Unit Stills Photographers take the vitally important photographs of film sets or studio shoots that are used to create the press and publicity for feature films. These arresting images, if they are used well, can genuinely contribute to a film’s box office and international sales success. Unit Stills Photographers usually work on set, recording scenes from the film; alternatively, they may be required to set up photographs in the style of the film in a studio environment.

Many big stars have a clause written into their contracts enabling them to “kill” any images of themselves which they do not approve – often the bigger the star, the greater the “kill factor”, which can be as high as 75%. Unit Stills Photographers must therefore be prepared for the rejection of what they may consider to be their best work. Unit Stills Photographers are employed, on a freelance basis, by Producers, Film PR companies, Film Sales Agents, or Distributors, and usually combine unit stills work with a variety of other professional stills photography (portraiture, travel, beauty, editorial, film festivals and special events). The hours are long and they often spend considerable periods of time away from base.

What is the job?

The number of days Stills Photographers work on set depends on the budget and scale of each film. On medium sized films, they are usually employed for at least 15 days; on big budget films with A-List casts, they may be required to be on set every day of the shoot. Their first responsibility is to run through the shooting schedule with the Film PR, and decide on the best days for them to visit the set.

Once these days have been approved, Unit Stills Photographers make their own way to the set or studio with their equipment, including 4 or 5 different cameras (both manual and digital) which enable them to shoot concurrently on different kind of film stocks, lenses, tripods, etc. Unit Stills Photographers must be patient and sensitive when working on set, because actors may feel that having another camera pointing at them could adversely affect their performance. In these circumstances, Unit Stills Photographers use the morning blocking rehearsal to attempt to capture some good shots.

Usually, however, with the actors’ permission, Unit Stills Photographers position themselves as close to the film camera as possible, and shoot every scene in detail using a piece of equipment called a Blimp, which houses the stills camera and cuts out any noise it might make.

Unit Stills Photographers send the exposed film to Processing Laboratories every 3-4 days and continuously choose the best shots and mark up contact sheets. If a studio shoot is planned, they work with the actors to create the desired shots, usually based on a brief from the Poster Artwork Designers. Once their work is completed, all the images are sent to the Sales company, Distributor, Film PR or Publicist, who use them for the P&A (Press and Adverting) campaign.

Typical career routes

Although there is no typical career route to becoming a Unit Stills Photographer, it is vitally important to build a strong portfolio of work. While some are self-taught, others are Photography graduates who have been employed as Photographic Assistants to experienced Photographers working in corporate, fashion or editorial photography, which enables them to learn on the job whilst building an impressive portfolio.

Broadcasters sometimes advertise short contracts for Stills Photographers which provide opportunities to enter the industry and to meet Publicists and PR professionals who also work on feature films, and who may want to build up a list of good freelance Photographer contacts.

Essential knowledge and skills

The basic requirement for Unit Stills Photographers is a good technical knowledge of photo-chemical and digital processes, and of all camera equipment. They should also have an understanding of photographic composition and an interest in how stills are used in film publicity and advertising. They must be able to drive, and be computer literate.

Key Skills include:

A good sense of visual composition and perspective

Sensitivity and tact when working with actors

Adaptability and patience

Precise attention to detail

Good organisational skills

Ability to work quickly under pressure

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

Training and qualifications

Although there is no specific training for Film Stills Photography, numerous courses are available, ranging from those teaching basic photographic skills, to HNDs, BAs and Post Graduate degrees. As competition for this type of work can be fierce, an outstanding portfolio of work is essential. It is important to demonstrate ability and talent in a variety of formats, as Digital, Manual 35mm and Medium Format cameras are used for Unit Stills Photography.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset’s and the UK Film Council’s Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.

Where to go for more information

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK’s only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers

Websites

The Association of Photographers – a useful resource for photographers who publish a monthly magazine: Image, and hold free careers talks on the last Wednesday of each month featuring an informal Q&A session and offering portfolio critique The Association of Photographers

The British Institute of Professional Photography BIPP

Editorial Photographers UK and Ireland, a professional body who publish an on-line roundup of the week's photography, media and copyright news editorial photographers

Publications

The British Journal of Photography, published weekly British Journal of Photography

Photo District News, published monthly plus free on-line news letter Photo District News

The Falsten Partnership, on-line importers of hard-to-find international photography magazines The Falsten Partnership

Movie Photos by Alex Bailey, www.moviephotos.info/ and www.alexbailey.com/