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[irocheez]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the digital camera forum, but have already enjoyed finding useful information regarding the ALEXA.
My next film school project is going to be shot with the ALEXA, I'm studying cinematography on a master's degree program. Until now I have only shot film for major projects and this will be my first digital one.

My question is related to the DIT's job on set, and more precisely, what are his tasks and how does he help the director of photography?

Thanks in advance.

Simona

[robstiff]

A Digital Imaging Technician with the Alexa needs to have a proficient working knowledge of the Alexa:
http://www.arri.com/camera/digital_cameras/learn/learn_overview.html

Tasks:

Ensure proper monitoring with the various options available. The menu simulator is very good; have to know navigation,
setting the various gamma options for recoding, monitoring, electric view finder, etc.

A DIT doing "Data Wrangling" on set involves making sure the DP/Camera Operator has enough storage in place (SxS Cards for example) and the the data is properly being backed up and verified; especially if your are rotating thru a limited number of SxS cards. Also preparing dailies, etc.

It also is good to redundantly check the camera settings. For example, if you go into the Alexa's High Speed Mode,
and want to record in 120 frames per second you can not record in 4:4:4, rather 4:2:2. But if you change the frame rate down to 60 frames per second you can record in 4:4:4 (providing you are using the new 64GB SxS cards). Someone could accidentally change or not realize the SxS cards are recording in Rec709 vs. LogC, or if the exposure index was left  at 1200 vs. 800 from one shot to another, etc.....

These are just the basics.
Fortunately, ARRI's work flow with the Alexa is simple & brilliant.

[Guenter N.]

Simona,

The DIT's role kind of changed over time - while some of them originated from the broadcast world, they were advising in regards to format and had to make sure the digital equipment (monitors and cameras) were calibrated and set to the ideal setting avoiding over or under exposure etc.
Many of the older ENG type cameras had to be carefully monitored for clipping.

With ALEXA you can use a light meter just like on a film camera and it will allow more room for errors than any other camera.
There is no need for a DIT if you shoot with ALEXA.
 
Many DIT's have moved into the coloring domain - being able to offer instant looks and LUT's to the DP and Director and some are also interfacing with the post house to make sure the correct format etc is selected from the beginning.
The data handler's work of copying and duplicating is very important - sometimes this is done by the DIT as well - sometimes there is a separate person who is only doing this.
It all depends on the budget of the project.

Good luck with your project.

Best,
Guenter

[Robert Tur]

No need for a DIT using the Alexa. That's the whole point of the ProRes workflow.

[robstiff]

Yes, the Alexa is extremely simple with the most superior workflow ever created for digital cinema.
Because of this we save money and time choosing ARRI products and of course the Alexa.

However, I think it really depends on the scope of the project.
Someone should at the least should take responsibility of knowing the camera's complete
functions, wrangling the data and continually making sure the Alex's setup is what is needed as changes are made
from shot to shot. "DIT" may be an overblown title for keeping a project in check with Alexa.

[Rodrigo Lizana]

For us, one of the greatest thing about the Alexa is that any film operator can learn it in 5-10 minutes.   Is not like the camera is tide to the DIT in order to work properly. 

[irocheez]

I got to know the camera by attending several shootings and tests and reading a lot about it. I was more interested on the responsibilities of a digital technician as a whole, not necessarily on a Alexa shooting. Things look to be pretty easy, especially if you know film cameras and shot a lot before.
Thanks everyone for their answer. 

[jdcarbonaro]

Simona,

There is no need for a DIT if you shoot with ALEXA.

I'm sorry to disagree, but anyone who does not think you need a DIT for an alexa shoot does not know what a real Digital Imaging Technician does.

An Imaging Technician is just that. He monitors the aspects of the image, creates LUT's, manages the proper workflow of the camera system. Prepares the correct images for post production, and for dailies.
A DIT works very closely with the DP to accomplish the goal of the project, and offers suggestions and insight on how the image will respond to certain lighting conditions, vs. how film would respond.
He offers tech advice as to what color and gamma idiosyncrasies exist within the conditions of the location.
If done properly, your DIT will design the workflow of the show he is prepping according to what budget, and restrictions might exist.

He also tech's the camera and knows it inside out.
He knows what to do when the camera suddenly loses its firmware after powering down incorrectly.
or Knows what to do when a new firmware has a bug and you can't sync timecode.
Or how about when know one else on set knows why, but the camera suddenly starts wanting to write the same roll numbers it already used which will pose a Huge problem in Post production.
Or the fan freezes and the camera overheats, or you had a damaged media card and need to either restore it or somehow retrieve the lost information.......

a DIT is an expert.
for the 5% of projects that can utilize the alexa's ability to drop into a FCP timeline and edit, more power to you.
I love the idea of it.
But I have seen too many "Simple" projects, that were completely changed and/or saved by the DIT.

my 2c

[lymchotdog]

Yes, I do agree with you. Digital camera is just digital camera, camera operator is just human. Whatever digital camera or human, they can make mistakes. DIT is really important on set, maybe calibrate the monitor or do 1st color grading is not very necessary all the time, however checking the footage and backup the footage properly is needed. I just have a crew shot on Alexa Plus with firmware 6.0 have a big problem. Because they have a really tight schedule, 3 days shooting, a lot of locations to go to, there's no time to playback each single footage. After shooting 3 SxS cards, the technician found most of the footage are all black framing----recording error when they backup the footage. The crew has no time to reshoot it again, they have to move to next location. Nobody knows what caused the problem. Maybe the cards, maybe the new firmware, maybe the wrong setting... But if they do have a DMT(digital manage technician) or DIT on set to check all the footage, simply suggest to restart the camera or down grade the firmware can avoid the damage.

