Maybe you've heard the title Cinematographer before? Or been on set and someone keeps talking about the "DP" and you've always wondered, who's that person? What does a DP do? And why are they so important?

The D.P. or Director of Photography has many rolls and supervises many hats. Many of these professionals have worked their way up to be the head of the camera, grip and electric departments - as all these departments report to the DP before they report to the Director.

On some shoots, the DP is in charge of even more than just the camera placement and what's in the frame. On other shoots, he or she may be a lighting director in addition to making choices about costumes, make-up and wardrobe - and why a pin-stripe suit will Moiré on the screen.

The DP also looks after the footage, often making choices in post-production and editing regarding the color grading of the film or footage, color correction, and helping with the special effects.