recap - Don't Forget the DIT
Don’t Forget The D.I.T.
By: Tanisha Coffey for WIFTA
The Digital Age’s evolution is in full bloom. While there’s no mistaking that film quality that digital just can’t duplicate, more and more filmmakers are switching to HD, digitally shot movies. It’s partly due to the decreased cost of shooting digitally versus film and partly because of the amazing, eye-popping clarity that HD, digital recordings produce. However, that switch is causing some filmmakers on-set headaches that they didn’t often have with film: Loss of footage! So, if you’re planning on shooting a movie digitally, then you should be planning to add a D.I.T. to your “Essential Crew” list. Otherwise, you could be putting your project at risk.
The D.I.T., which is short for Digital Imaging Technician, is the crew member whose primary responsibility is to help the Director of Photography to create the on-screen look from a technical aspect. Some liken the position to the equivalent of a film loader on movies shot on film. While that parallel is somewhat accurate, it is not all-inclusive.
In addition to being in charge of the digital memory cards, the D.I.T. is also the go-to person for trouble shooting data issues on set. They are the ones who make sure that the footage you’re recording is indeed being collected, saved and transferred properly during the movie shoot. Though the D.I.T. often works with the DP within the camera department, the D.I.T. does not replace any of the key positions commonly included in the camera department; most productions will still need a dedicated 2nd AC and Focus Puller.
The D.I.T. position is a fairly new position in the film industry. Therefore, it’s imperative that you choose someone who is highly knowledgeable about digital video production, HD digital cameras and information technology overall and / or someone who has been trained specifically as a D.I.T.
