Adam Kimmel, DP Explores Role Of DITs On The NAB Show

January 29, 2020 - /PressAdvantage/ - During his appearance in the NAB Show, Adam Kimmel, ASC shared his thoughts on the important role played by the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) on any given set. He described both his personal experience as a director of photography and shared stories from cases he has observed over the years. Read further here: Adam Kimmel DP.

Getting the desired setting and displaying the desired message are two of the most difficult challenges that a Director of Photography (DP) will face throughout their career. They will constantly face conflicts between saving their client's money or looking for the perfect image setting, often compromising one or the other depending on the situation at hand. The difference between a good and a mediocre director is how they respond to these challenges, using the resources at their disposal to overcome these obstacles without significant compromises made to either end.

This was one of the primary topics discussed during Kimmel's visit at the NAB Show, as the conversation focused on how he and other guests have utilized the help of DITs throughout their career. They also discussed the role they have played in the success of any given spot. While most agreed that a DIT’s presence on set is valuable, Kimmel took a different approach to the topic, elaborating on opinions that did not necessarily agree with other DPs.

Kimmel said that, while other directors give a certain amount of freedom to their DITs, he preferred working closely with them to achieve a specific goal. He explained that having several people making decisions on-set can quickly devolve into a situation where the flow of the spot is constantly interrupted by each participant, causing confusion and wasting valuable time.

"I prefer going to the DIT, outlining my vision of the scene according to our client's specifications, and then have them figure out how to display it on the monitor," expressed Kimmel, remarking that clients usually have a very clear idea of what they desire. As much as the DIT's creativity can help elevate the production, it could also make it lean further away from the client's expectations. He acknowledged, however, that the DIT's expertise is still very valuable on-set, though in a different area.

"Naturally, having a trusted DIT is very important, as they are responsible for bringing your vision to life," he continued. “The outcome of the spot and the success of the set will depend on their skills and ability to bring ideas to life, and this is where I decide to put my blind trust in and rely on their ability to make any final touches that the original idea may need." According to Kimmel, he relied on this method to achieve better results throughout his career.

Kimmel has worked in the cinematography industry since early on his life, as he began his career as a camera trainee to Michael Chapman, ASC on The Wanderers. He would then move on to Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, which was followed by a stint with Ralf Bode, ASC on Brian DePalma's Dressed to Kill. Working so closely with renowned Hollywood names gave him important insight into dealing with challenges both on and off set. This encouraged him to pursue his goals and continue working towards becoming a cinematographer, a goal which he would achieve in 1986 after working for five years as a camera assistant. Learn more here: Adam Kimmel DOP.

Kimmel has since shot over 16 feature films, receiving two Independent Spirit nominations and a BAFTA shortlisting for Best Cinematography. His films include Bennett Miller's Capote (5 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor win for Phillip Seymour Hoffman) He's also known for Lars and The Real Girl, Never Let Me Go, Jesus' Son. Kimmel is currently shooting an Untitled Bennett Miller project. He's been a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences since 2007, and the American Society of Cinematographers since 2008.

https://youtu.be/YZEug_wn7pA

Those interested in learning more about Adam Kimmel are welcome to visit his official website, which hosts a list of resources regarding his work. More information can be found here: Adam Kimmel Director Of Photography.

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