How to Make a Living as a DOP - Director of Photography with Andrew Rodger

This week I’m talking to cinematographer Andrew Rodger.
Andy has worked on commercials, high profile TV dramas for Netflix and the
BBC and feature films including No Way Up, Three Day Millionaire and
Confession.
I chatted to Andy about how he got to where he is, how to get work and his
practical tips for being on set.
Enjoy!

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Did Andrew study at Uni?
01:22 Working with a camera
02:12 Andrew's first paid job
02:53 First job as a DOP (Director of Photography)
04:25 Wanting to be a DOP
05:24 Knowing where you what to get to - finding your expert topic
05:49 Working on a big budget project - hierarchy
07:30 What work does Andrew do before bringing work on a project?
09:35 How do you get on the crew of an established DOP?
12:10 Fast set up times on set
13:48 Light tweakers - having confidence in your set up
16:00 Tips for directors to get the most from your DOP
17:30 Advice for when things go wrong on set?
20:12 Is it a closed industry? Andrews advice for breaking in?
23:20 No Way Up - filming underwater
24:56 Getting an agent - % of work from your agent
26:05 Logistics - how does the money work?
27:46 Freelancers - getting paid on time
29:40 Should you buy your own equipment?

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.