Red Certified user/DIT

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Many of us are self-taught I didn't go to school to learn this shtuff. Or maybe I did in a way -- CompSci major in college, spent a few years developing games, then on to the big internet boom of the late '90s, then back to games, but as CG artist and not a programmer, then to video, film and now RED. And that's only one facet of my life... I also have my roots in heavy construction / demolition. I actually make my living being a real estate speculator and developer. This camera thing is really more of a hobby because it has yet to generate enough cash flow for me to quit doing anything else... It barely generates enough to support buying the equipment, lest I move to LA or NY or elsewhere that actually has a big market for such.

Houston has a pretty good high-tech sector, look around for workshops or ways to get experience with various IT concepts and related training. But above all, you just have to do it. Either by taking jobs and working your way through it, building up to bigger jobs. Or by experimenting and learning on your own.

Let's start simple.. Can you build a PC just by shopping online for parts on your own? Do you know the differences between PCI-e, PCI-X and ExpressCard? What is the maximum length of a SATA cable?

Or maybe a better approach is this... If you have already paid for the camera and it's on its way, then congrats! Build your knowledge of accessories and other components as you research and build your kit. If you intend to provide the camera and support services all your self, you need to be familiar, inside and out, with whatever equipment you provide.

As you learn, you may first have to just offer yourself as "camera tech" and not a full on DIT. On larger productions, a DIT has larger responsibility and this person may actually be placed in the "Director" role of their title -- directing other techs on set to get the job done and jumping in to help where needed. In such a situation, it may be applicable to have a hardware tech, a media loader / runner, a network tech, etc..

 

[J. Bernard Vallon]

I am sorry but that is not true if he own a camera.

There are always people who think cheaper with free DIT is a good idea.

It's suck but they are out there.

Tek

We aren't cheap, but we do send a DIT with every camera. It definitely helps productions that have never shot Red1 before get there feet wet, and every one of our clients to date has recommended us to a second job. Not all the second jobs went through of course, but everyone hands out our business card. No trade school, just training and theory and field work. Can't beat that.

 

[Chris Parker]

i certified myself.

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I'm certifiable...

 

[Dustin Cross]

David,

If you want to come and spend some time with me and my camera in Austin, I can go over most of what I do as a DIT.

Most of what I do is covered by the IATSE description:

Digital Imaging Technician (D.I .T.)
• Creates package for the production based on stage or location, how the show will be presented, and who will be using the equipment (film or video oriented)
• Should know each piece of equipment, how it works, and how to troubleshoot each part of the system
• Sets up, operates, troubleshoots and maintains digital cameras, monitors, cables, recording devices, and other related equipment
• Should know the production’s entire post-production path and how it will be finally delivered once completed
• Make recommendations on post-production facilities and other technical issues to keep the post-production path as smooth and uneventful as possible
• Should know how to match the color on two or more cameras and maintain the look of the cameras if a Video Controller is not on the production
• Should establish a creative relationship with the D.P. so that he/she can set the color of the cameras, often before the D.P. asks for a specific change

and then I do most of the stuff that Jeff described.

Every shoot is different and I rarely do everything on every shoot. Some shoots are very simple, like the music video we worked on and some are much more involved.

Let me know if you want to come to Austin and do some training.



mahalo,
Dusty

 

[RyanKunkleman]

i also like to mention that just because you are the owner of a camera doesn't mean that you have to be the DIT. there are a few qualified people around the country that would be willing to help you.

also in the same line of thought. owning a camera doesn't guarantee that you will ever be qualified to be a DIT.

knowledge does not equal skill

not directed at anyone in particular.