Creativity must have a greater place in the process of film production, argues the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers in the New Deal manifesto

Last year, it was Dutch film distributors who first sounded the alarm about Dutch film. Then, at the Filmmaker symposium directors, screenwriters and actors to be more daring and creative. And now the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers (NSC), celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is sounding the alarm. With a New Deal manifesto call on cameramen to improve the working process of filmmaking. Creativity must flourish again.

The NSC has distributed this manifesto drafted for and by cameramen to the industry, hoping to contribute to the process of reflection.

The thrust of the piece is that many productions are already too buttoned up after passing funds and producers. With subsequently too little room for creators during pre-production and turnaround. Less pre-baked procedures, more room for creativity, is the advice. A working method with more peace and space. It will improve the films and make them less uniform, the NSC argues.

No blaming

To which NSC chairman Richard van Oosterhout, when asked, added with some emphasis: "We certainly don't want to point the finger at funds or producers. It's not that they make mistakes. It results from the way the whole system is organised."

As an example, he mentions that in a co-production with Luxembourg, the Director of Photography may not have a free hand in choosing crew members. Simply because a co-production agreement means they have to come from Luxembourg. And there may be a lot of money there, but there is little crew.

"As cameramen, we have a modest position, but we do see things going less well. We want to draw attention to that and offer suggestions for improvement. We all need to better analyse how the system works."

Down with uniformity!

"There is a lot of outside influence now, which can also make it difficult for the director. For example, if a broadcaster is involved, they may bring in their own dramaturg again."

The manifesto argues that filmmaking has degenerated into an official system, with everything contained in rules and habits. 'Down with this standardisation and uniformity!" is the call.

Furthermore, the NSC would like to see the roles of fund, producer and creators more clearly separated again. The fund is about funding, politics and support. The producer is about the organisation. The director and other makers are the hub around which it revolves. The team of makers, especially in the pre-production phase, should be given more peace and space for creativity to flourish.

Asked what he thinks is the most important piece of advice, Oosterhout says: "Better communication in the sector. Break through the prevailing compartmentalisation, think less in islands. This is not revolutionary, nor is it an attack or criticism. After all, everyone wants to make a great film, and that simply involves many parties."