Day in the Life of a Documentary Cinematographer

#BTS #filmmaking #documentary
Ever wondered what a day in the life of a documentary cinematographer looks like? Well I was finally able to bring a BTS camera to a small docu-style branded content shoot in Victoria, BC, and hopefully this video gives you a bit of a look into what goes into a shoot day for me as the director of photography/director.
*🗞 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: FILMMAKING TIPS, GEAR, AND CREATIVE LIVING 🗞*: bit.ly/3imiDAj
👊 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL FOR MORE DOCUMENTARY TIPS AND TRICKS EVERY WEEK👊: bit.ly/36f6hnQ
📱 SCHEDULE 1:1 CAREER DEVELOPMENT OR PROJECT CONSULTATION CALL WITH ME📱
superpeer.com/lucforsyth
📖 THE DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER’S NETWORKING GUIDE (FREE DOWNLOAD) 📖: bit.ly/3VIA7Vm
🤘 WHERE I GET MUSIC FOR MY VIDEOS (Luc70 for 70% off!!!) 🤘: audiio.com/partner?oid=1&affi...
🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO
Collapsable Stool: amzn.to/3Iox9lx
Folding Cart: amzn.to/3YyJPMc
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - Loading gear and going to location
3:36 - Arrival and unloading
4:04 - Building the camera
5:35 - Deep dive into all my gear
16:42 - Preparing the next day
17:16 - Day 2, arriving at location
18:16 - Setting up the interview
20:07 - Interview & shooting
21:09 - Closing thoughts
🎥 🔥 📷 GEAR I USE
MY ACAM: amzn.to/3CsrOoy
MY BCAM: amzn.to/3TcW12m
BEST DOC TRIPOD IN THE WORLD: bhpho.to/3VD3Gsn
MY FAVORITE CAMERA BACKPACK: bit.ly/3yTAJPh
EXPEDITION BACKPACK: bit.ly/3MEkco2
KZbin LENS: amzn.to/3CuSl4x
PRIME LENSES: amzn.to/3CuVrWk
CURRENT DRONE: amzn.to/3VUUiQk
KEY LIGHT: amzn.to/3MzpsJn
SHOTGUN MIC: amzn.to/3hVwVnL
COMPUTER: amzn.to/3HXNwlE
CRAZY GOOD POWER BANK FOR FILMMAKERS: www.omnicharge.co/luc
Some are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended
✋ SAY HI
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.lucforsyth.com
IG: @lucforsythm

[@llpreiss]

This BTS is what I'm hungry to see more of in the future. There are plenty of gear reviews, how to light and shoot videos, and sound stuff. This practical example of a "typical day", even if not, confirms what I struggle with in doing a job. Seeing how you go about it gave me useful ideas for my work. I was surprised how much stuff you took. Thanks, Luc, very helpful.

[@LucForsyth]

Nice, we’ll luckily there’s a bunch more coming up in March! Stay tuned

[@Shot2media]

That's the kind of content which really stands out and surely is lacking on youtube, we need more of this, great work Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

Noted - there's more coming soon!

[@Luke_Likes_Lakes]

Killer BTS - I didn't realize you shot in "Alone." That's one of my favorites. I'd love to hear more about that experience!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Luke. Good idea about Alone - I’ll ask the producers what I’m allowed to talk about!

[@bseng]

I second this, I'd love to know more about what went on behind the scenes of Alone as well. Such a great series.

[@bseng]

I second this, I'd love to know more about what went on behind the scenes of Alone as well. Such a great series.

[@johnclay7644]

good, if dense 22mins BTS, good building the camera section very insightful Thanks Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks John

[@JimMakosCom]

Ok, that was PHENOMENAL! I haven't paused a video more in my life. Thank you. GREAT idea/execution. Please, more! P.S. You confirmed what I always thought of DP/cinematographers/filmmakers: 50% of the time it's lugging (but totally worth it)!

[@LucForsyth]

50% on a good day!

[@DestroyAllWaves]

Thanks for putting this together Luc . Sharing your knowledge and methods are greatly appreciated, and super helpful!

[@LucForsyth]

Glad to hear it, thanks man!

[@romaindancre]

Fascinating to see breakdowns of your days like that ! Thanks a lot, keep up the great work 😁

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome. In a few weeks I'll have a major BTS series starting, so keep an eye out!

