Dear colleagues,

The Union of Cinematographers (UCO) is launching a comprehensive survey on our monitoring and image control methods. This initiative stems from a simple observation: monitoring is a deeply personal practice, one that evolves with experience and new technologies. Every cinematographer develops their own methods, their own “tricks”, their own unique relationship with control tools.

At a time when workflows are becoming more complex, when HDR is upending our reference points, when monitors are multiplying on set, it seems essential to take stock of our practices. Not to establish a “right method”, but to enrich our collective thinking based on our individual experiences.

Since the transition to digital, the preparation of LUTs upstream with the colorist, and more recently the use of DIT positions, have been guiding some of our choices and refining our vision of the image on set. Tools are multiplying, leaving ever more options for our working methods.

This survey is available in two versions to suit your availability:

• Quick version (MCQ): about 5 minutes, for a concise but nonetheless valuable contribution

• Detailed version: 20 minutes, for an in-depth sharing of your experience

You may respond anonymously, or leave your contact details, in which case you may be contacted for a written or oral interview.

The results of this survey will be analyzed and shared with the entire profession, with the aim of informing our reflections on the evolution of our practices.

The UCO warmly thanks you for your participation in this collective reflection.

Zebras or False colors? Tell us everything.