What Producers Should Look for When Hiring a Digitech
Hiring a digitech isn’t just about finding someone who knows Capture One or can run a tether cable. On a commercial set, the digitech plays a critical role in keeping the day efficient, calm, and on schedule.
For producers especially, the right digitech reduces risk, protects timelines, and helps the entire crew perform better.
Here’s what to look for when staffing your next shoot.
1. Calm, Set-Ready Presence
Commercial sets can move fast—and pressure can escalate quickly. A strong digitech brings:
A calm demeanor
Clear communication
Confidence under pressure
When something goes wrong (and something always does), the digitech should make the problem feel smaller, not louder.
If they can troubleshoot quietly without pulling focus from the shoot, that’s a win for everyone.
2. Production Awareness (Not Just Technical Skill)
Technical knowledge is essential—but production awareness is what separates a solid digitech from a great one.
Look for someone who understands:
Call times and schedule pressure
Chain of communication
Client etiquette on set
When to step in—and when not to
A digitech who respects the production hierarchy helps everything run smoother.
3. Rock-Solid Tethering and File Management
This is table stakes.
A professional digitech should have:
Reliable tethering workflows
Clear file naming conventions
Organized folder structures
On-set backups and redundancy
Producers shouldn’t have to worry about lost files, mislabeled selects, or unclear handoffs at wrap.
4. Client-Friendly Monitoring Setup
If clients or agency are on set, the digitech becomes part of their experience.
Look for:
Clean, color-accurate monitors
Easy review workflows
The ability to compare selects quickly
A setup that feels polished and intentional
When clients feel confident in what they’re seeing, approvals happen faster.
5. Photographer Support Mentality
A digitech’s primary job is to support the photographer—not compete with them.
Strong digitechs:
Protect the photographer’s focus
Handle technical questions from the team
Flag issues discreetly
Help maintain creative momentum
When photographers are supported, the entire production benefits.
6. Preparedness and Redundancy
Professional digitechs show up prepared for problems that might happen—not just the ones that already have.
That includes:
Backup cables and drives
Extra power solutions
Contingency plans for failures
A well-organized kit
Preparedness reduces downtime—and downtime costs money.
7. Clear Communication Before the Shoot
A great digitech doesn’t just show up on the day.
Before the shoot, they should:
Ask about deliverables and usage
Clarify capture specs
Confirm client monitoring needs
Align with the photographer and producer
This prep work prevents surprises and keeps the day running clean.
A Simple Producer Checklist
When evaluating a digitech, ask yourself:
Do they make the set feel calmer or more chaotic?
Do they understand production flow?
Can I trust them with client-facing responsibilities?
Do they reduce risk for this shoot?
If the answer is yes across the board, you’ve likely found the right fit.
Final Thoughts
The best digitechs don’t demand attention—they earn trust.
For producers, hiring the right digitech is less about gear and more about reliability, communication, and confidence. When those pieces are in place, the entire production benefits.