[@danabeldp]

I’d love to see more of this kind of content. Great to see you in action Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

Stay tuned, got a big BTS series coming early next month

[@Jadesfishing]

Dope video Luc!! I grew up in Victoria so it was cool to see you in Chinatown. More bts please!

[@12yfilms]

Thank you Luc for your videos! It's great and inspiring seeing how you work!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome!

[@bseng]

Great video Luc, loved seeing the process of what a typical shoot day looks like for you and the prep that you do before the shoot day.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Ben, glad you liked it!

[@timdanyo898]

Thank you for your kindness, care for your audience, and your attention to detail! I got a few gear ideas plus it's great to see how other doc filmmakers get to and set up their gear.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome Tim!

[@nildevicente]

I love this kind of content! I would love to see more videos like this. Thank you Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

More to come!

[@GodlyAttire]

So dope watching and relating to a lot of these moments especially setting up your rig on a tripod game changer 😂 great video keep up the great work

[@ToughnutsProductions]

Love this type of content! Keep up the good work!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Will do, and there’s a ton of BTS coming in a few weeks

[@BranBillington]

Great video Luc! Thanks for sharing!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome!

[@tubekane]

Thank you for this Luc. I learned a lot and please create more

[@_victorfoss_]

video was amazing! i loved watching, please bring more of this type os videos!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Victor, glad you liked it! There is some MAJOR BTS content coming up soon...stay tuned!

[@felipecordero3]

Thanks for sharing Luc!!! Keep it up!!!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Will do!

[@ecmjr]

I’ve done something like this and you hit the nail about going to places you’ve never been before and figuring out how to make the settings work. Nice video!

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you!

[@magicheavventure]

seeing you in such a much more "relaxed but focused" mood is such a breath of fresh air. I'd love to see more of yours backstages, i'm curious to see the final product! keep it up and have fun out there! cheers from italy!

[@LucForsyth]

Good to hear - lots more to come!

[@jackdeschamp3249]

I love the show Alone! That's so cool you got to work on it. Would love to hear more about that experience!

[@erikpreston2393]

Love this. Please, more. Thanks for all of the great content and guidance you provide!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Erik, lots more to come!

[@HartenDylan]

Biggest tip I can give: Bungee cords to go along with your gear cart! It will quickly become your second most use per dollar item you own. Can definitely save your skin if you catch a lip and spill your gear on the concrete. Great video and love the content!

[@CavalieriTom]

Nice BTS, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@sebastianFZE]

This is why I subscribed to this channel. Keep it up!

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@Energine1]

Thanks Luc, this BTS is giving my imposter syndrome a much needed case of FOMO! Just got into Seattle and I'm looking for some cool projects if anybody needs a hand. I'm guessing this community would have some very cool people to work with 👍

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one - I'll put you on the list! And yeah, I think you're right. Everyone I've interacted with so far has been super cool!

[@Energine1]

@@LucForsyth Trouble loves company and Im in the mood to start something. Anytime, anyware, humble and hungrey.

[@bobsteinfinkel]

Yeah, this was really helpful to see, how you travel, but also just seeing snippets of how you shoot b roll was kind of cool too. Def be curious to see what it's like when you shoot on a bigger production as well. Thanks for putting this out.

[@LucForsyth]

There may or may not be a much bigger BTS series coming in March....

[@bluedun9816]

Good stuff, thanks Luc. I need that cart!

[@LucForsyth]

Worth it!

[@youfollow_]

Doing what you love is best way to enjoy it! loved this video explanation

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, thanks!

[@MichaelSteighner]

Love this type of behind-the-scenes peek into the process! Great job :-)

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks so much, more to come!

[@basinvisual]

Really rad stuff dude! Nice to see real world and not having insane fancy organization but exactly what you need and use.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Yeah no one has ever really called me organized when it comes to gear!

[@AlexisxGautier]

Very inspiring for me as a 35yo who just got into video / filmmaking last year (already working as a freelance) and who really wants to focus on documentary work. thanks for that!

[@markwiemels]

This was super interesting. Thanks for sharing it.

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PrendosNewZealandLimited]

Very cool. Look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@LucForsyth]

More to come!

