As a producer, My A-1 guy is my “DP”(Director of photography). A struggle with lighting and framing is common in filmmaking, but achieving cinematic consistency can be simplified with a few strategies. First, use a previously well-lit and framed shot as a benchmark for future scenes. This helps maintain a cohesive visual style. Secondly, prioritize color consistency by white-balancing your camera before each shoot. This ensures that the colors remain true to life and consistent across different shots, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Additionally, consider using the same lighting setup and camera settings throughout your project to further unify the look. With these techniques, you can create a polished and professional visual narrative.

There are only so many cinematographers and directors of photography, who ‘have the eye.’ Hold them close. Just as in still photography there are those ‘with the eye,’ and everyone else. Coming from a foundation of communing with the masters - you operate from instinct and make decisions. Have a distinct grasp of the palette of the piece as a whole.

To achieve cinematic perfection, focus on consistency in lighting and framing by planning ahead. Use controlled lighting setups like key, fill, and backlighting for balance. Maintain a consistent light temperature across shots, and be mindful of shadows. For framing, stick to a few key compositions (rule of thirds, leading lines) and keep your camera angles stable. Regularly check your shots, and adjust your equipment to ensure the lighting and framing match from scene to scene for a seamless look.

Making your shots look cinematic takes careful planning and teamwork. Start by creating a clear plan with a storyboard and shot list to guide your filming. Use the same camera settings, to keep your shots consistent. For lighting, stick to the same type of lights and use tools like diffusers or reflectors to soften and control the light. Keep your framing steady by using tripods or stabilizers and follow the same aspect ratio and composition rules. Communicate clearly with your team so everyone knows the vision. After filming, edit your footage to match colors and fix any small mistakes. Check your work often during filming to catch problems early.