On one of his first jobs as a digital imaging technician,
Justin Bergeron (now CEO of HD Pictures & Post) helped
impress a commercial client who was hesitant to embrace HD technology. During
the middle of the shoot, Bergeron overheard the client express dislike over the
cyclorama’s color. The client was even considering interrupting the shoot and
having it repainted, discussing with the assistant director the logistics and
delays involved.
“At this point I interrupted them,” said Bergeron, “and
said that because we were shooting HD with the Sony F900 I could use the
electronics in the camera to change the color of the background without losing
any time.”
They then gathered around the HD monitors as Bergeron
demonstrated how, by using the cameras menus, he could achieve the exact hue
right then and there.
“From that day on we shot spots on HD for
the pharmaceutical company on a bi-monthly basis,” said Bergeron.
Lack of knowledge about the uses and potential of HD
technology often fueled early resistance to HD production. But such was often
overcome by hiring a digital imaging technician, or DIT, to help ease the transition from older
technology.
Role of the
DIT
The digital imaging technician, a relatively new position in
the production world, came about with the advent of digital acquisition. In the
late 90s, when increasingly prevalent HD equipment was still relatively new,
many camera operators lacked the necessary know-how to use it. Rather than
flounder with it on set, they hired technicians with production backgrounds and
technical expertise.
These technicians learned how to operate HD cameras and
monitors, ensuring proper function and acquiring the best image quality
possible. Their duties include camera, monitor and driver software setup,
advanced coloring and troubleshooting. In short, they are responsible for the
technicalities in capturing a high-quality digital image that’s in line with the
director’s vision.
The role of the DIT
predates the common use of the term digital imaging technician, which became
industry standard after the International Cinematographers Guild officially
recognized the position. Even today they are sometimes referred to as HD
engineers or HD technicians, or even simply as another camera assistant.
Necessity or
Luxury
Not all HD production crews include a solely dedicated
DIT. In smaller or independent productions, a
crew member often takes on overlapping duties that include operator or director
of photography. But some productions, such as multi-camera shoots with complex
setups, still necessitate their use.
While not always essential, a
DIT’s presence can bring significant
advantages. Their abilities as onset colorists often prevent the need for
expensive color timing in post. They can also offer advice on what equipment to
purchase for a particular project, communicating early on with producers and
directors about their technical needs. DIT’s
also are responsible for ensuring that the equipment works properly and
troubleshooting when it isn’t. And, during a complex shoot, the assistance of a
technological expert can facilitate the production.
“To have the support of a
DIT who can handle technical equipment issues
and be a DP's second pair of eyes can be invaluable,” said Dan Coplan, who works as a
cinematographer, DIT, and camera operator.
“Doesn't mean I do them all at once but sometimes I'm just one and sometimes I'm
all three.”
Variety of
Backgrounds
There is no standard route to becoming a
DIT. Many
DIT’s come from a variety of
production-related backgrounds ranging from broadcast engineering to
cinematography. What they do have in common is a knack for new technology and a
fast-paced work environment.
“DIT's are technology
wizards so keeping up with the latest technologies and testing them in order to
be prepared for any snafus on set is important training,” said Coplan.
Other helpful skills for
a good DIT include communication, as they
often must coordinate with a variety of crew members and cast, problem solving,
as is often necessary in a hurry, resourcefulness, because when the answer is
not apparent, the DIT must figure it out.
“There is so much new technology emerging every day that it's
nearly impossible to stay on top of it all, but a good
DIT, if he doesn't know the answer, knows how
to find the answer,” said Coplan.
The Evolving Role
According to Bergeron, the demand for the
DIT has decreased since the early ‘90s, when
Bergeron started. Back then, he was among the few who could use the equipment.
The supply of DIT’s has also increased.
“More people are becoming familiar with the technology,” he
said, of the reduced need for a DIT. Also,
with the next generation of HD cameras being more like film cameras, many camera
operators may find them easier to use, reducing the need for HD assistance.
However the specialized skills involved in this position will
always be needed. And having that extra tech-savvy individual on set is often
advantageous. But the trend seems to be the convergence of roles when possible.
“With the way things are changing—quickly and
unpredictably—it's important for anyone to be able to wear
different hats. It only makes you more
valuable,” said Coplan. “As someone who is not only a camera operator, for
example, but does Steadicam and understands technology as a
DIT, that opens up more opportunities for
work and potentially makes me worth more than someone who only
operates.”