[@janseary]

More videos showing the Royals involvement with all other organisations would be wonderful. Instead of just photographers and reporters accompanying them, have a documentary cinematographer along as well.❤

[@dobycinema]

Ahhh, I've taken that ferry to Victoria while hauling gear. Good times 😂 great video Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

the BC right of apssageW!

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Great BTS shoot, Luc! thanks for sharing. Alone must have been a fun shoot!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Yeah alone is unique…not always fun, but always memorable!

[@grindstars9850]

Ironically I was just having a conversation about my need of a mentor good to see your process and super insightful

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! Lot's more coming soon!

[@joemamamia1751]

I became a BIG fan of overalls while shooting… Them front bib pockets are a forever home for my lens caps 😜 Really loved the style of this BTS and it brought back so many awesome feels of working production. 🤓🤙🏼

[@LucForsyth]

Pouches built into your pants sounds like the dream!

[@paulacano4971]

I don't usually comment (mainly because this is my wife's channel), but I do love BTS footage especially when technical details are explained somewhere in the mix. It's helpful to see that other people are going through the same gear and travel issues.

[@MarkAfterDark]

Awesome video! I'd love to see more of these

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! There's a big BTS series coming up in 3 weeks, so check that out!

[@swayamvarstudio7]

Really really interesting, Wants to know more about your camera setup, amd editing part, along with some project you have done already... This is really helpful... Wants to know more in detail..

[@robmcd]

Would love to see more about your chosen resolutions and codecs especially using that sweet Fuji glass on a super 35 readout

[@LucForsyth]

cool, I'll put it on the list!

[@robmcd]

@@LucForsyth feel free to do patreon videos. I’d be happy at about $4 CAD a month

[@davidschwan]

love it

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@mitchlazorko]

This video was great! I definitely understand the stress of walking onto a set and having to find the right frame before talent arrives.

[@LucForsyth]

The anxiety is real!

[@ogdiscgolfer]

Just found your channel today and really appreciate what you are doing. Coming from photography, I have the same Think tank bag, ubiquitous Pelican with stickers and the greatest stool ever... dorks of the world unite! Great insight and clear communication of what goes into a basic shoot. Keep it up! P.S Random question... did you ever go to a Photoshop World?

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Hey Luc, excellent little doco about the doco maker! The comment about the Manfrotto bag made me chuckle…did that company ever make anything good? 🤣 I liked the little snippet you had directing your talent. Could you please consider doing a video about directing talent in a doco? And/or talent wrangling? Thanks again Luc! Always love seeing the notifications for your new things ❤

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, yeah I"m not a huge Manfrotto fan either...but it works! There's a massive BTS series coming up in a few weeks which will go a lot deeper, so check that out!

[@OutlastOverland]

Nice my home town! Cool!

[@inhousefilms_]

Love a deep dive like this Luc... interesting to see some methods very similar to what I do, but also learn some new stuff. PS I feel like you should have way more subscribers!

[@LucForsyth]

Great! There's a big BTS series coming up in a few weeks, so check back for that!

[@danieladams7782]

great video, keep it up! thanks

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Daniel, I will!

[@scotey]

Great peek behind the scences, Luc. Thanks for sharing. How did you manage the acoustics of the interview setting? It sounded fairly reverberant on your BTS shots.

[@LucForsyth]

Not much I could do unfortunately. We put some flags around to catch some sound, but that was the space the client rented. A combination of lav and boom, but there will be some echo for sure

[@who2999]

*watches pushing the cart around* Oh my god thank you for this. I watch all these "What's in my bag" videos and I'm always like, "How do you do a big shoot with just that, I've usually got a bag that size and a cart full of lighting gear and cam support." Thanks Luc for demystifying the magic. :P

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, yeah I’ve never been accused of travelling light…

[@Michi.108]

yes please, i would like to see more bts videos

[@LucForsyth]

coming very soon!

[@michaelalessi5761]

Absolutely love this. You have such a smooth voice with an earnestness behind it that makes me trust everything you say. You should probably start a cult...a Docu-Cult...wait...am I in a Docu-Cult now?

[@LucForsyth]

The first rule of Docu-Cult is….

[@michaelalessi5761]

@@LucForsyth I'm sorry, sir. I have misstepped and forgotten your teachings. These lips are sealed.

[@OneRequiem123]

Great to see this BTS! You probably hate gear questions, but was this bts shot with the fx3?

