First gig
 

I just got word that I'll be working with the DP to light a local independent production. Anybody have any advice? I'm looking for ways to prepare, and rookie mistakes to avoid, more than I'm looking for advice on lighting, although that would be helpful too -- it's just a much bigger topic.

I think books and practice practice practice are your best bets here

<<<<I just got word that I'll be working with the DP to light a local independent production.>>>>

Hey Marco,

you're looking for advice and working with a DP, but we need a lot more
info if you want usable help.

1) What kind of production, who's acting, how many, where,
when, what level do you want to attain, budget)?
2) Who's the DP? Is he a lighting guy? What does he expect you to do?
3) Who's suppling the gear?

Let's start with that much.

Lots of good instructional videos out there too.

and...

Practice Practice Practice

I'm sorry to ignore my own post, but I've been out of town for the last week. Thanks for the responses so far. Just to clarify, what I'm mainly looking for is dos and don'ts on how to prepare for this shoot and interact with the DP and the rest of the crew. I've never been on this side of a production before. On our own shoots, we pretty much have to do everything ourselves. I don't have a lot of details about the production. What I do know, is that it's ultra low budget being shot on a PD150. Still haven't been given a script, but judging by the director's previous movies it will be "boy meets girl" with an ensemble cast of college kids. The movie will be shot almost entirely in interiors with one short scene outside. I haven't met the DP yet, but he has coordinated lighting on other shoots. As far as gear goes, I'm bringing along my Tota, stand and RUD umbrella, along with a Frezzi dimmer minifill and Chimera softbox. I also have hundreds of feet of high quality electrical cable. The crew apparently has access to a couple of other Totas. I realize that as far as equipment goes, this all kind of pathetic, but you have to use what you have. I've been planning on getting either a 300 watt or 600 watt fresnel for some time, but it doesn't look it's going to happen in time for this shoot.

I'd give the DP a call and tell him what you've got gear wise and
take it from there. At least he'll know what you can provide and
what his options are ahead of time. If he has extra demands
you can inform the bosses, and you won't be the bad guy, rather the
guy trying to take care of business.

Agreed, it's up to the DP to determine what his needs are and what he wants you to do.

In general, what I look for in "helping hands" are individuals who are eager to learn, pay attention, use common sense, have a positive attitude and ask good questions when appropriate. Lack of experience can easily be excused when the above characteristics are present.

Let us know how it goes!

Thanks a lot everyone.