Are there Directors who are also Cinematographers?

[lime]

OK, so I have Question:

I perfectly know the difference between the DP and the Director (I am studying Cinematography), but I was wondering: Can a director also be the cinematographer on a motion picture?

I mean can he work both jobs or is it impossible? Are there such directors?

 

[Black Narcissus]

Steven Soderbergh often did his own. Kubrick also did from time to time, but credit was never given to him.

 

[Octoberist]

There's more cases of cinematographers transferring into directing, like Barry Sodenfeld, John R. Leonetti, and Jan de Bont. In most cases, it's been a mixed bag, with Barry being the most successful. Let's not mention poor Wally Pfister.

Soderbergh does DP work b/c he's made it known that he's retired, and also he's a crazy dude who doesn't give a poop. He did second unit for Hunger Games b/c he just wanted to. I think he's totally ego-less, where as most directors would see it as a downgrade.

 

[The Chris]

Robert Rodriguez is his own DP too.

 

[Dave McFly]

Peter Hyams did both for many of his films as far as I know he was one of the only ones I know off of the top of my head at this moment that were well known.

 

[weezerspider]

It is rare, but it is not completely unheard of. Tarantino was his own DP on Deathproof. This happens with really low budget films. I personally wouldn't recommend it, because it's an an awful lot on one's plate. I did it twice on two shorts. One I ended up focusing too much on DPing and the performances were hurt. The other, I focused more on directing and the visuals were hurt.

 

[The Chris]

I had to DP my last 7 shorts. It can be though but I think it's possible when you are 100% clear on everything you want. I like to work with the actors a lot before hand in rehearsals and conversations, so that on set I can really handle the small crew I have and make sure the lighting is up to par. I would prefer honestly to have a DP because I adore collaborating with different artists in filmmaking, but until I can afford to have one I'll keep doing it myself.

 

[dark_b]

Steven Soderbergh the director of Magic Mike was the DP on Magic Mike 2. interesting.

 

[DarkSovereignty]

Well, Wally Pfister tried to get into directing...key word there is tried.