideas

Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

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finish project within budget

Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

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follow work schedule

Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

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supervise sound production

Supervise the creation of sound and decide which music and sounds to use for the movie and theatre production.

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translate artistic concepts to technical designs

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

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Optional knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
file-based workflow

The recording of moving images without using tape, but by storing these digital videos on optical disks, hard drives, and other digital storage devices.

digital
ESCO source
ICT software specifications

The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.

digital
ESCO source

Cross-sector

2 competences
multimedia systems

The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

digital
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photographic processing techniques

The different techniques to develop photographic film such as chromogenic positive, Kodachrome and autotype.

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Optional skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

12 competences
adapt a script

Adapt a script and, if the play is newly written, work with the writer or collaborate with playwrights.

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edit digital moving images

Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.

digital
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edit recorded sound

Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.

digital
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hire human resources

Manage the process of hiring human resources, from identifying potential candidates to assessing the adequacy of their profiles to the vacancy.

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liaise with event sponsors

Plan meetings with sponsors and event organisers to discuss and monitor upcoming events.

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operate a camera

Capture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.

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perform video editing

Rearrange and edit video footage in the course of the post-production process. Edit the footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as colour correction and effects, speed effects, and audio enhancing.

digital
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read scripts

Read a playbook or film script, not only as literature, but identifying, actions, emotional states, evolution of characters, situations, different sets and locations, etc.

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select camera apertures

Adjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.

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set up cameras

Put cameras in place and prepare them for use.

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supervise script preparation

Supervise script preparation, maintenance, and distribution for all productions.

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work with playwrights

Work with writers through workshops or script development schemes.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

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