As a suggestion and as Arri digital camera users, if Arri can release a multi function software but easy to use will be great. 

[jdcarbonaro]

There is no need for a DIT if you shoot with ALEXA.
 
Best,
Guenter

I'm gonna be honest, this post is offensive. This is like saying, with the Arri Alexa you don't need AC's because the camera is just that easy.
And for a representative of one of the largest camera manufacturers in the world, to make a statement like this is ignorance.
I've just shown this to my DP here beside me and he can't believe it! He just said "how do they expect us to do all of this (with his hands out) that's just plain stupid!"

Sorry for the rant, but this is seriously offensive, ignorant, and just plain stupidity..

[Robert Tur]

Did you need a Film Imaging Technician on set with you when you shot film? No. A DIT is not necessarily necessary because ARRI has made the Alexa easier to use than a film camera, leaving many of the duties ascribed to the DIT, the same as it's  been for the past 60 years, the responsibility of the DoP, and AC.

The only time I can think a DIT is would be necessary is to assist 1st time filmmakers from the most common problems associated with the WYSIWYG mine-field mentality that comes with digital capture. Examples include, syncing the camera's frame rate with digital audio recording, shutter, proper codec, shooting TV, or computer screens. The things that make post production people so busy...fixing mistakes.

[jdcarbonaro]

Did you need a Film Imaging Technician on set with you when you shot film? No. A DIT is not necessarily necessary because ARRI has made the Alexa easier to use than a film camera, leaving many of the duties ascribed to the DIT, the same as it's  been for the past 60 years, the responsibility of the DoP, and AC.

The only time I can think a DIT is would be necessary is to assist 1st time filmmakers from the most common problems associated with the WYSIWYG mine-field mentality that comes with digital capture. Examples include, syncing the camera's frame rate with digital audio recording, shutter, proper codec, shooting TV, or computer screens. The things that make post production people so busy...fixing mistakes.

No, you needed a Lab, and yes, sometimes a camera technician.
I would absolutely Love to see a DoP and AC take on the responsibilities of a DIT. That is the type of project I would stay far away from.
I know DP's that are also DIT's, but that is not an excuse for it to be the same person, on the same show. That's sloppy, and unprofessional.
I hope you never encounter an issue where you need a DIT. Because I for one would be happy to Not help you.

But again, ignorant comments. Alexa being easier than film?? you have either never shot film, or never shot digital. and if you have done both, than again, ignorance. I suppose you are monitoring Rec709, and also never use a video assist anymore either?
I'm seriously amazed at the amount of people that don't understand the entire  process of Film. and in turn, don't understand the entire process of digital. This use to be a craft, an art form, and a creative and brilliant process.

It's fine that you don't understand. but just because I bought an auto flushing toilet, doesn't mean I don't need a plumber to install it, or to come work on it.

I suppose my comment to Arri at this point, is don't crap where you eat.
disowning a position of a 600 Union member in the film industry is not the way to spread the love for your camera.

Again, you don't have to agree that a DIT is a crucial member of the camera department. but there's no need to say it's not important. Because any self-respecting well named DP shooting Film or Digital in the industry today, would tell you that a DIT is a welcomed and important member of the team on a Digital show.

[jdcarbonaro]

Did you need a Film Imaging Technician on set with you when you shot film? No. A DIT is not necessarily necessary because ARRI has made the Alexa easier to use than a film camera, leaving many of the duties ascribed to the DIT, the same as it's  been for the past 60 years, the responsibility of the DoP, and AC.

The only time I can think a DIT is would be necessary is to assist 1st time filmmakers from the most common problems associated with the WYSIWYG mine-field mentality that comes with digital capture. Examples include, syncing the camera's frame rate with digital audio recording, shutter, proper codec, shooting TV, or computer screens. The things that make post production people so busy...fixing mistakes.

You know what, you're right. You can shoot an the arri alexa without a DIT. and you can also do it gorilla style without a 1st or 2nd AC. and really, if you're that good, you can setup the lighting and do your own makeup.
It's at everyones choice how they want to shoot, and I am sorry for my rants...

[Robert Tur]

You're frustrated that technology is outpacing the need for DITs. I feel your pain, but it's not just my opinion, but the opinion of many popular DoP that have done away with DITs on their big studio films, but that's the trend. Even actors are worried as animation exponentially improves, fearing that one day in the near future they'll be replaced with 1s and 0s. Currently, I'm taking a break directing commercials to shoot a small  feature with my Alexa, that I wrote...and yes, there have been times that I've had to do makeup...and had a blast doing it. Adapt, or die...ARRI did with the Alexa. Just look at Panavision and Kodak to see where complaining takes you.

[jdcarbonaro]

I suppose my point is falling deaf.

I agree that you are capable of using a camera without a technician, or a DIT.
The point is that to make a statement that you will never need one?? scary business.
I'm glad the cameras are getting easier. Adapt or Die? sure have!
But I still hire a truly professional focus puller when I need to get the shot. Just like I hire a real DIT when I want the most out of my project, and need to be sure I don't have issues.

Shame on Arri for holding the view that this is not important.