Choosing a Director of Photography (last blog / next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

The Director of Photography (DP) is in charge of the camera and what is shot with it. The DP will work closely with the director to make sure they are getting the shots from the storyboards. The DP works directly with the lighting crew to make sure they stay on schedule.

On the set of "Fall Apart".

Choosing the right DP can give your film atmosphere and feeling – it subtly helps tell the audience how to feel about what they are watching.

Interview a bunch of DPs. Watch their work. Ask them about their favorite cinematographers. Talk with them about the films that have your favorite cinematography. You are trying to find someone who likes the same kind of camerawork you do.

Speak with other filmmakers who have worked with the DP, if possible. The DP is one of the big people on the set (along with Producer, Director, and Sound) and it is very important that you can work with them. One important thing to ask other filmmakers who have employed a DP is how fast they work on set. Cinematography involves a lot of set-up and can slow production to a halt if you don't choose the right person.

The camera used on Drive-In Horrorshow, Arri SR II.

Once you have selected your DP, discuss how you want the film to look. A great way to do this is to have your DP watch films with camerawork you like and ask the DP to emulate them. The DP should be able to figure out how to use lenses & lighting design to achieve this effect.

A word of caution: be very wary of extravagant camera moves (i.e. Dolly shots, crane shots, jib arms, etc). These look amazing and can give your film a polished look, but they add a lot of set up time. Your time is very precious, and every minute on set is valuable. If you want to move the camera, ask the DP if they can hand-hold camera moves. Hand held camera moves can be jumpy (which can be a great effect), but they don't have to be: many cameras have image stabilizers, and a good DP should also be able to use lenses to make the movement smoother.

What they are saying about the Drive-In Horrorshow....

"10 out of 10"
- From Infernal Dreams

"Drive-In Horrorshow delivers a visual feast of blood splatter and clever storytelling."
- From Fangoria

"Drive-In Horrorshow takes the anthology and juices it fully with five unique stories that range from clever comedy to dark body horror."
- From Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense

"A well made anthology of short films."
- Zombie Movie Database

"Highly recommended for those who want to confront the monsters under the bed of their childhood. And as always find them scary."
- From I 400 Calci (translated from Italian)

"The general tone of this film struck me, because I've seen real passion for the genre."
- From Ulteriorit Precedente (translated from Italian)

"This is a high recommend from me, very entertaining and obviously done by filmmakers who love the genre. Long live the horror anthology!"
- From McBastard's Mausoleum

"Drive in Horror Show is–WITHOUT A DOUBT–the greatest horror anthology since George Romero's Creepshow"
- From Planet Fury

"I can't stop singing its praises."
- From Rogue Cinema

"If you like horror anthologies pick this one up, there's something for everyone here."
- From Deadly Indie Drive-In

"Every now and then a movie will come out that knocks you socks off and with its originality, creativity and magnetic appeal- well Drive in HorrorShow is that flick."
- From Angry Princess

"With a solid lineup of 5 stories that range from the serious to seriously goofy, Drive-In Horrorshow is the perfect film for a Friday night. Or any night for that matter."
- From Planet of Terror

"A tasty little anthology in the vein of Creepshow or Trick 'r Treat, Drive-In Horrorshow is a nifty treat of a film, well worth checking out." 
- From Radiation-Scarred Reviews

"A cut above the rest and slice of incredible independent filmmaking." 
- From Horrornews.net

"One of the most entertaining horror anthologies I have seen in a while."
- From KillingBoxx

"The horror world is a fickle beast but Drive-In Horror Show manages to walk the lines of the subgenres without missing a beat. It's appeal reaches to horror fans of all types."
-Bill Fulkerson from Outside The Cinema

"Celebrates the long-lost beauty of the drive-in theater and all its bloody glory."
- From Basement Screams

"A slick five tale anthology film that was independently made and a reminder of cool shit we used to see on late night TV when we were kids."
- From Gross Movie Reviews

"A good throw back to the late night creature feature."
- From Cinema Fromage

"Top notch effects that invoke fear and comedy at the same time.  I really really like this movie."
- Podcast at Movie Fan House

"Fantastic." 
-Podcast at Horrorstuff

Other Press:

"The horror! But that's what he seeks."
- The Boston Globe talks with the filmmakers

"What motivated you and Michael Neel to make the transition from candid interviews and political documentaries to ghoulish gore horror?"
- Pamela Torres at Punk Globe interviews DIHS producer Greg Ansin

"Wowzers! That really sounds like some good shit!"
- Arrow In The Head is psyched for the release of DIHS