Career path for cinematography

Answer 1

Employers usually seek applicants with a good eye, imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of how the camera operates. Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors usually acquire their skills through on-the-job training or formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. Formal education may be required for some positions.

Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer courses in camera operation and videography. Basic courses cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Bachelor's degree programs, especially those including business courses, provide a well-rounded education. Film schools also may provide training on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.

Individuals interested in camera operations should subscribe to videographic newsletters and magazines, join audio-video clubs, and seek summer or part-time employment in cable and television networks, motion picture studios, or camera and video stores.

Camera operators in entry-level jobs learn to set up lights, cameras, and other equipment. They may receive routine assignments requiring adjustments to their cameras or decisions on what subject matter to capture. Camera operators in the film and television industries usually are hired for a project on the basis of recommendations from individuals such as producers, directors of Photography, and camera assistants from previous projects or through interviews with the producer. ENG and studio camera operators who work for television affiliates usually start in small markets to gain experience.

Camera operators need good eyesight, artistic ability, and hand-eye coordination. They should be patient, accurate, and detail oriented. Camera operators also should have good communication skills and, if needed, the ability to hold a camera by hand for extended periods.

Camera operators who run their own businesses, or freelance, need business skills as well as talent. These individuals must know how to submit bids, write contracts, get permission to shoot on locations that normally are not open to the public, obtain releases to use film or tape of people, price their services, secure copyright protection for their work, and keep financial records.

With experience, operators may advance to more demanding assignments or to positions with larger or network television stations. Advancement for ENG operators may mean moving to larger media markets. Other camera operators and editors may become directors of photography for movie studios, advertising agencies, or television programs. Some teach at technical schools, film schools, or universities.

Refer to:

http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/Television-Video-and-Motion-Picture-Camera-Operators-and-Editors.shtml#tra

Answer 2

The cinematographer, also known as the Director of Photography or simply DoP, is a 'Visual Psychiatrist'. As the creative designer of the look, a DoP is required to 'Light', 'Compose' and 'Move' to translate the written text to meaningful images. DoPs choose to do what they do in close collaboration of the Director and Production Designer. They are in overall command of the execution with their team, which includes a camera operator, camera assistants, lighting technicians, grips and electricians. A skilled cinematographer recreates historical periods, and utilises colour and intensity to emotionally charge a scene.

Whistling Woods International offers an exceptional program in Cinematography. This 2-year course focuses on the technical and creative demands of visual story-telling. Students work on different types of cameras as they progress from still, DV and HDV formats to 16-mm and 35-mm film and also High Definition cameras. Through extensive and intensive practice, they also master the use of lenses, light meters, filters, professional lighting and grip equipment. From maneuvering complex tracking shots with trolley and crane, to the aesthetic use of composition and special lighting techniques for mood and style, students are given the tools, technology, and training with hands-on experience to realize their vision; and are introduced to various visual effects techniques.

This training also explores the role of the cinematographer in advanced post-production techniques, such as traditional Colour Grading and Digital Intermediate processes used to finally finish their motion pictures. These practical methodologies enable students to make fast, informed and inspired technical and creative decisions that are crucial for DoP?s. By the time they graduate in Cinematography, students will have handled most of the 'Gears' used in capturing the visual dimension of motion pictures or Television, 16-mm, 35-mm, Standard and the quickly dominating High Definition digital.

Further, Cinematography students receive training and insights into the next generation technology through workshops conducted on campus by professionals from WWI's many Technology Partners. Sony has conducted workshops on their latest HD camera -- the Sony CineAlta F35 as well as their entry-level HD camera -- the Sony EX. ARRI has conducted workshops on lighting (including demonstrating their 24KW lights) and on their HD camera -- the Arri D21. Both Kodak & Fuji have tested their new emulsions in test shoots at WWI, which have been led by key industry professionals.

All the above are important aspects of the training / education of a Cinematographer...

Check out www.whistlingwoods.net for more details.

Answer 3

You do not need a specific degree to be a film maker. Most have no formal education while some have art degrees which may help to expand their knowledge of the specific field of film.