Definition(s) and role of a Stereographer

 

The title of stereographer can be very wide...  in most contexts it will be simply be the person who "makes good 3D", but I have found that a lot of times these days (on live-action projects) the job includes:

 

• Working with the DoP in prep to help make informed decisions about cameras, lenses, rigs and formats.

 

• Working with the Director to help make informed decisions regarding blocking and framing.

 

• Working with the post-production facility to develop a stereoscopic post pipeline that best matches their technology   to the process.

 

• For a feature film, constructing a depth-script that follows the emotion and arc of the characters and story (if your production is into that sort of thing).

 

• In prep and on set, offering suggestions and information to help create the most appropriate stereoscopic depth for the story.

 

• On set, working with the VFX Supervisor to account for elements that will be added later in the VFX process.

 

• On set, making decisions on every shot to best achieve the goal of the depth script while minimizing or completely removing the need for intensive post fixes.

 

• Guaranteeing the capture of comfortable and effective S3D for the intended final deliverable.

 

• In post, assist with the depth-grading and finishing process.

 

I am sure that more items can be listed, and certainly not every stereographer does all of these things I listed.  Certain things will probably go away as S3D gets more saturated in the marketplace.  For example, I'm certain that soon I won't have to hold the post-production facility's hand to tell them how to use their gear for S3D post.  And as more DoPs and Directors are 3D-savvy they will need less input about the details and caveats of S3D during the preproduction and production process.