For a TV producer, every shoot day is expensive and every problem on set costs time. That makes hiring the Director of Photography and crew one of the most important decisions in production. Here is what to look for, based on our work on nationally broadcast and streaming series.
1. Broadcast Experience
A DP who has delivered for television understands broadcast standards, consistent looks across episodes and the pace of a series schedule. Our work includes Designing Spaces, The Balancing Act and Military Makeover, which air on Lifetime, and Prime Crime, which streams on Peacock.
2. A Complete Crew, Not Just a Camera Operator
Coordinating separate hires for sound, lighting, grip and makeup adds work and risk. A DP who brings the full crew gives you one point of contact and a team that already works well together. On our TV productions, New Style provides the makeup artist, sound recordist, gaffer, grip, camera assistant and production assistants.
3. Their Own Equipment Package
Rental houses mean extra invoices, pickup and return logistics, and gear the crew may not know well. A crew that owns its gear arrives ready to shoot. We bring cinema cameras and lenses, lighting and lighting support, camera support, tripods and gimbals, so producers work with one team and one set of gear from setup to wrap.
4. The Ability to Scale Down
Not every shoot needs a full crew. Sensitive interviews often call for a smaller footprint. On Prime Crime, Rod Lopez shot the main interviews as a one-person crew, handling camera, lighting and sound, which kept the room quiet for people sharing something deeply personal.
5. Reliability and Easy Collaboration
Producers remember crews that show up prepared, solve problems quietly and make the day easier. Ask for references from other producers, and look at their past work, not just a reel.
Need a DP and Crew for Your Production?
New Style Independent Pictures provides a Director of Photography, a full crew and a complete cinema equipment package for TV series, corporate productions and branded content. See our television work, then let’s talk about your next production.
