What do Digital Editing Technicians do?
A Digital Imaging Technician is a position that has evolved from a camera engineer. Originally, DITs would manage and troubleshoot cameras and color correct during shoots. They would then transfer tapes to the post-production suite. As more productions moved from film to digital files, the DIT became responsible for signal and data management, file distribution, and quality control.
Just downloading footage doesn’t make a person a DIT. (Someone who only handles the digital files is a Data Wrangler.) The DIT job requires a vast technological knowledge that assists with monitoring exposure levels, color correction, creating look up tables (LUTs), and the creation of dailies. The DIT has different duties on every set. For commercial shoots, the DIT is usually a last minute hire.
Hiring a DIT became much more common after the release of digital cinema cameras from RED and ARRI. However, as commercial shoots are usually controlled by an ad agency, the work of the DIT mostly comes down to data transfer and dailies. The data and dailies are sent to the editor, and the final color and look of the project is decided by the agency. DITs are much more involved on television and film sets.
On film and television sets, the DIT is involved from pre-production until post-production. In the early stages, the Digital Imaging Technician will work with the cinematographer to create the color decision list (CDL) and look up tables (LUTs). They will determine the camera’s menu settings, recording format, and output. Once this workflow is determined, the DIT is responsible for maintaining it. They will supervise all workflow processes related to image processing.
On set, the DIT will strictly monitor the workflow. On large projects, the film’s insurance policy will dictate necessary standards regarding footage. The DIT is responsible for making sure all files are handled correctly. The cameras will be set to exact standards while filming. Once a card is removed from the camera, it must go directly to the DIT’s workstation, specifically their cart.
A Digital Imaging Technician is a position that has evolved from a camera engineer. Originally, DITs would manage and troubleshoot cameras and color correct during shoots. They would then transfer tapes to the post-production suite. As more productions moved from film to digital files, the DIT became responsible for signal and data management, file distribution, and quality control.
Just downloading footage doesn’t make a person a DIT. (Someone who only handles the digital files is a Data Wrangler.) The DIT job requires a vast technological knowledge that assists with monitoring exposure levels, color correction, creating look up tables (LUTs), and the creation of dailies. The DIT has different duties on every set. For commercial shoots, the DIT is usually a last minute hire.
Hiring a DIT became much more common after the release of digital cinema cameras from RED and ARRI. However, as commercial shoots are usually controlled by an ad agency, the work of the DIT mostly comes down to data transfer and dailies. The data and dailies are sent to the editor, and the final color and look of the project is decided by the agency. DITs are much more involved on television and film sets.
On film and television sets, the DIT is involved from pre-production until post-production. In the early stages, the Digital Imaging Technician will work with the cinematographer to create the color decision list (CDL) and look up tables (LUTs). They will determine the camera’s menu settings, recording format, and output. Once this workflow is determined, the DIT is responsible for maintaining it. They will supervise all workflow processes related to image processing.
On set, the DIT will strictly monitor the workflow. On large projects, the film’s insurance policy will dictate necessary standards regarding footage. The DIT is responsible for making sure all files are handled correctly. The cameras will be set to exact standards while filming. Once a card is removed from the camera, it must go directly to the DIT’s workstation, specifically their cart.