[@LucForsyth]

Nope, I love gear! It was shot with an fx3 and an a7s III with the audio handle attachment

[@traceysmiley7]

loved it

[@LucForsyth]

Great to hear Tracy!

[@traceysmiley7]

@@LucForsyth I'm also a big fan of Alone. Nice work on that show.

[@ericchidom]

I wish this was an 1hour long 😅. Good stuff sir👍🏾

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Eric!

[@kskashi]

Another great video. Thanks for putting it out. At 20:23, Do I see a paper rolled backdrop thing? Or it is something else and what it was used for?

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah there was a stills shooter with us that day!

[@barryfinnimore]

Great video Luc. I feel if I want to be a documentary film maker though, I'm gonna have to convert my loft or buy a second home to store all that stuff 😀

[@LucForsyth]

yeah, it's rough. I'm in a small apartment and there is gear EVERYWHERE

[@barryfinnimore]

@@LucForsyth well even Marie Kondo is struggling to stay tidy now, so at least us gear addicts don't have to feel so bad.

[@jeremysegal6444]

Great BTS Luc! I also love my Rock'n'Roller and yes, I agree it's the best thing that I've spent money on so far. One of the small annoyances is that the handle rails don't sit flush in the down position, so I had a welder near Clark and Venables remove a chunk of the pipe to make it sit flush when packed down. That is all 🙂

[@LucForsyth]

That's annoying, mine sit flush....though I seem to always fold the wrong one down first!

[@JebbAdams]

Hey Luc! Awesome film! This was extremely interesting to me. Even the elevator shots and all the other transport footage I make YT vids about restoring Vintage Singer Sewing machines. My apartment is my studio. To see this scale of production with a 2-3 person crew helps me visualize how I can raise my 1 man operation. My first rehearsal for an interview will show me being interviewed by my off-camera self/interviewer voice. Thanks from this newbie Doc-film producer. Thanks so much!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Jebb! That's super cool, and yeah - you can scale up without it being too huge. Happy shooting!

[@brandonmrsh]

The shot I can relate to the most is folding the Rock-N-Roller cart up incorrectly. Every. Single. Time.

[@LucForsyth]

Every time! Like a USB A plug...

[@davstrada]

Cool vid! Very similar to the setup I have. Is it possible to have an idea how you calculate a day rate for all the gear and work?

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! I can definitely try to work that in a future video, thanks!

[@scottievee7467]

Great stuff. What was the BTS camera? I like that image for what it was. It seems like you had it "ALL" covered. That is a lot of gear... ooooffff.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Scottie. BTS was shot on an fx3

[@dana3419]

great video keep it up

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@joyoffilming9500]

Hi Luc, as an amateur who is about to retire from his regular job soon (TGIO), I will drive my filming into something 'more professional'. This video is of incredible value for me as it shows how much logistic effort one needs to put into even a smaller production - not to talk about the physical excercise carrying stuff around. Yet, there is one key question: how do you get even your 'smaller gear' as in your video on a plane w/o paying the value of a new camera for overweight?

[@LucForsyth]

Good question! It’s not cheap. Usually to check 6 bags, which includes the cart, it’s about $350, but that cost would be passed on to the client. If they want the production value, they have to pay to get it there and usually there are no objections

[@joyoffilming9500]

@@LucForsyth Thanks, Luc. Makes lot of sense.

[@shaneyellowthunder]

I feel a lot better about lens caps. I am the same way lol.

[@LucForsyth]

I’m not alone!

[@dgillphotos]

Dude, Ocean's 11 Music!

[@calebgrenier6197]

yes me likey

[@bwubi5936]

forever appreciate the insightful comment, Calen Grenier

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, nice.

[@fd3871]

damn the reverb in that room was pretty bad. how do you typically handle that in post? we are no strangers to arriving at locations that are less than ideal and having to make it work, but we usually have some blankets to absorb some of the reverb.

[@photorooster8865]

This was highly educational. I know most cinematographers use false color to find exposure. Do you still use a meter now and then? What do you think of the light and color meter apps on phones?

[@LucForsyth]

I use false colour as well, but rarely a light meter. Never tried the phone ones, but I'd be very curious!

