Digital imaging technicians (DITs) are the multi-faceted heroes of digital film sets. So what is it exactly that they do?
Cover image by Gorodenkoff.
Let’s face it: filmmaking is now a solidly digital enterprise. Cameras are becoming smarter and more powerful by the season, which means that as technology progresses, working with digital footage on set becomes more and more important.
Today, on films big and small, the digital imaging technician (DIT) has become one of the most vital roles on set. Let’s look at the many hats a modern DIT wears and explore some tips and tricks for heroic DIT performances on any digital film set.
Securing Footage
Image by Boibin.
First and foremost, the DIT often becomes the one who secures footage on set. Data managers are a luxury on larger productions, but it usually falls on the DIT to immediately back footage up and begin the arduous process of organizing video and audio data as cards and drives go back and forth between cameras and DIT stations.
Here are some good resources on backing up files, as well as some hard drive recommendations.
- Video Editing Tip: Organize Your Hard Drive the Easy Way!
- How To Properly Backup Your Footage on Set Without a DIT
Digital Workflow
Before production begins, the DIT is usually consulted (if not brought in early) to figure out the best workflow for compiling digital footage. A good DIT needs comprehensive knowledge of digital cameras and formats to streamline digital workflows on stressful film sets.
Here are some helpful articles to check out.
- 4K Workflow Essentials
- PluralEyes: The Best Workflow for Syncing Audio
- How to Migrate Timelines Between Video Editing Applications
Transcoding
To even consider beginning an editing process, DITs have to transcode RAW footage into manageable data files. This requires a strong familiarity with recording formats, codecs, and proxies to handle the huge file sizes and volumes of data getting dumped, transcoded, and brought into on-set editing setups.