red tech prep duties?

[Brian Reisdorf]

Can't avoid the need for the DIT, Data wrangler, Data manger or what ever we choose to call the position's on a prep day.

We always try to have one of our DITs present at the shop when an AC is prepping so we can stick our head in and make sure everything is going well. Most of the time it's not paid, and they're working on another project and just making themselves available to the AC if need be.

If it's a typical one camera, one/two day music video shoot (our standard issue show) there's not a huge need for a true DIT prep day really. We're typically working with most of the same computer equipment that will go out on set daily, so we'll know well ahead of time if something needs replacement and we always carry backup cable. We always request multiple harddrives from production (which rarely show up before the day of the shoot), so checking the drives isn't always an option, and there's already a built in redundency (we'll download to a dedicated internal drive on our tower to maintain a two copy redundancy if one drive goes bad).

We WILL request a DIT prep day if it's a multicam shoot or they're planning something bizarre. It gives us time to work out the data management and logistics angles, especially if multiple computers are involved.

 

[Brent J. Craig]

I guess I expect the AC to learn the camera gear and be able to use it without hand-holding from other people. It's just like any other new camera system. It's the AC's job to be the on set expert on the camera gear.

Certainly shooting Raw digital is new and different. So was shooting HD. So was the Arri 435, 235, Arricam, Genesis, Millenium, etc. We adapt and learn.

At least the Red One has menus that make sense. Has anyone waded through the train-wreck that is an F900 menu?

It's still critical to have data management on set. I just think that their job is not to help an unprepared assistant fake their way through the shoot.

 

[Florian Stadler]

I must add that I do mostly 1-3day commercials on a single or 2 camera. Multicam shoots are a different story.

 

[Brian Broz]

On the last 2 shoots I've also been responsible for setting up an Airport/Wifi connection on set for the client, producer and PM. Add that to the list!
It was a surprise to me too

 

[Nir Shelter]

I agree an AC should not try and use a camera with out previous knowledge of it, just as Data should not but in on AC work flow. I think this boils down to the degree and scope of responsibilities of each position.

- An AC is in essence responsible for having the camera operating well under
the production's DP with minimum disruption of the production schedule.
- Data in essence is responsible for the safe storage and backup of
the data and clearing media for use.

These 2 are strongly connected because data is acquired in camera onto media which is used and normally formatted in camera. Work flow operations should be adjusted for a smooth Data and AC work flow.

If Data combines second AC services in their offer to the producer that is their prerogative. These 2 should still and always be kept separate. If Data offers consultancy services to the producer for production and post work flow it is their responsibility to ensure correct camera settings for each scene according to the post requirements which they are consulting on. This should be communicated to the AC by the producer then POLITELY and PROFESSIONALLY discussed and agreed upon between the AC and Data in order to get a smooth work flow for production. In this last case a pre-production meeting would be good preferably with the camera kit on prep day.

 

[Cüneyt Kaya]

I did a 3/4 cam shooting...1st unit...second unit...steadycam....crane...onset recording...onset editing all at the same time...when 80 000-120 000 usd are spent per day and 200 extras are at the shooting...nobody wants trouble.
-- when dealing with projects in the $$$$$$ range per day...its just logical to hire a RED NERD.

 

[Simon Baechler]

Simon all valid points but it sounds like most of this stuff falls under the 1st AC responsibilities.

Right. I thought he was the only one there. If there is a 1st AC it's his job to do all those checks. The DIT or 2nd AC doesn't need to be there at the prep unless it's a very big camera package or a feature film that requires more intensive prepping.

 

[Simon Baechler]

I think the DIT position will disappear on RED shoots and 2nd AC's will take back over.
2nd AC's are a huge help for the 1st AC and since their job title here is Clapper/loader they can do the downloading as well. With the current software tools this works automatically and unmonitored. And they know their way around on the set.
Unfortunately producers still replace the clapper/loader with a DIT.

 

[Spike Baumann]

I think as long as the software evolves on the RED the Tech/DIT position will stay at some level.

 

[Digital Upstart]

Surely the job of DIT will in some way become part of the 1st or 2nd AC's job eventually, or perhaps even "Digital Loader" will be the "new" role. As more and more ACs grow accustomed to the RED system there will be less need for a Tech.

Put it this way: how can an AC do the job of AC if he/she is not familiar with the camera system? How can the DOP do a decent job if he/she does not familiarise themselves with the camera and what kind of pictures it creates?

It's not just down to us guys to show these guys how it works. They need to invest time in learning as well. Training and tutorial days are essential - some RED rental houses offer a full introduction and hands on assesment of the camera, along with workflow studies. This is surely a good way to get "those who matter" to feel confident with the system.

The way I see it, RED is a revolution in quality aquisition at an affordable price. However, having to add a new role on top of the already questionably bloated camera crew represents a false economy. The revolution doesn't have to end at a technological level - we have to look at how this incredible invention can change working practices too. Through education, familiarisation and the sharing of knowledge between departments there is an opportunity to streamline the filmmaking process and make better movies for less.

 

[Daniel Listh]

can't see anyone mentioning this:

Remember to charge ur Red Batteries!

 

[LeeArcher1]

A phone call....yeah, right !

A phone call....yeah, right !

i agree with crepix and florian. there is no need for a DIT (data manager) to go to a prep. maybe for a feature, but not a commercial. a simple phone call with the basic info. on the shoot from the Production Manager or 1st AC is all that is needed. RED is way more about data management than 'DIT'ing. No question.

I agree its about data management and shouldn't be an alternative to 1st AC, however,
Do you honestly think that DIT's will answer questions on the phone, after NOT being hired to do the job !!!!

It will only end up in tears if you don't hire the right people for the job in the first place....