[@KenFlanagan]

Always appreciated to see bts. A little surprised there were no rails on the fx9 build. It looked like an mk zoom and I don’t think I would ever have a lens so exposed like that on a job. Those are not heavy lenses but neither are they sturdy. Protecting the lens with rails regardless of the locking mount would make a lot of sense to me. I get it different strokes but it’s pretty odd to see especially with a matte box on the end. So easily banged i to and unless that tripod is sandbagged or weighted imo they are easily knocked over on set especially when the camera is so extended. Just a thought. Thanks for the video.

[@LucForsyth]

I have all that stuff but personally I just want the camera as light as possible. 5 years with those lenses and never had a problem, so will just keep going and keep my fingers crossed$

[@KenFlanagan]

@@LucForsyth understand but if it’s an mk we had one dropped on set and it shattered like nothing I’d seen before and was a write off. They are fantastic lenses but they really cannot take a knock imo. How do you managed if you want to put the camera down? I guess the fx body is way heavier. With cine lenses and normal zooms even carbon rails help me sleep at night. Fingers crossed.

[@LucForsyth]

Fair enough...I'm notoriously rough on my gear and it has given more than one AC some serious anxiety. But I'm insured and for me weight is the most important factor - so I risk it! the fx9 balances well even with them on the front and so far they've been great! 🤞

[@laurenoe]

Oh. Yeah. My Rock'n'Roller cart has been all over the world. From China to the UK to India and beyond. It is the BEST piece of gear I own. Multiple worn out components and battering through airports and it still works amazing. NOTHING beats getting your cart from oversize, loading you gear, and you're off. Yeah, the best piece of gear I own.

[@laurenoe]

Watched it and its crazy how similar the workflow is. Getting up. Getting to a location. Figuring out how its going to go. Lights, grip the whole shebang. Yep. 100% validation for me.

[@LucForsyth]

It really is wonderful.

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one! Birds of a feather....

[@rossbodenmann]

@Luc Forsyth I knew I recognized that skyline. If you ever need a hand working on the island again drop me a line.

[@LucForsyth]

NIce! Thanks Ross, good to know!

[@popartmediaPL]

Luke - Have You ever noticed any color shift/yellow blue tint in the corners when using Polar Pro Basecamp VND mattebox (with CPL inside) and combining this setup with electronic ND from your Fx9 ? In my Fx6 there is a huge problem when using Circullar polarizer which is part of the Basecamp Mattebox + internal ND from my camera (fx6). It only apperas when shooting full frame, usually on wider lenses such as 24mm, in the corners (ugly yellow/blue color cast/shift). Could you please test it anytime soon :-) ?

[@LucForsyth]

I haven’t, but I don’t use the NDs all that much in the polar pro. They’re more for an emergency, but mainly I use the Mayte box as protection and to block flares. I’ll keep an eye out though!

[@MichaelKefeder]

Not sure this helps you, but I ran into this with a CPL on my 24-70mm lens on my FX6 with the auto e-ND active. Not sure I ever got a blue cast but yellow actually kinda beige cast definitely. Same brand CPL on the 100-400mm never showed this behaviour, so it is a wide angle lens problem. Interesting that I am not alone, will need to investigate how to avoid it. My quick-fix on the shoot was to stick to my long lens ;)

[@LucForsyth]

Interesting...thanks for letting me know!

[@mrivkinr]

Hi Luc, Which Boom pole are you using? Thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

It’s a k-tek carbon fibre. Not sure what model though

[@mrivkinr]

@@LucForsyth Thank You!

[@johnnyinterval]

you gotta use a paint pen for the roller cart or u will NEVER get it right the first time lol. I label mine first and second.

[@LucForsyth]

it's like a USB stick! Always the wrong way

[@JaebongBak]

Hey when's that treeplanting doc coming out?

[@LucForsyth]

Oh, that'll be a very long time. 400+ hours of footage to go through!

[@JaebongBak]

@Luc Forsyth so like Sept 2023?

[@johnnyinterval]

the SECOND i saw that stool i paused an went to amazon. i checked your list ,, it wasn't there.

[@LucForsyth]

amzn.to/3Iox9lx

[@johnnyinterval]

@@LucForsyth thank you for that! I'll buy two just to give ya the credit!! :)

[@subhadipghosh9231]

Bro please help me, I want to photojournalist. I have my portfolio ready, still there is no vacancy in news channels. What to do? Please help me