//DiTino's Kit Guide
If you are here, it's because you have had a conversation with Tino.
Which DIT is right for you?
DIT Versions
D.I.T. (Digital Imaging Technician) is a production position that has many different meanings for different people. Sometimes it’s simple, sometimes it’s complex. The key is being able to know what you are asking for on set and what the needs are of your DP and the rest of production.
Conversations happen from pre-production, on-set, all the way to post-production. So understanding what version of DIT you are asking for is critical for success and your budget.
All these conversations help determine the right version of DIT that you will need. This is critical for picking the right kit for the job being asked. This determines the pricing and budget for you job
Pick the right version of DIT and kit for the right job
Digital Imaging Tech
DP Support in Live Coloring, Camera Settings and Exposure, and Signal Management.
This is a DIT
The Digital Imaging Technician is one of the most comprehensive roles in the Camera department. As a DIT, you are a key player for the DP, camera department, the crew and client experience. The DIT is responsible for the integrity of the DP’s vision for how the image should be captured and processed. This vision is then moved down the line to all crew members and decision makers present watching on monitors routed through the DIT’s kit.
The DIT is also responsible for making sure that the onset visual capture is represented properly through the digital pipeline to post production. This pipeline is managed through exposure management, live color grading, camera matching, continuity of settings, continuity of shots, LUT creation, dailies, proxies, transcodes, and overall media management.
This version of DIT requires an immense amount of skill, high speed problem solving, calm presence and communication skills to ensure the success of the project. A true support
Some of what a DIT offers
- DP technical support
- Live Color Grading
- Video Transmission Management
- Gaffer Image Support
- Exposure Assist and Live Scopes Management
- Camera Settings Management
- Video Signal Routing
- Image Continuity and Footage Recall
- Camera Loading and Footage Security
- VFX Pipeline Support
- Monitor Assisting for all departments
- Onsite LUT creation
- Back Up and Organization of Media
- Creation of Proxies, Transcodes, and Dailies
- Really Expensive Phone Charging Station (for those who don't have chargers)
Media Manager
Footage Backup, Transcoding, Proxies, and Quality Control.
This is a Media Manager
A Media Manager is only responsible for the life of the footage from camera media to post production delivery. A Media Manager does not integrate in the same way on set as a DIT. Usually present at a cart processing footage, the media manager’s priority is to ensure that all footage from the cameras are safely backed up.
The major roll of a Media Manager is processing the footage for postproduction using software like Silverstack Lab to quality control and fine tune inconsistent shots, proxies creation, audio syncing, transcoding, and organization for post delivery.
Media Manager Offerings
- Camera Settings Management
- Camera Loading and Footage Security
- Back Up and Organization of Media
- Creation of Proxies, Transcodes, and Dailies
Media Wrangler
Back That Footage Up and Organize
Media Wrangler
The most common ask for a production. This is not a DIT, but is often fulfilled by a person who is a DIT. I sometimes, but rarely due to risk, 2nd AC and Media Wrangle for an additional add-on fee.
This position, even though perceived as simple, is still critical and comes with a need for professionalism, organization, and structure.
A simple reminder that I tell producers, “If you are ok risking your entire budget for this project with an intern or a PA to save a couple $100 bucks, you don’t need me.”
Lost or mismanaged footage is critical loss of money. That is the bottom line. A side effect of doubling up, the OT time and the mismanage of footage delivery expectations can oftentimes cost production the same as hiring these as 2 separate roles.
What a Wrangler offers
- Camera Loading and Footage Security
- Back Up and Organization of Media
DIT/VTR Hybrid
A hybrid of DP support and color management, with a side of synced playback.
2 for the price of 1 (kind of)
The DIT/VTR hybrid is not a full version of either position. It is simply too hard to do both on-set roles with accuracy in a timely, safe, and efficient manner.
This hybrid role is more about Video transmission and playback and less about live color. This hybrid approach still aids in keeping the integrity of the image for the DP, but also puts its priority in managing the visuals for video village with playback from the DIT cart.
This roll is doesn’t manage the physical aspects of the village, other than monitor feed and placement.
What a Hybrid DIT/VTR offers
- Live Color Grading basic adjustments
- Video Transmission Management
- Exposure Assist and Live Scopes Management
- Camera Settings Management
- Video Signal Routing
- Image Continuity and Footage Recall
- Camera Loading and Footage Security
- Monitor Assisting for all departments
- Onsite LUT creation (not for post)
- Back Up and Organization of Media
- Creation of Proxies, Transcodes, and Dailies